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 environment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, childcare discounts, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values individuality and promotes growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years education and strong leadership abilities.
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
- Leadership & Management
- 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
- Quality of Practice & Curriculum
- 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
- Safeguarding, Compliance & Partnerships
- 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 bank holidays (and the option to buy more)
- 4 dedicated training days and individual development plans
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Cycle scheme
- Tech scheme
- Length of Service awards
- Summer and Christmas parties
- Pay advances for when times are tough
- Employee assistance wellbeing programme
Senior Early Years Practitioner in Milton Keynes employer: Job Search Place Limited
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 leave policies, and a strong commitment to equality and diversity, employees are supported in their growth while making a meaningful impact on children's lives. The unique setting in a converted chapel provides a charming atmosphere for both staff and children, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Early Years Practitioner in Milton Keynes
✨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 those interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and early years education. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for early years education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's learning and development in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Early Years Practitioner in Milton Keynes
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 creating nurturing environments where children can thrive!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and skills that match the Senior EYP role. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 without wading through unnecessary fluff.
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 exciting 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 brush up on your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be ready to discuss how you would implement a holistic, child-centred approach in your designated area and how you can lead high-quality observations and assessments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your previous leadership experiences, especially in mentoring and developing staff. Think about specific situations where you addressed performance concerns or supported staff through inductions and appraisals, as this will demonstrate your capability to step into a leadership role.
✨Engage with the Nursery's Values
Familiarise yourself with Acorn Early Years' commitment to creating nurturing environments and promoting equality and diversity. Be ready to share how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive atmosphere for both children and staff.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could be about their approach to professional development or how they support staff wellbeing. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the nursery's culture, which can set you apart from other candidates.
