At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor staff while ensuring high-quality early years education.
- Company: Acorn Early Years, a nurturing and inspiring environment for children.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, childcare discounts, generous leave, and a £1000 recruitment bonus.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Take the next step in your career while making a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years leadership and a passion for inclusive education.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Benefits
- 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
Senior Early Years Practitioner employer: Escrick Preschool
Acorn Early Years is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff, offering a nurturing work environment at Castlethorpe Nursery. With competitive pay scales, generous annual leave, and a strong commitment to equality and diversity, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on children's lives. The supportive leadership team fosters a culture of collaboration and mentorship, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Early Years Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around Castlethorpe Nursery if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment and the vibe will help you feel more confident and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team or mentored staff in the past. We want to see your passion for high-quality early years education and how you can inspire others.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions that matter! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to the EYFS curriculum or how they support staff development. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're keen on being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining Acorn Early Years right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Early Years Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for nurturing and developing young minds, so share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Early Years Practitioner role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications that align with our requirements. We love seeing how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Acorn Early Years while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Escrick Preschool
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented it in previous roles and how you plan to lead your team in delivering a high-quality, child-centred curriculum.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or mentored staff in the past. Think about specific situations where you addressed performance concerns or supported professional development, as this will demonstrate your capability for the Senior EYP role.
✨Engage with the Nursery's Values
Familiarise yourself with Acorn Early Years' mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal philosophy aligns with their commitment to nurturing environments and inclusive education. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute meaningfully.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. Inquire about their approach to staff development or how they ensure compliance with safeguarding procedures. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the nursery is the right fit for you.
