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Our nurseries are about much more than childcare. Our team works together to ensure that every child has a joyful, engaging and secure nursery experience and leaves us ready to start school happily and confidently.
About Us
Ark Start was set up by a group of qualified teachers passionate about ensuring that every child has access to an excellent early years education and that families have access to flexible and affordable childcare.
The Ark Network
Ark Start is part of Ark, an education charity and Multi-Academy Trust, running primary and secondary schools in London, Birmingham, Hastings and Portsmouth.
Being part of a large education charity helps us provide our children with the best possible education by ensuring we have excellent training opportunities for staff and that our provision is preparing children to start primary school happily and confidently.
Our Nurseries
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.
Our Values
Our values underpin everything that we do to enable your child to grow, thrive and learn in a happy, stimulating, safe and secure environment. At Ark Start we give your child not only the start they need but the one they deserve.
Be Brave
Aim High
Keep Learning
Be Kind
A Day At Nursery
We know that children learn best when they are fully immersed in play supported by a responsive adult. That’s why we plan every child’s day to include a balance of fun experiences at nursery alongside opportunities to play outside and go out and about.
Nurturing Young Minds
We have created a safe and nurturing environment that allows children to explore, learn and play. We know that time is precious, so every detail is planned out carefully so that children come together to think and find out with their friends as well as have time to lead their own learning.
Our Curriculum
The Ark Start curriculum has been designed by early years specialists and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. It is structured around storytelling, encouraging children to tell their own stories and listen to others’ stories. Through storytelling, we can develop children’s creativity, their own voice and their listening skills. Storytelling also helps us develop a love of reading.
Our Work With Families
At Ark Start we are about so much more than childcare: we value the importance of working alongside families to provide the best for our children.
Our Fees
Explore our fees by nursery for both Ark Start John Archer and Ark Start Oval, discover what’s included in the fees, and learn about the funding options that could be available to you on our dedicated fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering a place at an Ark Start nursery? Below you’ll find some of our most commonly asked questions. You can also explore our full FAQs page.
In order to register your child, please submit an enquiry form on our website here. You will then be invited to come and visit the nursery.
We are open from 8am – 5pm every day. We are closed for 3 weeks a year and for bank holidays.
Unfortunately not. We strongly encourage children to attend nursery for at least four sessions a week over two days. This is because children find it easier to settle in and benefit from nursery if they attend regularly.
Fees cover everything with the exception of snacks and meals; nappies and wipes; and certain offsite visits – we publish these at the beginning of the year so families can plan.
There is some government support for childcare costs. You can check your entitlements here: https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs. You can also speak to our nursery team, who will help you understand your entitlements.
We think children should experience awe and wonder and strive to create many opportunities for this through the curriculum. Enrichment opportunities include offsite visits, for example to the farm or to the fire station, and onsite experiences such as baking and hatching ducklings and butterflies.
Explore Ark Start
From our curriculum and approach to information about our team, booking and fees, explore below to learn more about Ark Start.
Careers With Ark Start
Ark Start is at an exciting time in its evolution. We have two nurseries in South London and aim to expand our reach over the coming years.
As we expand, we are looking for Early Childhood Educators 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 either Ark Start Oval in East Croydon and Ark Start John Archer in Clapham Junction.
