Nursery Lead in Colchester

Job Ref No. ECC3030-62S Position Type: Teaching/Child Support Pay Range: Scale 5 (Pt 10-13)

• Position Start Date: 01/10/2026 Contract Type: Part‑time Contract Term: Permanent
• Application Close: 30/09/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: To be confirmed

We are delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated person to lead our brand‑new nursery, opening at Ardleigh St Mary’s Primary Academy in the Autumn Term 2026.

The nursery is expected to open with a small number of children and we anticipate it will grow over time to accommodate up to 20 children aged 3‑4 years.

This will provide the successful candidate with the chance to help establish and develop the provision from its earliest stages.

Thanks to a successful School‑Based Nursery Capital Grant, part of our school site is currently being transformed through a full refurbishment.

The project includes extensive upgrades to the building, brand‑new equipment, and enhanced learning spaces designed to provide children with an exceptional high‑quality early years environment.

As Nursery Lead, you will play a key role in maintaining and delivering a nurturing, inspiring and child‑centred learning environment and curriculum where every child can flourish.

This will involve drawing up and supervising a daily programme of pre‑school activities and events, ensuring that each child is working towards desirable learning outcomes.

The nursery will operate using a Montessori‑inspired approach, building on the successful model established by Canonium Learning Trust at Finchingfield St John the Baptist Primary Academy.

The successful candidate will receive training, ongoing professional development and support by the Trust’s Montessori lead to help implement and develop this approach.

Qualifications

• Holds a recognised Level 3 qualification in Early Years.
• Dedicated to learning about and delivering the Montessori approach.
• Is passionate about supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Can lead by example and work effectively with children, families and colleagues.
• Is committed to creating a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for young children.

Benefits

• The opportunity to lead and shape a brand‑new nursery from its inception.
• A high‑quality Montessori environment, training and support.
• The chance to make a lasting difference to the lives of young children and their families.

If you are passionate about Early Years education and would like to play a leading role in establishing an exciting new nursery provision, we would love to hear from you.

Visits to Ardleigh St Mary’s Primary Academy are warmly welcomed to see the vision for Ardleigh in action.

This role is offered on a permanent basis working Monday to Friday 8:30‑3:30, term‑time + non‑pupil days.

The actual salary starts at £20,854 per annum.

Please note, applications will be reviewed on receipt, and interviews will be arranged on an ongoing basis.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be appointed.

Therefore, early applications are encouraged.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people.

All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

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