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Manager in Training - Opportunities Across Ark Start Early Years Settings, ARK START
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Manager in Training (Early Childhood Education)
Locations
This role is based at one of the following Ark Start nurseries in London:
- Ark Start St Clement – 95 Princedale Road, London W11 4NS
- Ark Start John Archer – Plough Terrace, Clapham Junction, London SW11 2AA
- Ark Start Oval – 43 Cross Road, Croydon, CR0 6TE
- Ark Start John Keats – Bell Lane, Enfield EN3 5PA
About the Role
We are seeking a passionate and capable individual to join us as a Manager in Training. This unique opportunity develops future Ark Start nursery managers through a structured training programme that blends hands-on experience with leadership development, operational management, and teaching excellence.
This role is ideal for professionals eager to advance both their early years education and managerial skills while making a significant impact on children’s lives. Over time, the successful candidate will work towards becoming a substantive nursery manager responsible for opening their own Ark Start nursery.
Key Responsibilities
As a Manager in Training, you will:
- Work alongside a host Nursery Manager, supporting day-to-day operations.
- Spend four days a week at a host nursery, receiving dedicated mentorship, coaching, and supervision.
- Attend one day each week at a peer nursery for cross-site learning and collaboration.
- Focus on nurturing children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment.
- Undergo regular line-management meetings and progress evaluations under the guidance of the Head of Teaching and Learning.
- Actively contribute to safeguarding protocols and compliance with early years regulations.
The role requires commitment to continuous professional development and the aspiration to eventually take full managerial responsibility for an Ark Start nursery.
Requirements
- A genuine passion for early childhood education and working with young children.
- Strong interpersonal, organisational, and leadership abilities, even at an early stage in your career.
- Experience in, or willingness to undertake, subjects related to early years education, care, or child psychology.
- A strong demeanour and work ethic demonstrated by previous voluntary, teaching, or supporting careers.
- Flexibility to commit to at least two years as part of the training programme (progression beyond this is subject to performance).
- Commitment to aligning with Ark Start values: Aim High, Be Brave, Be Kind, Keep Learning.
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Development & Progression
- Structured training programme with protected time for professional development and supervision.
- Guaranteed coaching and mentorship from senior leaders.
- Both on-the-job training and formal development sessions, including annual five-day training closure days.
- Full commitment to career progression if criteria are met successfully, eventually leading to owning and running an Ark Start nursery.
Benefits
- Real Living Wage Employer: Minimum salary of £13.15 per hour (London rate) for this role, and 11% pension contribution.
- Ongoing Learning & Career Progression:
- Five week-long training closures per year to focus solely on professional development.
- Strong emphasis on protected learning time throughout the week.
- Clear, structured career roadmap within Ark Start and Ark.
- 25 days’ annual leave (excluding bank holidays).
- Wellbeing Support:
- Dedicated programmes and infrastructure to support staff mental health and work-life balance.
- Understanding of the challenges of early years education and actively addresses them.
- Networking & Growth Through Ark:
- Part of Ark, a charity operating 39 schools and multiple charitable ventures across London, Birmingham, Portsmouth, and Hastings.
- Access to networking opportunities, infrastructure, and mentoring within a larger organisation.
About Ark Start
We are a growing, values-driven nursery provider committed to inspiring every child with a joyful, engaging, and secure early learning experience. Our mission is to ensure that every child leaves our nursery ready for school with confidence and enthusiasm.
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Key aspects of our work include:
- High-quality early education tailored to individual developmental needs.
- Strong alignment with government’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements.
- Creative, play-based learning environments that nurture curiosity and critical thinking.
- Clear Ark values of Aim High, Be Brave, Be Kind, and Keep Learning, guiding everything we do.
Currently, we are expanding and welcoming professionals who share our vision for children’s futures and ambition for growth.
Diversity & Inclusion
Ark Start is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our organisation, forming a competency culture where everyone is heard and empowered.
More about Ark’s diversity and inclusion approach can be found here.
Safeguarding Statement
Ark prides itself on its safeguarding practices, ensuring the safety, security, and wholesome development of all children in our care. All staff members undergo:
- A rigorous selection process to ensure suitability for working with young children.
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
- Ongoing safeguarding training.
Before appointment, you must disclose any unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings, including sexual offences and child-related matters. Failure to do so has serious consequences, including potential termination of employment. However, confidential discussions about past offences are welcomed, and Ark evaluates cases on an individual basis.
More information on our safer recruitment processes can be found here.
Apply Now!
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis—apply as soon as possible to ensure your candidacy is considered. Please contact HR@arkstart.org.uk for more details about the role or to discuss how you can contribute to Ark Start.
Write to us today and take the first step towards shaping Ark Start’s future.
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