Lead Practitioner

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

Benefits offered by this job

65% childcare discount

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

4 dedicated training days

Enhanced pension scheme

Employee wellbeing programme

Job summary

Acorn Early Years Foundation at Hedgerows, Netherfield, Milton Keynes, is hiring a Lead Early Years Practitioner. This full-time, permanent role offers 40 hours per week, with shifts from 07:30 to 18:15, and includes a £500 recruitment bonus after probation.

The post focuses on developing leadership skills within our setting, supporting staff development, and ensuring outstanding care and education for children across two age groups.

Qualifications

• Must hold Level 3 qualification in Early Years (or equivalent).
• Strong practical experience in an early years setting.
• Demonstrates leadership potential and willingness to mentor others.
• Willing to take on additional responsibilities such as mentoring, health & safety.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a holistic, child-centred curriculum in line with EYFS and guidance.
• Ensure emotional wellbeing, safety and care needs are met.
• Act as a positive role model and embed company values.
• Support and nurture colleagues, apprentices, students and volunteers.
• Lead the room in the Senior/Deputy's absence.

Skills

Leadership potential

Mentoring

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years

Job description

Lead Early Years Practitioner

Acorn Early Years - Hedgerows - Netherfield

Full-time / Permanent

Lead EYP role, you will receive a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period.

Are you an experienced Early Years Practitioner looking to take the next step in your career? Acorn Early Years at Hedgerows is seeking a passionate and motivated Early Years Lead Practitioner to support high-quality practice and develop leadership skills within our setting.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys being a positive role model, supporting colleagues, and working closely with senior staff while continuing to provide outstanding care and education for children.

About Acorn Early Years - Hedgerows

Acorn at Hedgerows is a 43 place day nursery in Netherfield, Milton Keynes. Attached to the Hedgerows family centre, the nursery transferred to us from Milton Keynes Council and offers fully-funded places for eligible 2, 3 and 4 year olds.

The nursery offers full and part-time care for children aged four months to four years, and is open 7:30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round.

The Acorns and Squirrels room caters for 15 children, aged four months to two years old. It has a bright main play room, a sleep area and nappy changing/toilet facilities and children have access to a safe enclosed garden.

Our Oaks room has provision for 24 children, aged three and four, and is a bright room with access to a large garden space with a covered area for all year round play. A toilet area and quiet/sleep room is available for children to use.

We place a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and the children enjoy play outside in all weathers. Pre-school children develop their outdoor learning at regular Forest School sessions, and a variety of imaginative and creative play activities can be enjoyed alongside regular outings and trips.

About the Role

The role will be 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday working between 0730 and 18.15.

The Early Years Lead Practitioner role is a stepping stone into senior leadership. You will work in partnership with the Senior and Deputy within your room, contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of the provision and leading the room in their absence when required.

You will play a key role in nurturing staff development, embedding Acorn's ethos, and ensuring children thrive in a safe, stimulating, and inspiring learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a holistic, child-centred curriculum in line with the EYFS and statutory guidance
• Ensure children’s emotional wellbeing, safety, and care needs are consistently met
• Act as a positive role model, embedding Acorn's values, policies, and procedures
• Support and nurture colleagues, particularly apprentices, students, and volunteers
• Lead the room in the absence of the Senior or Deputy
• Promote high-quality interactions and positive behaviour strategies
• Support planning in the moment, observations, assessments, and next steps
• Create rich, engaging learning environments that promote curiosity, independence, and critical thinking
• Build strong professional partnerships with parents/carers and external professionals
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities and stay up to date with guidance and legislation
• Complete and oversee relevant child documentation and paperwork

About You

• Hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years (or equivalent)
• Have strong practical experience in an early years setting
• Be beginning to demonstrate leadership skills and potential
• Have taken on, or be keen to take on, additional responsibilities (e.g. mentoring, health & safety)
• Be reflective, confident, and committed to professional development
• Share Acorn's values and passion for delivering high-quality early years provision

Why Join Acorn Early Years?

• Clear career progression and leadership development opportunities
• Ongoing support and mentoring from an experienced senior team
• A values-led, inclusive, and supportive working environment
• Strong focus on quality, wellbeing, and staff development

Safeguarding & Inclusion

At Acorn Early Years, we are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process are fully supported.

All applicants must:

• Have the right to work in the UK
• Provide two satisfactory references
• Undergo an Enhanced DBS check

Benefits

• Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
• 65% Childcare discount - Pro rata according to 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
• Pay advances for when times are tough
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme