Room Leader - Ark Start Oval Preschool

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of high-quality learning experiences, adapting activities in response to children's interests, needs and teachable moments.
• Create and maintain an engaging, stimulating and inclusive environment that reflects the Ark Start vision and supports children to learn, play and thrive.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to implement the curriculum effectively, identifying resource requirements and supporting the development of inspiring learning opportunities.
• Lead by example in all aspects of practice, modelling the Ark Start approach and supporting colleagues to deliver consistently high standards of care, learning and professionalism.
• Build strong partnerships with families, leading settling-in visits, nursery tours and, where appropriate, supporting sensitive conversations to ensure the best outcomes for children.
• Foster a welcoming, open and supportive culture for families, providing guidance and signposting to additional services where appropriate.
• Champion safeguarding, compliance and operational excellence, ensuring policies, procedures and daily checks are consistently followed and concerns are escalated appropriately.
• Support the accurate maintenance of children's records and family communications, ensuring information is kept up to date through nursery systems.
• Work closely with the SENDCo and wider team to identify and support children with additional needs, contributing to support plans and ensuring strategies are effectively embedded in daily practice.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and teamwork, ensuring the room operates to the highest standards.
• Ensure compliance with Ark Start's data protection policies and procedures, maintaining the confidentiality and security of information at all times.
• Build positive relationships with colleagues, families and external partners, communicating with confidence, professionalism, tact and diplomacy.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Ark Start nurseries and the wider Ark network to share best practice, contribute to continuous improvement and support colleagues where required.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification (or equivalent full and relevant Level 3 qualification). 

• Strong understanding of child development and how children learn in the early years.
• Sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), including curriculum planning, assessment and high-quality pedagogy.
• Experience of creating positive learning environments and effectively supporting children's behaviour and wellbeing.
• Ability to lead by example and support colleagues to deliver consistently high standards of practice.
• Demonstrates the potential to be an outstanding leader, with a commitment to continuous improvement and professional growth.

• A genuine passion for early childhood education and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.
• Commitment to the vision, values and ambitions of Ark Start.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, with the confidence to identify concerns and take appropriate action to protect children.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Resilient, proactive and motivated, with a commitment to achieving excellence.
• Reflective and open to feedback, using it to continually develop and improve practice.
• Skilled at building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• A supportive and collaborative team member who is able to coach, develop and inspire others.
• Committed to ongoing professional development and a culture of lifelong learning.

• Right to work in the UK.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Willingness to participate in training and professional development opportunities.
• This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre-employment checks.

• A Real Living Wage Employer: We are a Real Living Wage employer with a minimum salary of £13.15 per hour for all roles in London. We also pay 11% pension contributions
• Ongoing Learning: We are committed to providing the best development for all our staff. 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.

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 two nurseries in South London last year and aim to expand our reach over the coming years. As we expand, we are looking for Early Childhood Educator to join our founding team. We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for young children and with the skill, creativity, commitment, and energy to deliver excellent provision at Ark Start.