At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team while delivering high-quality early years education.
- Company: Acorn Early Years, a nurturing and inclusive nursery in Emberton.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, childcare discounts, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career in early years education.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and leadership experience in an early years setting.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Acorn Early Years is seeking an experienced, confident and passionate Senior Practitioner to join the leadership team at Emberton Nursery. This role is ideal for an early years professional who is ready to take on additional responsibility, support staff development and help drive high quality practice across the nursery while remaining hands on with children.
We are located in what was the old school in the lovely village of Emberton, near Olney. We have adapted the building to younger children and added our Acorn touch, whilst retaining the character of the original architecture. We have developed the expansive outside area into an outdoor learning centre, which we offer a nature kindergarten during term-time for 3-4 year olds, and an outdoor playscheme in school holidays, for school aged children. In the nursery, we offer full and part-time care for up to 37 places for babies, toddlers and pre school children, 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, the Senior Practitioner plays a key role in supporting the smooth day to day running of the nursery. You will lead by example, support and mentor colleagues, and ensure the delivery of a high quality, inclusive EYFS curriculum that meets the needs of every child. You will also take responsibility for your designated room or area and may act as Third in Charge when required.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Management
- Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy in the effective running of the nursery
- Lead the nursery or your designated area in the absence of senior leaders, when required
- Be accountable for your room and staff team
- Effectively deploy staff to meet the needs of the nursery and children
- Support staff inductions, mentoring, supervision and professional development
- Role model outstanding early years practice and professional behaviour
- Address performance concerns in line with Acorn procedures
- Quality of Practice & Curriculum
- Deliver and support a high quality, child centred curriculum in line with the EYFS
- Promote planning in the moment and high quality interactions
- Oversee observations, assessments and next steps to ensure children make strong progress
- Monitor outcomes for children to ensure they reach their full potential
- Promote children's independence, wellbeing and physical development
- Embed a strong and consistent key person approach
- Safeguarding, Compliance & Partnerships
- Safeguard all children and act appropriately on safeguarding and welfare concerns
- Ensure the nursery remains compliant with statutory requirements, Ofsted expectations and Acorn policies
- Ensure documentation is accurate, complete and up to date (care plans, medicine forms, transitions, two year checks, etc.)
- Build positive, professional relationships with parents and carers
- Liaise confidently with external professionals and agencies
- Act as a professional ambassador for Acorn Early Years
What We're Looking For
- Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above)
- Strong working knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements
- Experience in a senior or leadership role within an early years setting
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Confidence in mentoring, supporting and developing others
- A calm, professional and positive approach to leadership
- A genuine passion for delivering high quality early years education
Why Join Acorn Early Years?
At Acorn, we are committed to creating nurturing, inclusive environments where children and staff thrive. We actively support professional development and offer clear pathways for career progression within our nurseries. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered 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
- Pay scales 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
Senior Early Years Practitioner in Emberton employer: Job Search Place Limited
Acorn Early Years is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where both children and staff can thrive. Located in the charming village of Emberton, our nursery offers competitive pay, generous benefits including a childcare discount and extensive professional development opportunities, ensuring that our team members are supported in their growth and career progression. Join us to be part of a passionate leadership team that values high-quality early years education and promotes a positive work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Early Years Practitioner in Emberton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior EYP role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your EYFS knowledge and leadership skills. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to mentor and support others, as well as how you've driven high-quality practice in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get an interview, don’t just talk about your qualifications—show your passion for early years education! Share your vision for creating nurturing environments and how you plan to support staff development at Acorn Early Years.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Acorn family and contributing to our mission of high-quality early years education.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Early Years Practitioner in Emberton
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 how excited you are about nurturing and developing young minds!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the role of Senior Practitioner.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
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 this fantastic opportunity at Acorn Early Years.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement it in your role and share examples of how you've done this in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Practitioner, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think of specific instances where you've mentored staff or led a team effectively. Highlight your approach to supporting colleagues and driving high-quality practice.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Prepare scenarios related to safeguarding, staff performance, or curriculum delivery, and outline how you would address them.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Early Years Education
Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. Share what motivates you in this field and how you create engaging learning environments for children. This will help convey your genuine commitment to the role.
