At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing nutritious meals for children and support the main cook.
- Company: Join MiChild, a leading provider of early years education with a nurturing ethos.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, joining bonuses, and 80% childcare discount from day one.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen, food hygiene certificate, and strong teamwork skills required.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant nursery with excellent career growth and wellness events.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 ÂŁ per hour.
Location: 168 Bramhall Moor Lane, Hazel Grove, Stockport, SK7 5BN
Position: Assistant Nursery Chef
Employer: MiChild Group
Salary: ÂŁ12.50 PH - ÂŁ300 Joining Bonus
"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.
About MiChild at 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.
MiChild Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
- Joining bonuses for a variety of roles (T&Cs apply)
- 80% childcare discount (from day one) and 10% referral discount for friends and families
- Wellbeing drop-in sessions and counselling service
- Team Building & Annual Employee awards ceremony for all staff
- Wellness Events/Days
- Attendance Incentives - Vouchers/ Gift Cards
- Exclusive access to MiChild Learning hub and Mi-Learning Lounge for continuous learning and development
- Up to 33 days annual leave (including a special birthday off and Christmas week closure)
- Celebration of Anniversaries
- Paid uniform and staff meals provided
What We're Looking For:
Please note the hours for this role are 12pm-4pm (Monday to Friday). The successful candidate would then work alongside our main cook from September 2026. The successful candidate must have previous experience within a working kitchen environment, demonstrable experience as a skilled Cook ideally in a School or Nursery setting, hold a Food Hygiene certificate as a minimum, possess excellent culinary skills, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills are essential, along with the ability to work on your own initiatives.
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 and join the MiChild Family?
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.
Afternoon Assistant Nursery Chef - Stepping Stones Nursery in Stockport employer: MIChild Group
Contact Detail:
MIChild Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Afternoon Assistant Nursery Chef - Stepping Stones Nursery in Stockport
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or even visit if you can. Familiarising yourself with Stepping Stones Nursery and its ethos will help you connect better during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Bring along a portfolio of your best dishes or even a few photos of your creations. This will not only impress but also give them a taste of what you can bring to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss teamwork! Since you'll be working closely with the main cook, share examples of how you've collaborated in past roles. Highlighting your ability to work well with others will show you're a perfect fit for their supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the MiChild family. Don’t miss out on that joining bonus!
We think you need these skills to ace Afternoon Assistant Nursery Chef - Stepping Stones Nursery in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and working with children shine through. We want to see how your values align with our ethos of compassion and excellence.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight your relevant experience in a kitchen environment, especially in schools or nurseries. We love seeing specific examples of your culinary skills and teamwork!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for attention to detail, so make sure there are no typos!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Stepping Stones Nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at MIChild Group
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Brush up on your culinary skills and be ready to discuss your experience in a kitchen environment. Think about specific dishes you've prepared, especially in a nursery or school setting, and how you can adapt recipes for children.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is key in a nursery kitchen. Be prepared to share examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Highlight any experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to create a positive working environment.
✨Understand the Nursery's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with MiChild's values of compassion, excellence, and ambition. During the interview, express how these values resonate with you and how you can contribute to nurturing children's potential through your cooking.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the nursery's approach to food education or how they support staff development. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged!