Lunchtime Assistant

Part-Time Lunchtime Assistant

20 hours per week | Monday–Friday, 11:00–15:00
📍 Cold Harbour Nursery (Acorn), Bletchley

We are looking for a Part-Time Lunchtime Assistant to join our friendly team at Cold Harbour Nursery (Acorn), supporting children during a key part of their day in a caring and nurturing environment.

About Cold Harbour Nursery (Acorn)

Cold Harbour Nursery is located in Bletchley and is adjoined to an outdoor learning centre, building on our strong Forest School provision and reputation for Forest School training.

One of our key priorities is outdoor play and learning. At Cold Harbour, children have access to the outdoor environment all day, every day, supporting confidence, curiosity and wellbeing through nature-based experiences.

The nursery offers full and part-time care for up to 54 children, aged four months to four years, and is open Monday to Friday, 7.30am–6.15pm, all year round.

Acorn was recently awarded the ‘Top 20 Recommended Nursery Group 2025’ by Day Nurseries, recognising consistently high customer reviews. With over 35 years’ experience, Acorn is a leading childcare provider across Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bedford, specialising in nature pedagogy and the professional development of our employees.

About the Role

As a Lunchtime Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting children during the middle of their day, helping to create a calm, safe and enjoyable mealtime experience.

Working hours:

• 20 hours per week
• Monday to Friday
• 11:00–15:00 each day
• All year round

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from candidates who are:

• Passionate, motivated and enthusiastic
• Interested in outdoor learning and creative play
• Keen to progress their personal career development
• Friendly, reliable and able to work as part of a team

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Excellent training and progression opportunities
• Enhanced pension contributions
• 65% childcare discount - Pro rata according to contracted hours
• Four annual nursery closure days dedicated to staff training
• The opportunity to work for a not-for-profit organisation that puts children first

Safer Recruitment

Successful applicants will be required to:

• Provide Right to Work in the UK documentation
• Supply two satisfactory references
• Complete an enhanced DBS check prior to 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 contracted hours
• 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
• Summer and Christmas parties
• Pay advances
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme