Area Manager - Ark Start

The area manager role at Ark Start is a leadership position focused on fostering excellence across a group of nurseries. This individual will play a crucial role in driving continuous improvement, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and enhancing the quality of early years education. Leading one specialised area of expertise—such as safeguarding or family engagement—the area manager will shape a positive culture that embodies Ark Start’s values. They will build strong relationships with nursery managers, supporting their professional growth and tailoring Ark Start’s approach to meet the unique needs of each nursery. Responsible for both operational excellence and quality assurance, this role includes overseeing Ofsted readiness, leading safeguarding as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and acting as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) to ensure inclusive practices. Additionally, the area manager will coach and develop staff and build partnerships within the community to drive the success of the nurseries.

Key Responsibilities: 

Operational Leadership

• Lead and develop one area of expertise (e.g. Inclusion, Safeguarding, Family Programme), driving continuous improvement across your region
• Establish a strong and positive culture, setting consistent expectations and embodying Ark Start’s values in all interactions

Operational Excellence

• Line manage a region of nurseries, building a trusting relationship with nursery managers to support their development and ensure continuous improvement
• Tailor the Ark Start approach to suit the unique context and developmental needs of each nursery, ensuring flexibility and adaptability
• Oversee the implementation of Ark Start and statutory policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, first aid, and risk assessments
• Identify and address strengths and weaknesses within the nurseries, implementing plans for improvement where necessary

Quality Assurance

• Ensure nurseries are Ofsted-ready, leading inspections and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
• Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the region, managing safeguarding cases and ensuring adherence to Ark Start’s safeguarding policy
• Act as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) for the region, ensuring all necessary paperwork and provision are in place for children with additional needs
• Oversee planning meetings and monitor curriculum implementation, supporting staff to deliver consistently excellent educational provision

Staff Development & Training

• Coach and mentor nursery managers and staff, fostering a culture of professional growth and continuous learning
• Support managers in identifying training needs and facilitating ongoing professional development for all staff members
• Ensure effective deployment of staff, meeting the needs of each nursery while considering staff skills and strengths
• Assist apprentices in achieving their qualifications and provide support throughout their development

Financial & HR Management

• Meet financial targets for the nurseries in your region, monitoring budgets and resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures, including recruitment, performance management, and employee relations
• Identify staffing needs and gaps, working with the Headteacher of Ark Start, and wider team, to ensure effective workforce planning

Partnership & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with partner schools, local authorities, and external agencies to support the development and success of Ark Start nurseries
• Lead the implementation and continuous development of the family programme, enhancing parent engagement and support

Key Requirements:

• Right to work in the UK
• Qualified at level 3 or above; Level 6 desirable
• Proven experience of leadership within an early years setting
• Experience and knowledge of early child development
• Sound knowledge of the legislation and guidelines of the EYFS and an excellent understanding of pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment
• Genuine passion for and a belief in the potential of every child
• Commitment to the vision and ambition of Ark Start
• A robust awareness of keeping children safe, noticing safeguarding and welfare concerns, and you understand how and when to take appropriate action
• Excellent interpersonal, planning, and organisational skills

• 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 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.

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.