Bank Early Years Practitioner

Acorn Early Years
Flexible / Bank Hours

Are you a passionate and nurturing Early Years Practitioner looking for flexible work that fits around your lifestyle? Acorn Early Years is looking to welcome Bank Early Years Practitioners to support our teams as and when needed across our settings. We have Nurseries in Milton Keynes, Nortthants & Beds. 

At Acorn, we are committed to providing a high-quality, inclusive early years experience, where children feel safe, happy, and inspired to learn.

The Role

As a Bank Early Years Practitioner, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day running of the room and delivering a holistic, child-centred curriculum. You will ensure children’s care, learning, and wellbeing are always at the heart of your practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the EYFS with a strong focus on high-quality interactions
• Meet children’s individual care and wellbeing needs
• Promote positive behaviour in line with Acorn’s policies
• Provide rich, first-hand learning experiences indoors and outdoors
• Support planning in the moment, observations and assessments
• Actively support children’s independence and physical development
• Work in partnership with parents, colleagues, and room leaders
• Maintain accurate and timely paperwork (care plans, accident forms, observations, etc.)
• Follow all safeguarding procedures and promote children’s safety at all times
• Step in to support the smooth running of the room when required

What We’re Looking For

• A good working knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements
• A warm, caring, and professional approach to working with children and families
• Ability to work flexibly as part of a team and adapt to different rooms/ages
• Confidence to communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues
• A commitment to Acorn’s ethos, values, and inclusive culture

Why Join Acorn Early Years?

• Flexible bank hours to suit your availability
• A supportive, welcoming, and values-led organisation
• Opportunities to work across high-quality early years settings
• A strong focus on professional practice and child wellbeing

Safeguarding & Inclusion

At Acorn Early Years, we are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

All applicants must:

• Have the right to work in the UK
• Provide two satisfactory references
• Be willing to undergo 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