Job Description
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We are delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated person to join our brand-new nursery, opening at Ardleigh St Mary's Primary Academy in the Autumn Term 2026. The nursery is expected to open with a small number of children and we anticipate it to grow over time to accommodate up to 20 children aged 3-4 years.
Part of our school site is currently being transformed through a full refurbishment. Theproject includes extensive upgrades to the building, brand-new equipment, and enhancedlearning spaces designed to provide children with an exceptional high quality early yearsEnvironment.
We are seeking an individual who holds a Level 3 Early Years qualification and has apassion for providing outstanding early childhood education. As a Nursery Assistant, you willwork in partnership with the Nursery Lead and class teachers to support social, emotional,educational and welfare needs of early years children. In this role, you will have theopportunity to work in our high performing team where you will play a crucial role insupporting our youngest pupils' enabling children of all abilities to flourish. Your dedicationand expertise will directly impact our ability to fulfill our mission and continue nurturing thepotential and enthusiasm for learning in every child.
The nursery will operate using a Montessori-inspired approach, building on thesuccessful model established by Canonium Learning Trust at Finchingfield St Johnthe Baptist Primary Academy. The successful candidate will receive training, ongoingprofessional development and support by the Trust's Montessori lead to help
implement and develop this approach.
We are looking for someone who:
● Holds a recognised Level 3 qualification in Early Years.
● Dedicated to learning about and delivering the Montessori approach
● Is passionate about supporting children's learning, development andwellbeing.
● Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
● Can lead by example and work effectively with children, families andcolleagues.
● Is committed to creating a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment foryoung children.
We can offer:
● The opportunity to lead and shape a brand-new nursery from its inception.
● A High-quality Montessori environment, training and support.
● Ongoing professional development opportunities.
● The chance to make a lasting difference to the lives of young children andtheir families.
If you are passionate about Early Years education and would like to play a leading role in developing an exciting new nursery provision, we would love to hear from you. Visits to Ardleigh St Mary's Primary Academy are warmly welcomed to see the vision for Ardleigh in action.
The working hours for this role are Monday to Friday 8:30 - 15:15, term-time only. The actual salary is £18,801 per annum.
Canonium Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare ofchildren and young people. All appointments will be subject to satisfactoryreferences, an enhanced DBS check and relevant.
Information about the School
Ardleigh St Mary's Primary Academy, part of Canonium Learning Trust, is a small village primary Church of England school located between Manningtree and Colchester.
Influenced by the Church of England's vision to educate for 'life in all its fullness' (John 10:10), our focus on wisdom prioritises the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, moral and social development of our children. We aim to inspire wisdom with a golden thread of deep knowledge, critical thinking, strong communication and exciting learning opportunities running consistently throughout our curriculum.
Ultimately, we want our pupils to leave our academy as knowledgeable, thoughtful and articulate individuals, who are equipped with the cultural capital to thrive in our evolving world and society. By working together, we ensure our pupils are supported and challenge to nurture a keen mind, a willingness to question and the ability to make right choices, so that they are prepared for secondary school and beyond.
As a proud Church of England school, our vision and all that we do is underpinned by our core and Christian values:
Respect and reverence – we have regard for the feelings, wishes and rights of others
Caring and compassion – we display kindness and concern for others
Cooperation and service – we work together
Perseverance and endurance – we keep going until we achieve success
Honesty and virtue – we tell the truth
Responsibility and trust – we are accountable for all our actions
Our staff team and I would be delighted to welcome you and look forward to sharing what makes our school unique.
Martin Hawrylak, CEO
To learn more about Canonium Learning Trust - a Church of England Multi Academy Trust in Essex - please visit:
https://www.canonium.org/multi-academy-trust-in-essex