Early Years Practitioner

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd

Emberton

On-site

GBP 18,000 - 23,000

Full time

10 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Payscales that are competitive

65% childcare discount

Generous family leave

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

4 training days per year

Enhanced pension

Cyclescheme

Techscheme

Length of service awards

Staff events

Job summary

Acorn Early Years – Emberton is seeking a caring and dedicated Early Years Practitioner with a full and relevant Early Years Qualification (minimum Level 2) to join Emberton Nursery. The role offers flexible hours (three full days, or various morning/afternoon patterns) and a £500 recruitment bonus after the 3-month probation.

You will support children’s learning and wellbeing in a nurturing, child-centred environment within Acorn’s expanding outdoor learning spaces.

Qualifications

Full and relevant Early Years Qualification required, minimum Level 2.
Right to work in the UK and suitability checks will apply.
Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare in line with policy.

Responsibilities

Support holistic EYFS learning and meet individual care needs.
Deliver high‑quality interactions to promote development.
Act as a key person, build strong relationships with families.
Document observations, care plans and transitions accurately.
Support planning and observations, promote independence and safety.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding knowledge

Communication skills

Empathy

Flexibility

Education

Early Years Qualification (minimum Level 2)

Job description

Early Years Practitioner - Qualified

Acorn Early Years – Emberton

If you are offered an EYP role, you will received a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period.

We’re happy to offer flexibility with working hours to suit the right candidate. Depending on the needs of the nursery and availability, this role could be structured as three full days per week, mornings across five days, or afternoons across five days. Specific arrangements can be discussed further at interview.

Acorn Early Years is looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Early Years Practitioner to join our friendly and supportive team at Emberton Nursery. You must have a full & relevant Early Years Qualification. Minimum Level 2.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an early years professional who is passionate about delivering high‑quality care and education in a nurturing, child‑centred environment.

We are located in what was the old school in the lovely village of Emberton, near Olney. We have adapted the building to younger children and added our Acorn touch, whilst retaining the character of the original architecture. We have developed the expansive outside area into an outdoor learning centre, which we offer a nature kindergarten during term-time for 3-4 year olds, and an outdoor playscheme in school holidays, for school aged children.

In the nursery, we offer full and part‑time care for up to 37 places for babies, toddlers and pre‑school children, and are open from 7.30am to 6.15pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. All Acorn nurseries are closed for all bank holidays, between Christmas and new year, plus our four training days each year. This means the monthly fees are calculated over 49 weeks . You will not be charged for these days, however fees are payable for additional closure days which are out of our control, eg: additional bank holidays over the standard eight. In addition to the nursery, the outdoor learning centre offers a 24 place outdoor holiday club for children aged 4-13, alongside other outdoor sessions for the local community including our 16 place Nature Kindergarten. Over the next couple of years we aim to plant over 500 trees and shrubs, build several outdoor shelters and other wooden structures and sculptures, develop an orchard and allotment area, and develop a range of other outdoor provisions that will enhance the activities and sessions on offer.

About the Role

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will play an important role in supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing. You will work as part of a committed team to create engaging learning environments, deliver high‑quality interactions and ensure every child feels safe, valued and supported to reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

Quality of Care & Practice

Support a holistic approach to the EYFS curriculum
Meet the individual care and learning needs of children
Deliver high‑quality interactions that support children’s development
Promote positive behaviour in line with Acorn policies and procedures
Follow and extend children’s interests through appropriate teaching methods
Support planning in the moment and contribute to observations and assessments
Promote children’s independence and physical development
Monitor children’s progress and support next steps in learning

Environment & Resources

Help create rich, stimulating learning environments indoors and outdoors
Ensure resources and equipment are accessible, safe and well maintained
Support first‑hand learning experiences that meet the needs of all children

Key Person & Partnerships

Act as an effective key person, building strong relationships with children and families
Value parents as partners and communicate professionally and positively
Complete accurate and timely documentation, including observations, care plans, accident forms, transitions and two‑year checks (where applicable)

Teamwork & Professional Responsibilities

Work collaboratively as part of a supportive team
Support colleagues when needed, including less experienced practitioners
Share relevant information with room teams and senior staff
Reflect Acorn’s ethos, values, policies and procedures in daily practice
Safeguard all children and follow safeguarding procedures at all times
Support the smooth running of the room in the absence of senior staff when required

What We’re Looking For

A good working knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements
A warm, calm and child‑centred approach
Strong communication skills with children, parents and colleagues
A genuine passion for early years care and education
Confidence to role model positive behaviour and best practice
Ability to work flexibly as part of a team

Why Join Acorn Early Years?

At Acorn, we are passionate about creating inclusive, nurturing environments where children and staff thrive. We value our teams and actively support professional development and progression.

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.

Benefits

Working at Acorn

As a thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making Acorn a safe, nurturing and fun place for our children to be, we offer: