Midday Supervisory Assistant

About the role

St Mary’s C of E Primary School are looking to recruit a friendly and caring individual to support pupils during their lunchtime break. 

Purpose of the role

To work as part of a team, assisting the Headteacher in securing the safety and welfare of pupils during the midday break. This will involve effective supervision of pupils in and about the premises in accordance with the general instructions of the Headteacher.

The role is term time only, required to start as soon as possible, working five days a week Monday to Friday from 11.45am to 1.15pm, 7.5 hours a week as part of our lunchtime team, primarily supervising the children in the dining room and possibly leading play activities on the playground. The contract is a fixed term contract : November 2024- March 2025 in the first instance.

The following personal qualities are suited to the role:

• A ‘can do’ attitude
• A good sense of humour
• A willingness to work as part of a team
• An enthusiastic approach to being around children
• A caring and kind nature

The main duties include:

• Setting up the dining tables in preparation for lunch, which includes moving them into place at the beginning of lunch and putting them away again at the end of lunch
• Supervising the pupils when they are in the dining room eating lunch, encouraging good social skills and manners and helping the youngest children cut up their food
• Clearing up the dining room after the lunch break: clearing any food left on the tables, wiping the tables and chairs, sweeping the floor, putting tables and chairs away
• Supervising activities and maintain the health, safety, welfare, good conduct and safeguarding of pupils during the midday break, having regard to any special or additional needs
• Encouraging pupils to select and eat healthy balanced meals
• Providing a safe environment and supervision for pupils to play outside (and inside in the case of wet play)
• Where appropriate, collecting pupils from classrooms if going straight into the playground, ensuring they are adequately dressed for the prevailing weather conditions where necessary
• Encouraging children to be resilient and independent and follow the values of our school
• Ensuring the behaviour system is followed and deal with incidents accordingly. Report to senior staff in line with the school’s policy
• Check on any strangers, who may enter school premises or be at the boundary fence on the field, in accordance with school guidelines, be observant of any loiterers and report to Headteacher
• Ensuring that any pupils who suffer an accident or injury are dealt with appropriately in accordance with the school’s agreed procedures and providing first aid during the lunch period as required
• Preventing bullying, being aware of changes in friendships
• Encouraging socialising and play, promoting games and activities, including participating in games where required
• Discouraging any dangerous activities. Dealing with any unacceptable or challenging behaviour in accordance with school policy
• Being aware of cultural differences between pupils, dealing with incidents of racism or sexism in accordance with agreed procedures

St Mary's is a school which is clearly underpinned by its Christian ethos, values the professionalism of everyone that works within the school and sees staff wellbeing as a priority.

St Mary’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, parents, volunteers, visitors and contractors to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS Check, medical clearance and references. An online search will also be undertaken on all short-listed candidates.

The deadline for applications, using the application form provided, is 20th November at 8am. Interviews will follow later in the same week. Applications should be submitted to Jill Byrne, School Business Manager, at j.byrne@stmarys565.herts.sch.uk