Early Childhood Educator - Ark Start Priestthorpe

Ark; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

11% employer pension contribution

Work-life balance

Training during working hours

Career development

Job summary

Ark Start Priestthorpe seeks an Early Childhood Educator to help create a warm, safe and stimulating nursery where children learn through play and exploration. You will build positive relationships with children and families, supporting development and wellbeing in collaboration with a supportive team.

You will contribute to engaging indoor and outdoor spaces, uphold safeguarding standards, and participate in the broader Ark Start community, with opportunities for professional growth in a

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (or equivalent)
• Interest in early childhood education and child development
• Enthusiasm for supporting children's learning through play, exploration and everyday experiences
• Passion for creating engaging environments where children grow in confidence and thrive
• Appreciation of outdoor learning and its role in development
• Strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative approach
• Genuine passion for working with young children and helping them thrive
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare
• Warm, collaborative and relationship-focused approach with families and colleagues
• Organised, proactive and resilient with a commitment to CPD

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Level 3 Diploma

Interest in early childhood

Play-based learning

Outdoor learning

Relationship-building

Safeguarding commitment

Organised & proactive

Team collaboration

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care

Job description

About The Role

TheRole

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.

Benefits

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.

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 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.

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 on the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link.

Contact

If you would like to hear more about this role or about Ark Start, please contact [e-mail].