Senior Early Years Practitioner

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd

Emberton

On-site

GBP 23,000 - 29,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

65% childcare discount (pro rata)

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Generous family leave

Training days and development plans

Enhanced pension scheme

Employee wellbeing programme

Christmas closure

Job summary

Acorn Early Years – EmbertonNursery in Emberton/Milton Keynes is seeking an experienced Senior Practitioner to join the leadership team. You will support day‑to‑day operations, mentor staff, and deliver a high‑quality EYFS curriculum while ensuring safeguarding compliance and strong partnerships with parents.

You will oversee a designated area or room, mentoring colleagues and stepping in as Third in Charge when required, contributing to a nurturing, inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

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.
Excellent communication and organisational skills.
Confidence in mentoring, supporting and developing others.
A calm, professional and positive approach to leadership.

Responsibilities

Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy in the effective running of the nursery.
Lead the nursery or your designated area in the absence of senior leaders, when required.
Be accountable for your room and staff team.
Deploy staff effectively to meet nursery needs.
Support inductions, mentoring, supervision and professional development.
Role model outstanding early years practice and professional behaviour.
Address performance concerns in line with Acorn procedures.
Deliver a high‑quality, child‑centred curriculum in line with the EYFS.
Oversee safeguarding, compliance and building positive partnerships with parents.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Mentoring

Leadership

Team management

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above)

Job description

Senior Practitioner

Acorn Early Years – EmbertonNursery, Milton Keynes

If you are offered a Senior EYP role, you will receive a £1000 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period.

Acorn Early Years is seeking an experienced, confident and passionate Senior Practitioner to join the leadership team at EmbertonNursery.

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

About the Role

Working closely with the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager, the Senior Practitioner plays a key role in supporting the smooth day‑to‑day running of the nursery. You will lead by example, support and mentor colleagues, and ensure the delivery of a high‑quality, inclusive EYFS curriculum that meets the needs of every child.

You will also take responsibility for your designated room or area and may act as Third in Charge when required.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy in the effective running of the nursery
Lead the nursery or your designated area in the absence of senior leaders, when required
Be accountable for your room and staff team
Effectively deploy staff to meet the needs of the nursery and children
Support staff inductions, mentoring, supervision and professional development
Role model outstanding early years practice and professional behaviour
Address performance concerns in line with Acorn procedures

Quality of Practice & Curriculum

Deliver and support a high‑quality, child‑centred curriculum in line with the EYFS
Promote planning in the moment and high‑quality interactions
Oversee observations, assessments and next steps to ensure children make strong progress
Monitor outcomes for children to ensure they reach their full potential
Promote children’s independence, wellbeing and physical development
Embed a strong and consistent key person approach

Safeguarding, Compliance & Partnerships

Safeguard all children and act appropriately on safeguarding and welfare concerns
Ensure the nursery remains compliant with statutory requirements, Ofsted expectations and Acorn policies
Ensure documentation is accurate, complete and up to date (care plans, medicine forms, transitions, two‑year checks, etc.)
Build positive, professional relationships with parents and carers
Liaise confidently with external professionals and agencies
Act as a professional ambassador for Acorn Early Years

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
Excellent communication and organisational skills
Confidence in mentoring, supporting and developing others
A calm, professional and positive approach to leadership
A genuine passion for delivering high‑quality early years education

Why Join Acorn Early Years?

At Acorn, we are committed to creating nurturing, inclusive environments where children and staff thrive. We actively support professional development and offer clear pathways for career progression within 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.

Benefits