Job Description

• Bows and Arrows Group
• Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0RH
• Salary: £15.50 per hour
• Hours: 25 hours per week, Term time only or 18 hours per week, All year round
• Contract: Fixed term for 36 months. Required as soon as possible
• Reference: 0754

Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School is part of the Bows and Arrows Group

We’re excited to offer a unique opportunity for a passionate and caring Family Support Practitioner (FSP) to join our dedicated team at Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School.

As a Family Support Practitioner, you’ll work closely with children aged 0–5 years and their families, with a particular focus on supporting children as they prepare for their transition to school.

You’ll play an important role in promoting school readiness, strengthening family engagement, and ensuring every child has the best possible start in life. You’ll also become part of a supportive network of Family Support Practitioners employed by Bows and Arrows on behalf of The Rope Trust, meeting regularly to share ideas, best practice, and approaches to family support.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference every day.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about supporting young children and families, especially those facing additional challenges such as:

• developmental delays

• health needs

• financial difficulties

• speech, language, or communication barriers.

You will:

• plan and deliver engaging activities and targeted interventions to support children’s development and educational outcomes

• work in partnership with families to meet each child’s individual needs

• support families sensitively and appropriately when complex issues arise

• organise and deliver family learning opportunities, workshops, and information sessions such as Let’s Talk Reading

• monitor and evaluate the impact of your support and maintain accurate records

• build positive, ongoing relationships with families throughout the year to help track long-term progress.

You will have:

• a full and relevant 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 HighScope approach

• a child-centred and solution-focused mindset

• excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

About us

As part of the Bows and Arrows Group, a family of seven nurseries across Ipswich, we are proud to be a not-for-profit organisation. Every penny we make is reinvested into our nurseries, helping us provide exceptional care, learning experiences, and support for the children and families in our community.

We will offer you:

At Bows and Arrows Group, we value and invest in our people. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:

• enhanced sick pay and additional leave

• childcare discounts

• casual dress and a warm, welcoming environment

• regular team and company events

• health and wellbeing support

• pension scheme

• free on-site parking

• opportunities for continued professional development

• most importantly, the opportunity to do meaningful work that truly changes lives.

To find out more

For further information or an informal discussion, please call Shannon Page on 01473 599038

How to apply

Please send an application email and accompanying CV to Shannon.page@bowsandarrowsgroup.co.uk

Closing date: 6 pm, 29 May 2026. Interview date: Rolling interviews, so early application is advised.
All roles require an Enhanced DBS check and a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.