Third In Charge - Stepping Stones Nursery

MIChild Group; Stockport; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading early years education provider in Stockport seeks a Third in Charge with a Level 3 Early Years qualification. The role focuses on safeguarding, nurturing children, and ensuring compliance with EYFS standards. Ideal candidates will have robust knowledge of safeguarding, experience working with families, and a passion for early childhood education. The nursery offers a supportive environment with competitive salary and ongoing professional development opportunities. Join us to make a positive impact on children's futures.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on qualifications

80% childcare discount

10% referral discount

Wellbeing drop-in sessions

Extensive training opportunities

Enhanced holiday entitlement

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (UK recognised).
• Robust safeguarding knowledge and awareness.
• Excellent knowledge of the EYFS and experience of working with children and families.
• Previous room leader experience in a nursery environment (desirable).

Skills

Robust safeguarding knowledge

Excellent knowledge of the EYFS

Experience of working with children and families

Previous room leader experience

Education

Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Location: Stepping Stones Day Nursery, 168 Bramhall Moor Lane, Stockport, SK7 5BA

Position: Third in Charge (Level 3)

Employer: MiChild Group

Salary: Competitive – Negotiable dependant on experience

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. 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 are a family. Our team is made up of dedicated, talented, and caring individuals who share a common purpose.
• We grow talent. We provide ongoing professional development and clear career progression pathways.
• We are proud to be recognised. Since 2019, we have been ranked among the UK’s Top 20 Large Nursery Groups for four consecutive years.

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 near St. 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 outdoor learning activities.

Conveniently situated off Bramhall Moor Lane, we are a 15‑minute drive from Stockport Town Centre. Public transport options include multiple bus routes and proximity to Woodsmoor station. We provide car parking facilities for drivers.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• 80% childcare discount from day one.
• 10% referral discount for friends and families.
• Wellbeing drop‑in sessions and counselling service.
• Team building events and wellbeing days.
• Extensive training and CPD opportunities.
• Enhanced holiday entitlement increasing with length of service.
• Annual employee awards ceremony.
• Celebration of anniversaries and birthdays.
• Paid compassionate leave (up to 3 days).
• Christmas week off – nurseries closed.

What We’re Looking For

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (UK recognised). If you are not yet Level 3 qualified, we may have alternative roles to support your development.
• Robust safeguarding knowledge and awareness.
• Excellent knowledge of the EYFS and experience of working with children and families.
• Previous room leader experience in a nursery environment (desirable).

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.