Lunchtime Assistant
Lunchtime Assistants help primary school pupils stay safe and enjoy their lunch break. You’ll work alongside school staff in the dining room, playground and indoor areas, helping children at mealtimes and encouraging positive play. The role is usually part-time and term-time only.
Some Lunchtime Assistants work in a Specialist Provision Centre (SPC), where they provide additional support to pupils with special educational needs. This can involve working with one child or supporting a small group.
Day-to-day tasks
- In this role you could:
- Supervise pupils while they eat lunch and play.
- Encourage children to eat their lunch and use good table manners.
- Help children join in with safe, creative play and activities.
- Encourage positive behaviour and help deal with incidents during the lunch break.
- Give first aid for minor injuries when needed and seek help from school staff when necessary.
- Work with teaching staff and pass on any concerns about a pupil’s safety or wellbeing.
- In a Specialist Provision Centre, you could also:
- Support pupils one-to-one or in groups, helping them take part in lunchtime activities and build positive relationships.
- Help with eating, drinking, toileting or changing, depending on each pupil’s needs.
- Follow individual feeding, communication or behaviour support plans under the direction of the SPC team.
- Use specialist equipment or carry out specific care tasks after completing the relevant training.
Skills & knowledge
You'll need:
- A kind, patient and approachable manner.
- The ability to communicate clearly with children and adults.
- The ability to stay calm and use good judgement when an incident occurs.
- The ability to encourage children to join in and play safely.
- The ability to work well as part of a school team.
- Discretion when handling confidential information about pupils.
- For SPC roles, you’ll also need to be willing to help with personal care and complete training to meet pupils’ individual needs.
Industry Qualifications
For Specialist Provision Centre roles, experience working with or caring for school-age children and a current first aid certificate can be helpful. SPC staff receive safeguarding training and may need further training in areas such as feeding, personal care or using specialist equipment. A satisfactory police check is required for these roles.