Lead Practitioner

Acorn Early Years Foundation; Wolverton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment bonus

Job summary

Acorn Early Years – Wolverton Mill is seeking an experienced Early Years Lead Practitioner to support high-quality practice and develop leadership skills within our setting. The role is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between 07:30 and 18:15, and acts as a stepping stone into senior leadership.

You will nurture staff development, embed Acorn’s ethos, and ensure children thrive in a safe, stimulating learning environment while building strong partnerships with parents and external

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent).
• Have strong practical experience in an early years setting.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and willingness 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.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a holistic, child-centred curriculum in line with EYFS and statutory guidance.
• Ensure children’s emotional wellbeing, safety and care needs are met.
• Act as a positive role model, embedding Acorn’s values, policies and procedures.
• Lead the room in the absence of Senior or Deputy and support colleagues, including apprentices, students and volunteers.
• Promote high-quality interactions and positive behaviour strategies.
• Support planning in the moment, observations, assessments and next steps.

Skills

Leadership potential

Mentoring

Staff development

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

If you are offered a 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 – Wolverton Mill

Acorn Wolverton Mill provides high quality, affordable childcare and early years education for the local community. The building is purpose built with four spacious play areas indoors, with direct access to four play areas which allows the children to free-flow continuously.We have active CCTV in place throughout the nursery to help maintain a safe and secure environment for your child.

Wolverton Mill offers full and part time care for up to 84 children from the ages of 4 months to 4 years, and we are open from 7:30am – 6pm Monday to Friday all year round.

Acorn place a strong emphasis on outdoor play and learning and the children at Wolverton Mill will have the opportunity to freely access the outdoor environment throughout the day whatever the weather. Included in our fees are regular Forest School sessions, these are exciting educational experiences, suitable for our pre-schoolers and are delivered by fully trained Forest School leaders and offers a hands on holistic approach to outdoor play.

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
• 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