Lunchtime Assistant

Part-Time Lunchtime Assistant

20 hours per week | Monday–Friday, 11:00–15:00

About Acorn Early Years – Stony Stratford

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 places a strong emphasis on outdoor play and learning, and the children will have the opportunity to 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.

Regular visits to Elizabeth House Retirement Village:

The nursery has a great relationship with our neighbours at Elizabeth House and the residents in the retirement apartments. Twice a month The Squirrels visit Elizabeth House for an afternoon of fun, games and laughter. The interaction for all parties is invaluable and the children’s visit is always eagerly anticipated by the residents.

We also take full advantage of our lovely setting, taking the children on regular walks in the town and to the numerous parks Stony Stratford has to offer. Local residents often see our large “Buggy Bus” around the town as we take regular trips to the local library. Enjoying the library from an early age is a great way for children to embrace the fun of reading.

We work closely with the community and often become involved with Town events and use the local amenities and surrounding area.

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 for when times are tough
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme