Deputy Manager- Stepping Stones Nursery

MIChild Group; Stockport; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Join MIChild Group as a Deputy Manager at Stepping Stones Nursery, where you'll play a pivotal role in shaping children’s early years experiences. We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing ongoing professional development in a supportive environment. Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and a culture that values each individual’s contributions.

Benefits

50% childcare discount

Mental Health First Aiders

Extensive training and CPD opportunities

Enhanced holiday entitlement

Free meals

Qualifications

• Demonstrates robust safeguarding knowledge.
• Detailed understanding of Ofsted requirements.
• Experience working with children and families.

Responsibilities

• Support and manage nursery operations and staff.
• Ensure compliance with EYFS and Ofsted standards.
• Nurture children's development and learning.

Skills

Safeguarding Knowledge

EYFS Knowledge

Communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Location: 168 Bramhall Moor Lane, Stockport SK7 5BA
Position: Deputy Manager
Employer: MiChild Group

"Small Steps. Giant Leaps."

Who Are We?
At MiChild, we are dedicated to being a leading provider of early years education, where passionate and highly trained professionals nurture every child’s full potential. Our ethos is rooted in compassion, excellence, and ambition—values that inspire everything we do.

Why Join MiChild?
• We are passionate about Early Years. We deeply respect and value our early years professionals for the remarkable work they do every day. This is more than a job—it’s a meaningful career that shapes the future.

• We strive for Outstanding. Our goal is to deliver excellence daily—not just on inspection days. We invest in our teams, training, environments, and resources to empower our practitioners and deliver exceptional outcomes.

• We are a family. Our team is made up of dedicated, talented, and caring individuals who share a common purpose. Together, we support each other and celebrate our collective successes.

• We grow talent. We provide ongoing professional development through accredited training, access to online learning platforms, and clear career progression pathways. We recognise potential and actively nurture it.

• We are proud to be recognised. Since our launch in 2019, we have been ranked among the UK’s Top 20 Large Nursery Groups for four consecutive years—an achievement driven by parent reviews and sector-wide recognition.

About Stepping Stones Nursery
Stepping Stones Nursery, proudly rated as “Good” by Ofsted, has a capacity of 57 children and has been part of the MiChild Family since 2020. Located in Hazel Grove, near Stepping Hill Hospital, our nursery serves both public and hospital staff families.

We have recently completed a full refurbishment, and soon we will include a hub for staff training and development across the MiChild Group. Our nursery features three newly refurbished large playrooms and an expansive garden area, accessible from all three rooms. This outdoor space offers our children and staff countless opportunities for engaging in outdoor learning activities, allowing us to immerse ourselves in imaginative play—like baking a cake in the mud kitchen or exploring our five senses through full-body sensory play.

Conveniently situated off Bramhall Moor Lane, we are just a 15-minute drive from Stockport Town Centre. For those using public transport, we are on multiple bus routes, with one route dropping you off within a 10-minute walk of the nursery. If you're traveling by train, Woodsmoor station is also within walking distance. Additionally, we have car parking facilities available for drivers.

During breaks, you may want to take a walk. Within a short distance, you can easily access three different gyms and shops, including SPAR and Morrisons.

What We Offer:
• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
• 50% childcare discount (from day one) and 10% referral discount for friends and families
• Mental Health First Aiders, and Wellbeing Champions
• Extensive training and CPD opportunities: e-learning, apprenticeships, F2F training
• Enhanced holiday entitlement, increasing with length of service
• Annual Employee awards ceremony for all staff
• Free meals – Breakfast & Lunch.

We understand that work-life balance matters. That’s why we offer a variety of flexible working options to suit your lifestyle:
• Standard 36-hour week (5 days)
• 4-day work week (longer days, more time off)
• 40-hour week across 5 days
• A combination of both, with optional flexible overtime

What We’re Looking For:
• Hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (UK recognised)*
• Demonstrates a robust safeguarding knowledge and awareness
• Has a detailed understanding of the requirements set by Ofsted
• Excellent knowledge of the EYFS and experience of working with children and families
• Previous room Leader/Deputy Manager experience working in a nursery environment

*If you're not yet Level 3 qualified, we may have alternative roles to support your development. Visit our Careers Page to explore current opportunities. MiChild | Careers

Safeguarding & Compliance
MiChild is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to:
• Enhanced DBS check
• Satisfactory employment references
• Proof of Right to Work in the UK (MiChild is currently unable to offer VISA sponsorship)
• Verification of relevant qualifications

Equality & Inclusion
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment for all our children and staff—regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Ready to Make a Difference?
Be part of a supportive, award-winning nursery group where your passion and professionalism are recognised, developed, and celebrated.

Apply Now and help us shape the future—one small step at a time.