At Abacus Ark, we believe that the best nurseries are built by people who are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and progress. Alongside promoting from within, we also welcome talented individuals from outside the organisation who bring fresh perspectives, new experiences, and specialist expertise that help strengthen our teams and support our continued growth.
We are proud to invest heavily in training and apprenticeships, supporting team members at every stage of their career. From Assistants taking their first steps into Early Years Education through to Deputy Managers and Nursery Managers completing higher-level leadership qualifications, we believe that professional development should never stop.
We are also passionate about supporting people who are considering a change in career. Early Years is a profession that attracts individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, and we understand that taking the leap into a new industry can feel daunting. Our CEO, Anthony, COO, David, Head of People, Moira, entered the Early Years sector later in their careers, so we appreciate the challenges and opportunities that come with making such a transition. For those without a degree, we can support entry into the sector through apprenticeship programmes that provide recognised qualifications alongside valuable practical experience. For graduates looking to build a career in Early Years, we also support progression onto Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) programmes, helping talented individuals develop into highly skilled educators and future leaders within the sector.
Many of our current leaders began their careers in more junior roles and have progressed through dedication, training, and support. One of the best examples is Miss Marie at our Clapham Junction nursery. Marie originally joined Abacus Ark as a temporary Nursery Assistant. While working with us, she completed her Level 3 qualification, progressed to Key Teacher, then Third in Charge, and now holds the position of Deputy Manager. Her journey demonstrates what can be achieved when talent, ambition, and opportunity come together.
Marie is not alone. Across our nurseries, we have numerous examples of team members who have developed their careers with us. Team members such as Miss Abbie in Earlsfield, Miss Kaysha in Maida Vale, Miss Simona in Wandsworth, Miss Chloe (pictured) in Clapham Preschool have all built rewarding careers through ongoing learning, commitment, and progression within the organisation. Their stories reflect our belief that investing in people creates stronger teams, better outcomes for children, and a more positive workplace culture.
As a family-run nursery group, we understand that people are our greatest asset. That’s why we actively encourage apprenticeships, leadership development programmes, mentoring, and continuous professional development. We want every member of our team to feel that they have a future at Abacus Ark, whether they aspire to become an experienced practitioner, a Senior Key Teacher, a deputy manager, or a nursery manager.
As we continue to grow across London and prepare to open new settings, we are looking for passionate Early Years professionals who share our commitment to excellence, learning, and child-centred practice. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner, looking to take your next step into leadership, or considering a complete career change, there has never been a more exciting time to join our team.
If you’re looking for an employer that genuinely invests in its people, supports career progression, and promotes from within, we’d love to hear from you. Your next career step could start at Abacus Ark.
