Senior Early Years Practitioner

Acorn Early Years Foundation

Milton Keynes

On-site

GBP 26,000 - 35,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

65% Childcare discount

25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Enhanced pension scheme

Employee assistance wellbeing programme

Job summary

Escrick Preschool in Milton Keynes seeks an experienced Senior Practitioner / Third in Charge to support daily operations and lead a dedicated team. This hands-on role requires excellent leadership and communication skills, along with a strong understanding of the EYFS. The successful candidate will ensure high-quality practice while fostering a supportive environment for both children and staff. Benefits include competitive pay, childcare discounts, and generous leave. Join us in creating nurturing, inspiring educational experiences.

Qualifications

Previous experience in a senior or leadership role within an early years setting.
Ability to maintain compliance with statutory requirements and policies.
Skill in building strong partnerships with parents and external professionals.

Responsibilities

Support the effective leadership and daily running of the nursery.
Lead designated room or area while mentoring and supporting staff.
Ensure the delivery of a high-quality, inclusive curriculum.

Skills

Working knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements

Leadership, communication and organisational skills

Confidence in supporting and mentoring staff

Positive approach to behaviour management

Attention to detail and commitment to high standards

Passion for inclusive, high-quality early years education

Job description

Senior Practitioner / Third in Charge

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 – Castlethorpe Nursery
Castlethorpe, Milton Keynes

Acorn Early Years is seeking an experienced, passionate and confident Senior Practitioner / Third in Charge to join our leadership team at Castlethorpe Nursery. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished early years professional who is ready to take the next step in leadership while remaining hands‑on with high‑quality practice.

Castlethorpe nursery is a lovely, converted chapel situated in a quiet village a few miles north of Milton Keynes. It was the first Acorn nursery to open and was established in 1989.

We offer full and part‑time care for up to 36 children from the age of four months to four years, 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, you will support the effective leadership and day‑to‑day running of the nursery. You will lead your designated room or area, mentor and support staff, and ensure the delivery of a high‑quality, inclusive and engaging curriculum for all children. You will also step into a leadership role across the whole setting when required.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

Work in partnership with the Nursery Manager and Deputy to ensure the smooth and effective running of the nursery
Act as Third in Charge, leading the nursery in the absence of the Manager or Deputy
Be accountable for your designated room/area and staff team
Effectively deploy staff across the nursery to meet operational and children’s needs
Role model outstanding early years practice at all times
Support staff inductions, supervisions, appraisals and professional development
Use mentoring, coaching and peer observations to develop staff practice
Address performance concerns in line with Acorn procedures

Quality of Practice & Curriculum

Oversee a holistic, child‑centred approach to the EYFS curriculum
Ensure planning in the moment is implemented effectively and consistently
Lead high‑quality observations, assessments and developmental reviews
Monitor children’s progress to ensure all children reach their full potential
Ensure environments are rich, engaging and resourced to support learning indoors and outdoors
Promote children’s independence, physical challenge and emotional wellbeing
Maintain a strong, effective key person approach

Safeguarding, Compliance & Partnerships

Safeguard all children and ensure safeguarding procedures and low‑level concerns are acted upon appropriately
Maintain compliance with statutory requirements, Acorn policies and procedures
Ensure all required documentation is accurate and up to date (care plans, medicine forms, two‑year checks, transitions, etc.)
Build strong, professional partnerships with parents and carers
Communicate confidently with external professionals and agencies, including Ofsted
Act as a professional ambassador for Acorn Early Years

What We’re Looking For

A strong working knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements
Previous experience in a senior or leadership role within an early years setting
Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
Confidence in supporting, mentoring and developing staff
A calm, positive approach to behaviour management
Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards
A genuine passion for inclusive, high‑quality early years education

Why Join Acorn Early Years?

At Acorn, we are committed to creating nurturing, inspiring environments where children thrive and staff feel valued, supported and motivated. We celebrate individuality, promote equality and diversity, and encourage professional growth at every level.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are happy to consider reasonable adjustments 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