Senior Early Years Practitioner

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.

At Acorn, we’re committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. We value diverse perspectives and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. As an inclusive employer, we’re happy to consider any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process. You must have the right to work in the UK, be able to provide two satisfactory references, and, due to the nature of our sector, all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

• Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
• 65% Childcare discount - Pro rata depending on 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 for when times are tough
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme