Senior Nursery Practitioner
If you are offered a Senior EYP role, you will receive a £1000 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period.
Must have level 3 Early Years Qualification
Acorn Early Years – Milton Keynes & Surrounding Areas:
Bletchley
Emberton
Westcroft
Wolverton Mill
Acorn Early Years is seeking enthusiastic, experienced and passionate Senior Nursery Practitioners to join our teams across Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas. This is a fantastic opportunity for an early years professional who is ready to take on a leadership role while remaining hands‑on in delivering high‑quality care and education.
About the Role
As a Senior Nursery Practitioner, you will work in partnership with the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager to support the effective day‑to‑day running of the nursery. You will lead practice within your designated room or area, mentor and support staff, and help drive a high‑quality, holistic EYFS curriculum that meets the needs of every child.
You may also take responsibility for the nursery in the absence of senior leaders when required.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
- Work closely with the Nursery Manager and Deputy to ensure effective nursery operations
- Lead and manage your designated room/area and be accountable for standards and outcomes
- Support the nursery when required in the absence of the Manager or Deputy
- Mentor, coach and support staff to develop their practice
- Carry out and contribute to staff supervisions, peer observations and appraisals
- Cascade information, updates and expectations to your team
- Role model professionalism and Acorn’s ethos, values and policies at all times
Quality of Practice & Curriculum
- Deliver and support a holistic, child‑centred approach to the EYFS
- Ensure high‑quality interactions based on children’s individual needs and stages of development
- Promote and embed planning in the moment across practice
- Carry out high‑quality observations and assessments and monitor children’s progress
- Ensure all children are supported to reach their full potential
- Promote children’s independence, wellbeing and physical development
- Maintain a strong and consistent key person approach
Safeguarding, Compliance & Partnerships
- Safeguard all children and act appropriately on safeguarding concerns
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, Ofsted expectations and Acorn procedures
- Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date documentation (care plans, transitions, two‑year checks, medicine forms, etc.)
- Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with parents and carers
- Communicate confidently with external agencies, including Ofsted
What We’re Looking For
- Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above)
- Strong working knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements
- Experience in a senior or leadership role within an early years setting
- Confidence in leading practice and supporting staff development
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A calm, positive and professional approach
- A genuine passion for high‑quality early years education
Why Join Acorn Early Years?
At Acorn, we are committed to creating inclusive, nurturing environments where children and staff can thrive. We actively support professional development, leadership progression and career growth across our nurseries.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered throughout the recruitment process.
Safeguarding & Compliance
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, be able to provide two satisfactory references, and all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
- Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
- 65% Childcare discount - Pro rata depending on contracted hours
- Generous family leave
- Christmas closure
- 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays (and the option to buy more)
- 4 dedicated training days and individual development plans
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Cyclescheme
- Techscheme
- Length of Service awards
- Summer and Christmas parties
- Pay advances for when times are tough
- Employee assistance wellbeing programme
Pay: £31,200.00-£32,864.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free flu jabs
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Do you have a level 3 Early Years Qualification?
Work Location: In person
