Job Description Senior Practitioner Acorn Early Years – Jubilee Wood Nursery, Milton Keynes - Fishermead If you are offered a Senior EYP role, you will receive a £1000 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period. Acorn Early Years is seeking an experienced, confident and passionate Senior Practitioner to join the leadership team at Jubilee Wood 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. The nursery is situated next to Jubilee Wood Primary School, located in Fishermead, a short walk from Central Milton Keynes. We offer full and part-time care for up to 82 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, 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 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 Cyclescheme Techscheme Length of Service awards Summer and Christmas parties Pay advances for when times are tough Employee assistance wellbeing programme Nursery Name Acorn at Jubilee Wood