Senior Early Years Practitioner

Senior Early Years Practitioner - Milton Keynes

Join Nursery World as a Senior Early Years Practitioner in Milton Keynes. You will work with nursery managers and staff to ensure high‑quality early childhood education across our settings, including Emberton, Wolverton Mill, Open University Campus and Fisher mead.

• Work in partnership with the nursery manager and deputy to ensure effective running of the nursery.
• Lead and manage the staff in your designated room/area.
• Take charge of the nursery when the manager or deputy are absent and be accountable for your area.
• Oversee a holistic approach to the curriculum and ensure a high level of well‑being among children.
• Maintain compliance with EYFS, safeguarding procedures and Acorn’s policies.
• Manage day‑to‑day operations, carry out observations, and produce accurate paperwork (care plans, medicine forms, etc.).
• Support staff through mentoring, coaching and supervision; conduct peer observations.
• Ensure positive relationships with parents and the community; manage complaints and enquiries.
• Safeguard all children in your care and support the nursery manager in regulatory interactions.

• Demonstrate a good understanding of Acorn’s values, ethos and policies.
• Provide outstanding practice and positive behaviour management.
• Communicate effectively with management, staff, children and parents.
• Be confident in working with external agencies, including Ofsted.
• Support staff development and help them achieve their targets.
• Manage the whole nursery when required and contribute to leadership.

• £1,000 recruitment bonus after completing a 3‑month probation.
• Competitive pay scales, reviewed annually.
• 65 % childcare discount pro‑rata.
• Generous family leave, Christmas closure, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Four dedicated training days and individual development plans.
• Enhanced pension scheme, cycle scheme, tech scheme and length‑of‑service awards.
• Summer and Christmas parties; pay advances.
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Education and Training

• Download Application Form (DOC)

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.