Family Support Practitioner

Be a Family Support Practitioner at Oak Wood Nursery & Forest School

Location: Oak Wood Nursery & Forest School, part of the Bows and Arrows group, Ipswich, IP3 0RH

Hours: 18 hours per week, Monday to Friday (between 8:00am and 6:00pm)

Contract: Part-time, Temporary (until July 2028 – potential to extend subject to funding)

Salary: £13.73

Application deadline: End of November 2025

About Us

We have a unique and exciting opportunity for a Family Support Practitioner (FSP) to join our Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School team.

Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School forms part of the Bows and Arrows Group, a family of seven nurseries across Ipswich. As a not-for-profit organisation, all our funds are reinvested into our nurseries to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children and families we support.

About the Role

As a Family Support Practitioner, you will work directly with children aged 0–5 years, focusing on those preparing for their transition to school. You'll play a key role in supporting school readiness and family engagement, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.You will also join a small network of FSPs employed by Bows and Arrows on behalf of The Rope Trust, meeting regularly to share best practice and strategies in family support.

About You

The ideal candidate will be passionate about working with early years children and their families, particularly those experiencing additional challenges such as developmental delays, health issues, or language needs.

You should have:

• A Level 3 qualification in Early Years or equivalent
• Experience working with children with additional needs and their families
• A strong understanding of child development, the EYFS, and the High Scope approach

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and deliver activities and targeted interventions to enhance children's educational outcomes
• Support families appropriately when complex issues arise
• Arrange and deliver family education events (e.g., "Let's Talk Reading")
• Work in partnership with families to support each child's individual needs and potential
• Monitor and measure the impact of your work, reporting findings appropriately
• Maintain ongoing contact with families at key points throughout the year to track long-term progress

What We Offer

We care deeply about our team's wellbeing and development. As part of the Bows and Arrows family, you'll benefit from:

• Additional leave and sick pay
• Casual dress and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere
• Childcare discounts
• Regular company events
• A supportive health & wellbeing program
• Pension scheme
• Free parking
• And most importantly — the chance to do meaningful work every single day

Other Details

• Working pattern: Monday to Friday (no weekends)
• This role is all year round (50 weeks per year)
• Enhanced DBS check required as part of our safeguarding commitment

Ready to Join Us?

If you're passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and their families, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today — interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

If you're ready to inspire, lead, and grow alongside a dedicated team of professionals — we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now

Application deadline: End of November

We're serious about safeguarding. - All roles require an Enhanced DBS check and a strong commitment to the safety and welfare of children.

AIM HIGH – The Bows & Arrows Group

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: £13.73 per hour

Expected hours: 18 per week

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Bereavement leave
• Casual dress
• Childcare
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Sick pay

Application question(s):

• Do you hold a full and relevant Level 3 in Early years qualification?

Education:

• Diploma of Higher Education (required)

Experience:

• Early childhood education: 1 year (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person