Acorn Early Years Foundation

We are looking for a Part Time Lunchtime Assistant working 20 hours a week, Monday-Friday 11:00-15:00 at our Stanwick Nursery. This is initially to cover Maternity leave but could become a permanent position at one of our other nurseries.  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.  We offer full and part-time care for up to 81 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.  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...

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 inspirational Level 2 and 3 qualified Early Years Practitioners to join our This is a full time position, 4 days a week 07:15 - 18:15 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.  We offer full and part-time care for up to 81 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.  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...

We are looking for a Part Time Lunchtime Assistant working 20 hours a week, Monday-Friday 11:00-15:00 at our Stony Stratford Nursery.    Situated on the site of Elizabeth House, in Vicarage Road, Stony Stratford. Our nursery provides high quality, affordable childcare and early years education for the local community, in a building which has been completely refurbished and extended, with two spacious play areas indoors, with direct access to three outdoor play areas. We offer full and part-time care for up to 40 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.  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...

Senior Forest School Leader £21,840 - £25,480 per annum (£12-£15/hr) We are looking for passionate and enthusiastic Level 3 qualified forest school leader that will be able, to inspire children of all ages to engage in memorable and educational outdoor experiences and use imagination and creativity to plan and deliver a wide range of different sessions. These sessions could be planned and delivered independently or as part of a team, and could include Acorn nursery sessions, holiday club sessions, external nursery & school sessions, family sessions, home-educated sessions, parent-toddler sessions, bushcraft sessions, and special educational needs sessions.  Ideally working 35 hours per week there will be flexible working hours that may vary across the seasons with a significant amount of work required in Holiday Periods. Occasional weekend work will be required, usually to deliver family sessions or birthday parties, but this will occur no...

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 inspirational Level 2 and 3 qualified Early Years Practitioners to join our Ofsted "Outstanding" nursery in Kents Hill, Milton Keynes. Our nursery building at Kents Hill has been designed in an innovative octagonal shape with a central atrium and light and spacious rooms. The nursery benefits from large garden areas which can be accessed from each of the rooms; this gives the children the opportunity to free-flow indoors and outdoors to access a full range of activities. The nursery have pet chickens who roam freely in part of the garden throughout the day, enabling the children to collect eggs and then take turns to take eggs home. The Nursery is currently being expanded with custom buildings which will enable us to offer a further 20 places. We offer full and part-time care for up to 60 children from the age of...

Join a nursery that puts children, community, and ethical practice at the heart of everything we do. We’re excited to be looking for a new  Nursery Manager  to lead our lovely 24‑place setting in Deanshanger—Acorn’s newest nursery and a much‑loved space that has supported local families for many years. Tucked beside the community centre in the former Deanshanger Pre‑School building, our nursery specialises in care and education for  under‑threes . With a beautiful garden, a strong outdoor ethos, and a nurturing, homely feel, it’s a place where babies and toddlers can explore, discover and flourish—whatever the weather. And as a little thank‑you…  £1,000 welcome bonus  after successful completion of your 3‑month probation.   Who We’re Looking For We’re not just recruiting a manager—we’re looking for a leader who is: ethical, dedicated and genuinely child‑centred passionate about outstanding care and education for babies and toddlers a champion of outdoor...

 If you are offered a Senior EYP role, you will receive a £1000 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Early Years Practitioner for our Deanshanger Nursery.  Nestled next to the community centre, our nursery is located in the former Deanshanger pre-school building, a space that served local families for many years. We’re proud to bring it back to life with a fresh vision and a deep commitment to early years care. 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! We have active CCTV in place throughout the nursery to help maintain a safe and secure environment....

We are seeking a passionate Sustainability Data & Insights Officer to join our Central Support Team based in Castlethorpe Near Milton Keynes. The role is fully office based Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00. Acorn Early Years Foundation is a charitable social enterprise providing high quality, inclusive, early years care and education. The organisation has grown organically over 36 years and now operates 18 day nurseries as well as out-of-school and holiday clubs, forest schools and nature kindergartens. It also offers an early years catering service, training and consultancy. It aspires to be a thought leader within the early years sector, in modelling sustainable, ethical practices, and is steadily increasing its social impact. Role The role holder will work in the Central Support Team and provide essential analytical, research, and operational support across all sustainability workstreams. Reporting to the Sustainability Lead, the role holder will work...

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 3 qualified Early Years Practitioners for our Nursery situated on the Open University Campus, Mulberry Bear. 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. We very much welcome candidates that are looking to progress their personal career development due to future opportunities in the pipeline within the location of MK. The ideal candidate will be passionate, motivated and enthusiastic about outdoor learning and creative play, as well as a good working knowledge and practice of the EYFS and safeguarding procedures. Apply today or get in touch with our HR team for an information chat on: 01908 510309 or email:...

We are looking for an enthusastic and passionate Nursery Assistant to join our Nursery within the Open University Campus, Mulberry Bear.  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 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...

We are looking for an enthusastic and passionate Nursery Assistant to join our Nursery in 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. This is a full time position of 40 hours per week 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...

 If you are offered a Senior EYP role, you will receive a £1000 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period. We’re thrilled to announce that our brand-new nursery in the heart of Deanshanger village is now open and welcoming children! Nestled next to the community centre, our nursery is located in the former Deanshanger pre-school building, a space that served local families for many years. We’re proud to bring it back to life with a fresh vision and a deep commitment to early years care. 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! We have active CCTV in place throughout the nursery to help maintain a safe and secure environment...

We are looking for an enthusastic and passionate Nursery Assistant to join our Nursery in Deanshanger.  We’re thrilled to announce that our brand-new nursery in the heart of Deanshanger village is now open and welcoming children! Nestled next to the community centre, our nursery is located in the former Deanshanger pre-school building, a space that served local families for many years. We’re proud to bring it back to life with a fresh vision and a deep commitment to early years care. 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! We have active CCTV in place throughout the nursery to help maintain a safe and secure environment for your child. This is a full time...

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 Westcroft,  Rowans (Fullers Slade) and Kents Hill.  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 nursery teams. You will hit the ground running in your Early Years...

If you are offered a Deputy Manager role, you will received a £1000 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period. We are looking for an exceptional Deputy Manager to join our management team at our Hedgerows Nursery in Milton Keynes. This is a permanent position, initially covering maternity leave. Further discussions regarding vacancies will take place at the end of the maternity leave.  This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Practitioner who is ready to take the next step in their career and play a key role in leading a high-quality, child-centred provision. As Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Nursery Manager to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery, role-modelling excellent practice and supporting the team to deliver outstanding care and education. You will take a lead on operational standards, staff development, safeguarding, and creating a warm, inclusive environment where children...

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 3 qualified Early Years Practitioners our brand-new nursery in the heart of Deanshanger village, launching in January 2026. Nestled next to the community centre, our new nursery will be located in the former Deanshanger pre-school building, a space that served local families for many years. We’re proud to bring it back to life with a fresh vision and a deep commitment to early years care. 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...

We are looking for an enthusastic and passionate Nursery Assistant to join our Sharnbrook Nursery in Bedford.  Located within the picturesque grounds of Colworth Science Park in Sharnbrook, our nursery has ample space for children to explore, discover and investigate their local surroundings, which lends itself to providing opportunities such as tree climbing and large open spaces for the children to explore.  The play space within the nursery offers a light, large area with a wide range of natural resources to allow children to learn through first hand experiences.  Children have opportunity to free flow between the inside and outside throughout the day, with a variety of activities and resources available to extend individual children’s learning.   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...

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 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. The role will be 40 hours per week, 4 days a week. 07:15-6:15.  We are looking for someone who enjoys being outdoors as this role is based within our Nature Kindergarten.  We’re proud to be one of the leading childcare providers in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bedford...

We are looking for a Bank Nursery Assistant for our Nursery in Bletchley, Cold Harbour.  Our day nursery is adjoined to an outdoor learning centre that builds on our popular Forest School provision and reputation for Forest School training. One of our key priorities is outdoor play and learning, which is clearly evident at Cold Harbour, where the outdoor environment and play area are available to the children all day, every day.  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...

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,...