Job Description

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We are delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated person to lead 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. This will provide the successful candidate to help establish and develop the provision from its earliest stages.

Thanks to a successful School-Based Nursery Capital Grant, part of our school site is currently being transformed through a full refurbishment. The project includes extensive upgrades to the building, brand-new equipment, and enhanced learning spaces designed to provide children with an exceptional high quality early years environment.

We are seeking an individual who holds a Level 3 Early Years qualification and has a passion for providing outstanding early childhood education. As Nursery Lead, you will play a key role in maintaining and delivering a nurturing, inspiring and child-centred learning environment and curriculum where every child can flourish.This will involve drawing up and supervising a daily programme of pre-school activities and events ensuring that each child is working towards desirable learning outcomes.

The nursery will operate using a Montessori-inspired approach, building on the successful model established by Canonium Learning Trust at Finchingfield St John the Baptist Primary Academy. The successful candidate will receive training, ongoing professional 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 and wellbeing.
• Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Can lead by example and work effectively with children, families and colleagues.
• Is committed to creating a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for young 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 and their families.

If you are passionate about Early Years education and would like to play a leading role in establishing 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.

This role is offered on a permanent basis working Monday to Friday 8:30-3:30, term-time + non pupil days.

The actual salary starts at £20,854 per annum.

Please note, applications will be reviewed on receipt, and interviews will be arranged on an ongoing basis. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be appointed. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.

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

🏆 Tes Trust of the Year 2025

Canonium Learning Trust is a charitable educational trust comprising a growing family of schools across Essex. We are proud to have been named "Tes Trust of the Year" (9 Schools or Fewer) in 2025, a national award that recognises excellence in education, innovation in leadership, and the power of community collaboration.

At the heart of our Trust is a shared belief that every child deserves the best possible education, regardless of the size or location of their school. We work relentlessly to nurture each child's potential and enthusiasm for learning, so that they leave our schools ready to embrace future challenges and make a positive contribution to society.

🔗 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