ARK START

Reporting to: Nursery Manager Location: Ark Start John Keats (Bell Lane, Enfield EN3 5PA) Contract: Permanent Working Pattern: Full-time (37.5 hours per week, all year) or Term-time (39 weeks per year) I nterviews: We will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this advert may close depending on the level of response. Interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified About the role: As we expand, we are looking for a Level 3 qualified Early Childhood Educator to join the team at Ark Start John Keats. In this role you will provide the highest standards of physical, emotional, social, and intellectual care for all children in your care, you'll ensure all children are safeguarded and their welfare and safety are promoted, and you'll work to provide an enabling environment in which all children can play, learn and develop. We are looking for people with genuine passion for young children, with the skill, creativity, commitment, energy, and enthusiasm required for leading room practice. You'll be able to take learning beyond the classroom and interact with outdoor and forest learning, cooking, and gardening - this won't just be another day in the classroom! Key Responsibilities: To be responsible for a group of key worker children including observations, assessments and relationships with parents To implement the Ark Start curriculum To ensure high quality interactions with all children in nursery To create an enabling environment where all children make good progress To ensure that nursery is safe and secure and following the Ark Start safeguarding policy and procedures To keep child records up to date and report to parents and senior staff To promote high standards of the nursery at all times to parents, staff, and visitors in line with the Ark Start code of conduct and handbook Key Requirements: Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care or the willingness to work towards qualification Right to work in the UK An awareness of keeping children safe, noticing safeguarding and welfare concerns, and knowing how and when to take appropriate action A team player that can work collaboratively as well as using own initiative The ability to reflect on your own practice and a commitment to continuous improvement

About The Role Ark Start has reached an exciting stage in its journey as we prepare to expand our provision into West Yorkshire. We are now seeking to appoint a Deputy Director of Early Years to join the Ark Start leadership team to set up and grow a cluster of not-for-profit nurseries, initially across Pontefract and Bradford. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and ambitious early years leader who is keen to develop whilst leading an exciting expansion project. The successful candidate will ideally join the Ark Start team in May (2026), or sooner if possible. The success candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring every nursery is delivering the highest quality early education as well as shaping a positive culture that embodies the Ark Start values. They will be responsible for line managing the nursery managers and developing partnerships with schools, local authorities and other external partners to support the expansion and profile of Ark Start in West Yorkshire. Part of Ark, a national children's charity, Ark Start is a start-up nursery network aiming to ensure that every child has access to an excellent early years' education and that families have access to flexible and affordable childcare. Over the past few years, Ark Start has built a network of seven nurseries in London, working closely with families and local partners to deliver high-quality provision. To date, 91% of children moving on from Ark Start settings have achieved a Good Level of Development in Reception. Please note: This role requires the successful candidate to be based within a commutable distance of West Yorkshire and able to travel regularly to our nursery sites in Pontefract and Bradford. The role also involves travel to London, approximately once each half term. To apply, please submit an application via the Ark recruitment portal by 9am on Friday 20th March. If you have any questions, concerns or time constraints with applying please contact us on . Benefits Ongoing Learning: We are committed to providing the best development for all our staff. We close the nurseries for five days each year to focus on staff training and ensure there is protected time for training and supervision each week for every adult. We work hard to ensure there are clear career progression routes Annual leave: We are proud of our staff and want everyone to feel valued for playing their part. That's why staff receive 25 days holiday each year, excluding bank holidays Wellbeing: Staff wellbeing is incredibly important to us. We know that while incredibly rewarding, working in a nursery can be challenging. We therefore work hard to ensure all staff have the support and infrastructure they need to take care of their wellbeing Part of a Network: Ark Start is part of Ark, a charity that aims to transform children's lives through education. Ark operates a network of 39 schools across London, Birmingham, Portsmouth, and Hastings as well as a number of charitable ventures. Being part of a network means our staff get access to the opportunities, infrastructure, and support of a large organisation. About Us Our dedicated team work together to ensure that every child has a joyful, engaging, and secure nursery experience and leaves us ready to start school happily and confidently. We are driven by our values in everything we do: Aim High, Be Brave, Be Kind and Keep Learning. Ark Start is at an exciting time in its evolution: we opened our first nursery in South London in 2020 and now operate a network of seven nurseries in London with three more underway. We are aiming to grow to around 20 settings by 2030. Diversity and inclusion: We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone - staff and students - can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark's diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link . Safeguarding statement: Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark's safer recruitment process, please click this link . Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience. If you would like to hear more about this role or about Ark Start, please contact .