At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children during mealtimes in a nurturing and fun environment.
- Company: Join the award-winning Cold Harbour Nursery, known for its outdoor learning focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a 65% childcare discount.
- Other info: Great training opportunities and a friendly team await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be Level 2 qualified in Early Years and passionate about outdoor play.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
20 hours per week | Monday–Friday, 11:00–15:00
We are looking for a Qualified (Level 2 and above) 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.
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
- All year round
What We’re Looking For
- 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
- Qualified in Early Years, Level 2 or above
What We Offer
- 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
Lunchtime Assistant in Bletchley employer: Acorn Early Years Foundation
Acorn Early Years Foundation is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment at Hedgerows Nursery in Milton Keynes. With competitive pay, generous annual leave, and substantial childcare discounts, we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about child development to thrive as part of a dedicated team.
Contact Details:
Acorn Early Years Foundation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lunchtime Assistant in Bletchley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Visit Cold Harbour Nursery (Acorn) if you can, and chat with the staff. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand their vibe, which is super important for a Lunchtime Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for outdoor learning! When you get the chance, share your thoughts on how nature-based experiences can benefit children. It’ll make you stand out as someone who truly aligns with their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your teamwork skills! During any interviews or meet-ups, highlight examples of how you've worked well in a team before. They’re looking for someone friendly and reliable, so let that shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Lunchtime Assistant in Bletchley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with children and outdoor learning. Share any relevant experiences or qualifications that highlight your passion for nurturing young minds.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Lunchtime Assistant role. Mention how your skills align with our values at Cold Harbour Nursery, especially around creative play and teamwork.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Early Years Foundation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Lunchtime Assistant and what it entails. Familiarise yourself with Cold Harbour Nursery's focus on outdoor learning and nature-based experiences. This will show your genuine interest in their approach and how you can contribute.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to creating a nurturing environment. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have about outdoor play and creative activities that could enhance the children's lunchtime experience.
✨Team Player Vibes
Highlight your ability to work as part of a team. Discuss past experiences where you've collaborated with others, especially in childcare settings. Cold Harbour values teamwork, so demonstrating your reliability and friendliness will go a long way.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about their training opportunities or how they incorporate outdoor learning into daily routines. It shows you're engaged and keen to learn more about the nursery's values and practices.
