Acorn Early Years Foundation

Are you interested in joining Acorn’s board of trustees? We’re looking for someone who wants to make a real difference. If you’re passionate about social impact and excited by the idea of helping to shape the future of a vibrant, friendly charitable social enterprise, we’d love to hear from you. Who are Acorn Early Years? Acorn Early Years is a charitable social enterprise providing high‑quality childcare and early education across day nurseries, forest schools, out‑of‑school clubs, and specialist early years catering and training services. We are continuing to grow, despite the challenges facing the early years sector, and now operate 18 nurseries with just over 500 employees. What are we looking for? We’re seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our welcoming team of voluntary trustees. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, and we warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds,...

If you are offered a EYP role, you will receive a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period. We are looking for a Lead practitioner at our Mulberry Bear Nursery within the Open University Campus. Acorn at Mulberry Bear is a 62 place day nursery in Milton Keynes, which offers full and part-time care for children aged four months to four years, and is open 7:30am until 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. This is a full time position 40 hours per week.   The Early Years Lead Practitioner role is a steppingstone into more senior positions and will allow for leadership skills to be developed through direct and ongoing support from senior staff. Excellent leaderships skills are crucial for senior positions and the Early Years Lead Practitioner role will help develop these essential competencies. The Early Years Lead Practitioner is a role suited to those with a good amount of practical experience within an early years...

We are looking for a Part Time Lunchtime Assistant working 20-25 hours a week to join our nursery at Emberton.  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. Acorn has recently been awarded a 'Top 20 Recommended Nursery Group 2025' Award by Day Nurseries in recognition of its high customer reviews over the last 12 months. We’re proud to be one of the leading childcare providers in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bedford with over 35 years’ experience who specialise in nature pedagogy and promoting the professional development of our employees. You will be rewarded with a...

Join a team dedicated to putting children first. Acorn are a not for profit organisation focusing everything we do on the needs of our children. Our people, are our values, delivering the Personal, Professional, Nurturing, Outdoor Learning and Ethical approaches that we live by. You may need to transform into a dinosaur, become a racing car driver or put on a show - so, if you want to be part of something extraordinary, be part of Acorn. We have a number of Level 3 apprenticeship opportunities throughout our Acorn nurseries including Hedgerows (Netherfield), Wolverton Mill, Westcroft, Rowans (Fullers Slade), Emberton and Cold Harbour (Bletchley). We are seeking very special individuals to join us.  Do you have: A love of the outdoors and working with natural resources Naturally nurturing, caring and compassionate qualities An interest in child development and how children learn At Acorn, our apprentices are an integral part of our...

We are looking for a Nursery Assistant at our Castlethoepr Nursery.   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.  This is a full time position, 40 hours Monday - Friday between the hours of 07.15-18.30 Role: To support a holistic approach to the curriculum To ensure basic care needs of individual children are met To ensure a high level of well-being among children To have a good understanding of Acorn’s ethos, values, policies and procedures and that they are reflected in daily practice A good working knowledge and practice of the EYFS and safeguarding procedures To assist in the smooth day to day running of your group To carry out  tasks requested   Responsibility To ensure the  interactions with children are high quality and based on individual...

If you are offered a Manager role, you will receive a £1000 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period We are currently seeking a Nursery Manager to join our friendly and experienced team at our Nursery in the Westcroft District Centre, which is adjacent to our training centre. The 93-place nursery provides high quality, affordable childcare and early years education for the local community, in a building which has direct access to three outdoor spaces and spacious rooms inside.  We’re looking for dedicated, and inspirational individual for this challenging and exciting opportunity, with a passion and vision for outdoor play, forest schools, and an ethic of care, placing children’s needs at the centre of practice.  The successful candidate will have to demonstrate a genuine passion for providing the highest standards in early years care, safeguarding, teaching and learning, promoting parent partnerships, outdoor learning, continued...

If you are offered a lead EYP role, you will receive a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period.  Acorn at Stanwick is based in a historic village in Northamptonshire, which offers a homely space for children to relax and have fun whilst learning and socialising with other children. We work closely with the community and often become involved with village events and use the local amenities and surrounding area, including our own raised beds at the local allotment.  The role will be 40 hours per week, working 4 days 07:15-18:15. We’re proud to be one of the leading childcare providers in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bedford with over 35 years’ experience who specialise in nature pedagogy and promoting the professional development of our employees. We believe that childcare needs a personal touch, and our nurseries and out-of-school clubs offer flexibility and individuality with a homely feel. As a not-for-profit...

Job description: If you are offered an EYP role you will receive a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period. We are looking for inspirational Level 2 qualified Early Years Practitioners in our Castlethorpe Nursery. 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. Our Deanshanger nursery will specialise in the under three age group, welcoming babies and toddlers under three years of age initially, offering a nurturing, stimulating environment where little ones can thrive. With a beautiful garden space and a strong emphasis on outdoor play, babies and toddlers will enjoy daily access to the outdoors, rain or shine! The role will be 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday working between 0730 and 18.15. Working patterns will be discussed during the recruitment process. We’re proud to be one of the...

If you are offered an EYP role, you will received a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period.  We are looking for inspirational Level 2 or 3 qualified Early Years Practitioners to join our nursery in Stanwick. Acorn at Stanwick is based in a historic village in Northamptonshire, which offers a homely space for children to relax and have fun whilst learning and socialising with other children. We work closely with the community and often become involved with village events and use the local amenities and surrounding area, including our own raised beds at the local allotment.  The role will be 40 hours per week, 4 days a week. 07:15-6:15 We’re proud to be one of the leading childcare providers in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bedford with over 35 years’ experience who specialise in nature pedagogy and promoting the professional development of our employees. We believe that childcare needs a personal touch, and our nurseries...

If you are offered an EYP role, you will received a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period.  We are looking for inspirational Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioners to join our nursery in New Bradwrell. Acorn at New Bradwell is a small and friendly nursery, situated in its own building within the grounds of New Bradwell School. It has its own enclosed playground and offers a range of fun and engaging activities, including Forest School for the Oaks children. 40 hours over 5 days or can do 4 day shifts.  We’re proud to be one of the leading childcare providers in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bedford with over 35 years’ experience who specialise in nature pedagogy and promoting the professional development of our employees. We believe that childcare needs a personal touch, and our nurseries and out-of-school clubs offer flexibility and individuality with a homely feel. As a not-for-profit organisation, we place our...

ROLE IS BASED AT OUR BARTON SEAGRAVE SETTING NN15 6QY. THIS IS A TERM TIME ONLY ROLE We are seeking an enthusiastic playworker assistant for our Barton Seagrave Out of school club. Barton Seagrave Out-of-School Club provides fun and engaging childcare for children before and after school. The club caters for children aged 4 to 11 years and operates from a designated room next to the school hall and the children have full use of the school hall. The club is open to all children who attend the school and runs Monday - Friday, term time only. Hours - 17 per week.  Morning - Mon-Fri 07:30-08:30 Afternoon Mon - Thursday - 15:30-18:00 Friday - 15:30-17:30 Role: To support a holistic approach to the play To ensure basic care needs of individual children are met To ensure a high level of well-being among children To have a good understanding of Acorn’s ethos, values, policies and procedures and that they are reflected in daily practice...

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Kitchen Assistant/Cook to join our nursery in Burton Latimer. The role involves not only assisting with serving meals, preparing light meals and snacks, and tidying up after mealtimes, but also taking an active role in cooking and preparing fresh, healthy meals for our children in line with dietary needs and menus. This position is for 20 hours per week, working 14:00-18:00, Monday to Friday. We’re proud to be one of the leading childcare providers in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bedford, with over 30 years’ experience. We specialise in nature pedagogy and are committed to supporting the professional development of our employees. We believe that childcare needs a personal touch, and our nurseries and out-of-school clubs offer flexibility and individuality with a homely feel. As a not-for-profit organisation, we place children’s well-being at the heart of everything we do. Apply today or get in touch with our HR team...

If you are offered an EYP role, you will received a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period.  We are looking for inspirational Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioners to join our nursery in Netherfield, 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.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 role will be 40 hours per week, 4 days a week. 07:15-6:15 We’re proud to be one of the leading childcare providers in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bedford with over 35 years’ experience who specialise in nature pedagogy and...

We are looking for an enthusastic and passionate Nursery Assistant to join our Nursery in Netherfield, 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. This is a full time position of 40 hours per week Monday-Friday between teh hours of 07.15 - 18.30. Role: To support a holistic approach to the curriculum To ensure basic care needs of individual children are met To ensure a high level of well-being among children To have a good understanding of Acorn’s ethos, values, policies and procedures and that they are reflected in daily practice A good working knowledge and practice of the EYFS and safeguarding procedures To assist in the smooth day to day running of your group To carry out  tasks requested   Responsibility To...

If you are offered a EYP role, you will receive a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period. We are looking for a Lead practitioner at our Emberton Nursery.  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. This is a full time position 40 hours per week Between the hours of 07:15-18:30 Monday - Friday.    The Early Years Lead Practitioner role is a steppingstone into more senior positions and will allow for leadership skills to be developed through direct and ongoing support from senior staff. Excellent leaderships skills are...

If you are offered a EYP role, you will receive a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period. We are looking for a Lead practitioner at our Wolverton Mill Nursery. 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. 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. This is a full time position 40 hours per week.   The Early Years Lead Practitioner role is a steppingstone into more senior positions and will allow for leadership skills to be developed through direct and ongoing support from senior staff. Excellent leaderships skills are crucial for senior positions and the Early...

 If you are offered a EYP role, you will receive a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period. We are looking for an experienced senior practitioner at our Westcroft Nursery . Acorn at Westcroft is situated in the Westcroft District Centre, and is adjacent to our training centre where we host training for our staff and other early years professionals. The nursery has three outdoor play areas, giving children the opportunity to free-flow indoors and outdoors to access a full range of activities. Acorn places a strong emphasis on outdoor play and learning, and the children will be outdoors at some point every day, whatever the weather. Included in our fees are regular Forest School sessions. These exciting educational experiences are suitable for pre-schoolers and are delivered by fully trained forest school leaders and offer an innovative approach to outdoor play. We are very fortunate to have Howe Park Wood on our doorstep, which we...

If you are offered a EYP role, you will receive a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period. We are looking for an experienced Lead Practitioner to join our nursery in Westcroft. This is a full time position 40 hours per week. Acorn at Westcroft is situated in the Westcroft District Centre, and is adjacent to our training centre where we host training for our staff and other early years professionals. The nursery has three outdoor play areas, giving children the opportunity to free-flow indoors and outdoors to access a full range of activities. Acorn places a strong emphasis on outdoor play and learning, and the children will be outdoors at some point every day, whatever the weather. Included in our fees are regular Forest School sessions. These exciting educational experiences are suitable for pre-schoolers and are delivered by fully trained forest school leaders and offer an innovative approach to outdoor play. We are very...

If you are offered a Room Leader (Senior EYP) role, you will received a £1000 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period.  We are looking for inspirational Level 3 qualified Senior Early Years Practitioners to join our Jubilee Wood Nursery in Fishermead. This is a full-time role, working 40 hours per week on a rotating shift pattern between 7:15am - 6.15pm Monday to Friday, all year round.  At Acorn, we are more than just a nursery, we have recently been awarded a Top 20 DayNurseries group award, with over 35 years of experience in delivering outstanding early years education.  As a not-for-profit organisation, we put children first, creating a nurturing envionment where they can thrive, and where our team members are valued and supported in their professional development. In this role, you will be providing high-quality care and learning experiences. You will play a vital role in creating a stimulating and enabling...

We are looking for a Bank Nursery Assistant for our largest Nursery in Burton Latimer, The nursery is situated on a half-acre site next to the football club and sports field. It is purpose-built, featuring large and airy rooms with underfloor heating. Our facility includes spacious indoor areas and an extensive outdoor play space. Role: To support a holistic approach to the curriculum To ensure basic care needs of individual children are met To ensure a high level of well-being among children To have a good understanding of Acorn’s ethos, values, policies and procedures and that they are reflected in daily practice A good working knowledge and practice of the EYFS and safeguarding procedures To assist in the smooth day to day running of your group To carry out  tasks requested   Responsibility To ensure the  interactions with children are high quality and based on individual need/stage of development To demonstrate...