Life at Ark Start

Growing into leadership: Mellesha’s experience with the Manager-in-Training programme

03 March 2026

Mellesha joined Ark Start in September 2024 through our Manager-in-Training programme.

With six years’ experience in early years, she was ready for the next step in her career, but there was no clear path for progression at the nursery she was working, as a preschool room leader. When she found Ark Start, she was offered the choice between a deputy role and the Manager-in-Training programme. She chose the latter because it aligned with her ambition: “I wanted to push myself. I knew I wanted to run my own team, and I wanted to experience that next level.”

Just over a year later, she stepped into the role of Nursery Manager at Ark Start Globe in Elephant & Castle, a progression she says was possible thanks to the programme’s support and the hands-on responsibility she was given from day one.

Developing leadership in practice

Mellesha began her programme at Ark Start Oval in East Croydon, working closely with her manager. “Rachel really showed me the ropes,” she says. Shadowing day-to-day leadership, from routines and team organisation to curriculum delivery, helped her understand what strong management looks like in practice.

Very quickly, she was stepping into real responsibility. When colleagues were on leave, she led their rooms, gaining a clear sense of what children and teams need at different points in the day.

As Ark Start Globe prepared to open, she supported the new setting before moving across more permanently. She also spent time in other Ark Start nurseries, something she describes as invaluable: “Even though our nurseries are similar, the approaches are different. Seeing those differences helped me shape how I wanted to lead.”

Support that builds confidence

What stands out most in her experience is the consistent support. Mellesha describes a culture where reflection is encouraged and questions are welcomed. “No question is a bad question, which I think is a great motto. They guide you when you need it. ‘What could have gone better? What choice might you make next time?’ It helps you think, not just follow instructions.”

Molly, Director of Early Years at Ark, and Sarah, Head of Teaching and Learning, regularly visit Ark Start nurseries to check in with teams. For Mellesha, these weekly visits, alongside daily check-ins with her area manager, meant she always had space to discuss challenges. That support guided her learning in a brand-new nursery, not just in understanding systems but also in navigating team dynamics. “Colleagues could get frustrated when certain tasks weren’t done but understanding the why was important – maybe that person was in a deep conversation with a parent,” she explains. “In these cases, instead of simply being told what to do, I was asked to think it through, and that really helped.”

Stepping into nursery management

With the programme’s focus on shadowing, increasing responsibility and ongoing coaching, by the time the Nursery Manager role at Globe became available, she already felt prepared. “You’re managing already in lots of ways,” she reflects. “The programme gave me the confidence, knowledge about operations and people-management experience to take on the role fully.”

For those considering the programme, her advice reflects the mindset that helped her succeed: “Pay attention, take in as much as you can, and be confident. Don’t be scared to make mistakes; someone will help you get it right without being judgmental. Just be present and really experience it fully.”

Mellesha’s journey shows how the Manager-in-Training programme helps bridge the gap between room leadership and nursery management. For early years professionals ready to grow, it offers the preparation needed so that when the moment comes, stepping into a Nursery Manager role feels like the natural next step.

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