Early Years Lead Practitioner — Leadership & Growth

Acorn Early Years; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive payscales

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Training days and development plans

Enhanced pension scheme

Employee wellbeing programme

Childcare discount pro-rata

Job summary

Acorn Early Years – Mulberry Bear in Milton Keynes is seeking an experienced Early Years Lead Practitioner to drive high-quality practice and develop leadership skills within our 62-place nursery. The role is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 07:30–18:15, with a stepping stone into senior leadership.

You will work with the Senior and Deputy, mentor apprentices and students, and lead the room in their absence, ensuring a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment for children aged

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years.
• Strong practical experience in an early years setting.
• Demonstrate leadership skills and potential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a holistic, child-centred curriculum in line with EYFS.
• Support planning in the moment, observations and next steps.
• Lead the room in the absence of Senior or Deputy.
• Nurture staff development and embed the ethos.
• Build strong partnerships with parents and external professionals.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities and maintain documentation.

Skills

Leadership potential

EY experience

Mentoring

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years

Job description

Acorn Early Years – Mulberry Bear in Milton Keynes is seeking an experienced Early Years Lead Practitioner to drive high-quality practice and develop leadership skills within our 62-place nursery. The role is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 07:30–18:15, with a stepping stone into senior leadership.

You will work with the Senior and Deputy, mentor apprentices and students, and lead the room in their absence, ensuring a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment for children aged