Area Manager

About The Role

Area Manager – Ark StartReporting to:

Director of Early YearsLocation:

Various locations across LondonContract:

PermanentWorking Pattern:

Full-timeInterviews:

Interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identifiedSalary:

CompetitiveAbout the role

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 assessment or staff training and development—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 ResponsibilitiesLead and develop one area of expertise (e.g. assessment, staff training and development), driving continuous improvement across your regionEstablish a strong and positive culture, setting consistent expectations and embodying Ark Start’s values in all interactionsOperational ExcellenceLine manage a region of nurseries, building a trusting relationship with nursery managers to support their development and ensure continuous improvementTailor the Ark Start approach to suit the unique context and developmental needs of each nursery, ensuring flexibility and adaptabilityOversee the implementation of Ark Start and statutory policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, first aid, and risk assessmentsIdentify and address strengths and weaknesses within the nurseries, implementing plans for improvement where necessaryQuality AssuranceEnsure nurseries are Ofsted-ready, leading inspections and ensuring compliance with regulatory standardsServe as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the region, managing safeguarding cases and ensuring adherence to Ark Start’s safeguarding policyAct as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) for the region, ensuring all necessary paperwork and provision are in place for children with additional needsOversee planning meetings and monitor curriculum implementation, supporting staff to deliver consistently excellent educational provisionStaff Development and TrainingCoach and mentor nursery managers and staff, fostering a culture of professional growth and continuous learningSupport managers in identifying training needs and facilitating ongoing professional development for all staff membersEnsure effective deployment of staff, meeting the needs of each nursery while considering staff skills and strengthsAssist apprentices in achieving their qualifications and provide support throughout their developmentFinancial and HR ManagementMeet financial targets for the nurseries in your region, monitoring budgets and resource allocationEnsure compliance with HR policies and procedures, including recruitment, performance management, and employee relationsIdentify staffing needs and gaps, working with the Headteacher of Ark Start, and wider team, to ensure effective workforce planningPartnership and Community EngagementBuild strong relationships with partner schools, local authorities, and external agencies to support the development and success of Ark Start nurseriesLead the implementation and continuous development of the family programme, enhancing parent engagement and supportBenefits

A Real Living Wage Employer:

We are a Real Living Wage employer with a minimum salary of £13.85 per hour for all roles in London. We also pay 11% pension contributionsOngoing Learning:

We are committed to providing the best development for all our staff and we work hard to ensure there are clear career progression routesAnnual leave:

Staff receive 25 days holiday each year, excluding bank holidaysWellbeing:

Staff wellbeing is incredibly important. 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 wellbeingPart 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 have six nurseries in and aim to expand our reach over the coming years. As we expand, we are looking for staff 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 note the following:Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. 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 contact Recruitment@arkstart.org.uk.Safeguarding statement:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check is required for all employees.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 submitting your application at your earliest convenience.If you would like to hear more about this role or about Ark Start, please contact ..... full job details .....