Lunchtime Assistant

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 competitive salary, great training and progression opportunities, enhanced pension contributions, and 65% childcare discount. As a not-for-profit organisation, Acorn always puts the needs of the children first, meaning you will be working for a business that cares about more than just profit. We close our nurseries for four days a year to allow days to train our staff in a variety of subjects. 

The position is working 20 hours per week Monday through to Friday all year round working approximately between the hours of 11:00-15:00 every day. 

We very much welcome candidates that are looking to progress their personal career development. The ideal candidate will be passionate, motivated and enthusiastic about outdoor learning and creative play.

Successful applicants must be able to provide ‘right to work in the UK’ documentation, provide two satisfactory references and undertake an enhanced DBS check prior commencing employment.

As a thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making Acorn a safe, nurturing and fun place for our children to be, we offer:

• Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
• 65% Childcare discount - Pro-Rata according to hours worked
• 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
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Cyclescheme
• Techscheme
• Length of Service awards
• Pay advances for when times are tough
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme