Early Childhood Educator - Ark Start Priestthorpe

The Role

As an Early Childhood Educator at our brand new setting, Ark Start Priestthorpe, you will help create a warm, safe and stimulating environment where children can learn, play and thrive. Working alongside a supportive team, you will build positive relationships with children and families, support children's development through play and exploration, and contribute to making every day a positive and memorable experience. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about early years education and eager to grow their skills in a collaborative and nurturing nursery environment.

What will you be doing?

• Create a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.
• Support children's learning, development and wellbeing through play, exploration and positive relationships.
• Build strong partnerships with families and work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver exceptional experiences for children.
• Contribute to engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments that encourage curiosity and a love of learning.
• Promote high standards of safeguarding, care and professionalism in everything you do.
• Take an active role in the life of the nursery, embracing opportunities to learn, develop and contribute to the wider Ark Start community.

Other

• 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.

What are we looking for?

• Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards a relevant qualification.
• An interest in early childhood education and child development.
• Enthusiasm for supporting children's learning through play, exploration and everyday experiences.
• A passion for creating engaging environments where children can grow in confidence and thrive.
• An appreciation of outdoor learning and the role it plays in children's development.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative approach to working with others.
• A genuine passion for working with young children and supporting them to thrive.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
• Warm, collaborative and relationship-focused, with the ability to build positive partnerships with children, families and colleagues.
• Organised, proactive and resilient, with a positive attitude and a commitment to continuous professional development.

Other

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

At Ark Start, we believe that when our practitioners are supported, our children thrive. That's why we've created a working environment that prioritises wellbeing, professional growth, and a healthy work-life balance.

• Competitive Reward Package: We offer competitive hourly rates alongside an excellent 11% employer pension contribution, with no employee contribution required, helping you build financial security for the future.
  
  
• Genuine Work-Life Balance: Our full-time roles are based on 37.5 hours per week, and we don't expect you to work beyond that. We recognise that our practitioners do their best work when they have time to recharge, which is why we are committed to maintaining clear boundaries between work and personal time.
  
  
• Training and Development: Within Working Hours We are passionate about continuous professional development, but we don't believe learning should come at the expense of your personal time. Any required training or development will be scheduled within your working hours. It's our responsibility to fit development opportunities into your work schedule, not yours to complete them outside of work.
  
  
• A Culture of Learning: As part of the wider Ark network, you'll benefit from access to a wealth of expertise, resources, and professional development opportunities. You'll join a collaborative community where continuous learning, knowledge-sharing, and career progression are actively encouraged and supported.
  
  
• A Team That Values You: At Ark Start, you're more than a practitioner. You'll be part of a mission-driven organisation that values your contribution, invests in your development, and supports you to build a rewarding and sustainable career in early childhood education.

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.