Senior Early Years Practitioner

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous family leave

Christmas closure

25 days annual leave, plus bank hols (

option to buy more

4 dedicated training days and PDPs

Job summary

Acorn Early Years Foundation is seeking an experienced Senior Practitioner for Hedgerows Nursery in Netherfield, Milton Keynes. You will lead a room or area, mentor staff and ensure a high-quality, inclusive EYFS delivery while remaining hands-on with children.

You will work closely with the Nursery Manager to develop practice, support staff development and drive excellent outcomes for every child in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements.
• Experience in a senior or leadership role within an early years setting.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to mentor, support and develop others.
• Calm, professional leadership with a passion for high-quality early years education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the designated room and support day-to-day nursery operations.
• Mentor and develop staff, ensure delivery of high-quality EYFS curriculum.
• Oversee observations, assessments and next steps to support child progress.
• Ensure safeguarding, regulatory compliance and Ofsted readiness.
• Build strong partnerships with parents and external professionals.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Organisational skills

Safeguarding

Education

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner qualification (or equivalent)

Job description

Acorn Early Years – Hedgerows - Netherfield

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 Hedgerows Nursery. This role is ideal for an early years professional who is ready to take on additional responsibility, support staff development and help drive high‑quality practice across the nursery while remaining hands‑on with children.

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

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

• 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.

• Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
• 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