We have revised our pay scales for 2026

Acorn are passionate about making sure all our employees feel valued and are rewarded for their tireless efforts in providing the best education and care for the children that access our settings. We recognise that in an undervalued sector, being ‘competitive’ is not fair or enough, that’s why we continually review and increase our payscales for all our roles, so our practitioners are fairly rewarded for what they do. Being a not-for-profit gives us an advantage, over other employers as we are able to use all profits to reinvest in our settings, training and pay for our employees.

click here for 2026 payscales

Joining Acorn means joining a team dedicated to putting children first through ethical practices set up to develop and enrich the lives of every child who becomes part of the Acorn family. Our people are our values as they deliver the Personal, Professional, Nurturing, Outdoor Learning and Ethical approaches to early years we live by.

There will be times when you may be required to transform into a dinosaur, become a racing car driver, take part in a fashion walk, open a restaurant, build skyscrapers, construct waterfalls, put on a show and most importantly snuggle when needed all whilst being you!

So, if you want to be part of something extraordinary, be part of Acorn!

We kindly ask that all applications be submitted directly to us, as we are unable to consider those sent through agencies

View our latest vacancies

If working part of a team whose priorities are delivering the highest level of care and education to every child wasn’t enough, when you join Acorn you will benefit from:

• Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
• 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 
• Life assurance 
• Flu vaccinations 
• Recommend a friend scheme 
• Professional Development Grants 
• Cyclescheme 
• Techscheme 
• Length of Service awards 
• Summer and Christmas parties 
• Pay advances for when times are tough
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme