Ark Start Oval

Ark Start Oval is an Ofsted rated Good nursery in the London Borough of Croydon, located close to transport links. We are situated on a large site with access to a large meadow, which children access every week for outdoor learning activities inspired by forest school activities. You can find out more about forest school here, and read more from our manager Sophie here. 

Our location in the heart of Croydon allows us to take our children on many offsite trips so they get to know their community and develop their understanding of the world. This could be travelling by tram to visit a local city farm or getting the train to the centre of London to visit the River Thames.

Our nursery serves children from age 1. Free 2 year old and 3 year old places available all year round or term time only.

Nursery Details

Why Oval?

Here are some of the great benefits of bringing your child to Ark Start Oval.

Expert Staff

Ark Start Oval is led by qualified teachers and dedicated staff who are all committed to providing children with a fantastic start in life.

A Great Location

The nursery's proximity to East Croydon train station is perfect for people on their way to work and for taking children on trips around the area.

Good Ofsted

"The nursery focuses on personal, social and emotional development, giving children the tools to progress through life and education."

Our Facilities

Oval is a new-build nursery with large playrooms and outside space, as well as access to the meadow where we run forest school.

Meet the Team

Meet the passionate, dedicated and enthusiastic team here at Ark Start Oval.

Molly

Headteacher

sophie ark start nursery staff

Sophie

Nursery Manager at Ark Start Oval

Rachel

Nursery Manager (maternity leave cover) at Ark Start Oval

Emma

Younger Years Lead at Ark Start Oval

About Molly

Molly is passionate about providing quality education for young children and has worked in the early years for 10 years as a Nursery teacher, Reception teacher and leading in early reading including synthetic phonics.
 

Molly loves singing and storytelling and knows how fun and motivating it is for young children to learn more about the world through stories, songs and experiences they want to talk about and share with others.
 
Molly is originally from New Zealand and grew up by the sea and mountains, so enjoys spending as much time outside as possible! In her spare time, Molly enjoys cuddling with her cat Neko and singing as much as she can.

About Sophie

Sophie has worked in early years for 9 years and is passionate about providing quality education and care for young children. She loves sharing in children’s joy and wonder and celebrating their achievements.

 

Sophie enjoys being outside and is enthusiastic about children experiencing learning in the outdoor environment.

 

In her spare time, Sophie likes going for long walks in the country or exploring everything that London has to offer.

 

Sophie is currently studying an MA in Early Years Education at the Institute of Education.

About Rachel

Rachel is an early years educator having obtained the NNEB qualification many years ago, and has over 17 years of professional experience working within various early years and educational sectors.

Rachel is a a mother to five fantastic people, four of whom are adults with the youngest being 11. Rachel is also a grandmother to a beautiful 2-year-old, who is a reminder to stay in touch with her inner child!

About Emma

My name is Emma and I have 9+ years experience working in Early Years Education. After starting my journey as an apprentice, I realised I have a passion for teaching children and encouraging their creative flare through my own background of Art and Musical Theatre. During this time in my career, I have progressed to a Room Leader at several different settings and also as Third in Charge in my previous role, and have enjoyed experiencing a variety of approaches toward learning, which I feel have and continue to help shape my own vision of outstanding Childcare. It’s really important to me as a Practitioner to ensure all children are able to have a loving and happy childhood, with plenty of opportunities to experience Cultural Capital, which in turn will expand their knowledge and ability to thrive.

Katie

Early Educator at Ark Start Oval

Sona

Early Educator at Ark Start Oval

Levi

Early Educator at Ark Start Oval

Christina

Early Educator at Ark Start Oval

About Katie

My name is Katie, I am a mum to twin 5-year-old girls.

I have been working in the childcare sector for over 20 years, from baby room and 2-year-old provision lead to deputy manager and Senco.

Working with children in the early years has always been a passion of mine which is why I started my childcare journey right back at school doing a GCSE in child development, before moving on to study for my Diploma in childcare and education at college.

I love to see children’s 1st experiences and the joy and eagerness to learn and develop.

In my spare time I love to be outdoors with my twin girls and husband. I love to grow plants and our own vegetables in our little garden. We love to camp and be by the seaside as much as we can. I also enjoy curling up with our cat (Popcorn) and reading a good book.

About Christina

I’m Christina. I’m a early years educator here at Ark Start with 8+ years experience.

After completing my level 3 diploma in childcare and education at collage, I have had the pleasure of learning and gaining experience from different nurseries before finally starting here at Ark Start.

I consider myself lucky to be working with children as I get the chance to see and guide each child in their growth on a daily basis.

I’m a mother to 2 wonderful children, my daughter is an Ark pupil and my son currently attends Ark Start, here with me.

I’m looking forward to my Ark Start journey 

About Sona

Hello, my name is Sona and I am an early years educator at Ark Start Oval.
I am a qualified teacher with experience within early years and numerous other educational sectors. I enjoy working alongside children and encouraging their passion for learning.
I am a mother of three children and in my spare time I enjoy baking, travelling and spending time with my family and friends. 

About Levi

Hello my name is Levi

I am an early years educator at Ark Start Oval.

I have qualifications in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health,  Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, and Understanding Autism.

I enjoy working alongside children and supporting them in their developments and building their skills.

Each child is different and they are all special in their individuality, I aim to provide support and encouragement for their passions and for their learning.  

I like to spend my spare time being creative, I enjoy music and I also play as member of London All Stars Steel Band.

Vicky

Apprentice at Ark Start Oval

Victoria

Apprentice at Ark Start Oval

nursery worker helping child

Joanie

Lunchtime Supervisor at Ark Start Oval

zoie ark start nursery staff

Zoie

Family Support & Engagement Manager

About Vicky

Hi my name is Vicky, and I am an apprentice here at Ark Start.

I have always enjoyed working with children watching them grow and find their passions.

I have 3 children and in my spare time I enjoy arts and crafts, music and spending time with my family.

About Victoria

Hi my name is Victoria, working in early years has always been a passion of mine. Having grown up with young children in my life, I loved seeing them learn new life skills and enjoyed helping to take of them.

In my spare time I enjoy reading and taking walks in the park.

About Joanie

My name is Joanie. I am the lunchtime supervisor here at Ark Start.

I qualified with a BTEC national diploma in 2002 and have been working as a nursery nurse ever since.

I have two grown-up children and two beautiful grandchildren that I adore and love spending time with.

I have always had a great passion for child development and supporting the child learning in their own way with the aim to develop the child’s love for learning.

I have always seen myself as creative and able to think out of the box, especially when setting up a nursery environment and activities.

What I most enjoy about my job is having the opportunity to work alongside such amazing families, their children teach me something new everyday.

I am in a role that I am in thoroughly enjoying.

About Zoie

My name is Zoie, the Family support and engagement manager for Ark Start. I have worked in the early years sector for just over 15years. I am passionate about ensuring children and their parents/carers receive the best start in life, and in their journey as a family. Having worked in various roles on my path through early years, I feel very fortunate in what I have learnt along the way, and hope to use these skills to help others.

In my spare time, I love to paint and do little craft projects, spend time with my family and friends, read and explore the museums, markets and fun pop ups around London. I am also taking a counselling skills course and hope to progress onto my Level 4 soon.

Nursery Fees

Sessions

Term time only (38 weeks per year)

 15 hours: Mon (9am – 3pm) & Tues (9am –3pm) & Weds (9am – 12pm)

 15 hours: Weds (12pm – 3pm) & Thurs (9am – 3pm) & Fri (9am – 3pm)

 30 hours: Mon Fri (9am – 3pm)

All year round (48 weeks per year)

15 hours stretched: Mon (9am – 3pm) & Tues (9am – 3pm)

15 hours stretched: Thurs (9am – 3pm) & Fri (9am – 3pm)

30 hours stretched: Mon (9am – 3pm) & Tues (9am – 3pm) & Thurs (9am –3pm) & Fri (9am – 3pm)

Booking Pattern 1 Year Olds 2 Year Olds 3-4 Year Olds
3 hour session
£28.50
£20.70
£19.20
6 hour session
£57.00
£41.40
£38.40
9 hour session
£85.50
£62.10
£57.60
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Lunch and snacks provided with 6 hour session
£2.55
Snacks only per 3 hour session (packed lunch brought in separately)
£0.20
Breakfast, lunch, tea and snacks provided with 9 hour session
£3.60

Ark Oval Primary Academy

Ark Oval Primary Academy is a school that represents its local community and works tirelessly to ensure that children, parents and staff all maximise their full potential.

Their mission is to ensure that all children have the opportunity to attend university or pursue a career of their choice.

Register your interest for Ark Start Oval

Complete your details to register your interest.

So much more than childcare