If you are offered a Senior role, you will receive a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period. We are looking for an inspirational Senior Practitioner who holds a minimum level 3 qualification in Early Years to join our Acorn Nursery at Brafield-on-the-Green in Northamptonshire. A graduate or those qualified to level 6 would be desireable. The role will be working in the Oaks room 3-4 years old so experience in this area is an advantage. We’re proud to be one of the leading childcare providers in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bedford with over 25 years’ experience who specialise in nature pedagogy and promoting the professional development of our employees. We are really proud to have recently been awarded a Top 20 DayNurseries group award. As a qualified practitioner, you will receive exceptional support to progress your career and be able to participate in 4 training days per year. You will be rewarded with a competitive salary, great training and progression opportunities, enhanced pension contributions, and 75% childcare discount. As a not-for-profit organisation, Acorn always puts the needs of the children first, meaning you will be working for a business that cares about more than just profit. The position is full time working 40 hours per week (you would be required to do a variety of early and late shifts, early shifts can start as early as 7.15am and the late shifts close is 6.15pm). We very much welcome candidates that are looking to progress their personal career development. The ideal candidate will be passionate, motivated and enthusiastic about outdoor learning and creative play, as well as a good working knowledge and practice of the EYFS and safeguarding procedures. Experience working in an Early Years environment essential (previous experience leading a pre school room desirable) Key Responsibilities Provide a high standard of physical, emotional, social and intellectual care for children placed in the nursery Work as part of a team in order to provide an enabling environment in which all individual children can play, develop and learn. Build and maintain strong partnerships working with parents/carers to enable children’s needs to be met Give support to other colleagues within the nursery Ensure the effective implementation of the nursery’s daily routine To deputise for either the manager or deputy as required and to support them in motivating and developing the team and by taking on specific responsibilities Provide a positive role model to ensure the Company’s values are maintained Qualifications Level 3 or equivalent in Early Years/Childcare Good knowledge and understanding of the EYFS Good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures Successful applications will need to provide ‘right to work in the UK’ documentation and undertake a DBS check. Acorn Childcare is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Benefits Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually 65% Childcare discount 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 Employee assistance wellbeing programme