Lunchtime supervisors, sometimes called mid-day supervisors or lunchtime assistants, look after the welfare of school pupils during lunchtimes.
What's involved
Lunchtime supervisors have a range of duties and responsibilities, varying according to the type of school, which typically include:
• effective supervising pupils in the dining hall and other parts of the school
• helping pupils with a variety of tasks, such as cutting up their food and changing clothes
• cleaning up spillages and sickness
• helping to clear away food and stack tables and chairs after pupils have left the dining hall
• ensuring pupils keep out of areas that are out of bounds, and don't leave the school premises
• dealing with misbehaviour and reporting any problems they are unable to resolve to the duty teacher or head teacher
• tending to pupils who are sick or injured, ensuring they receive appropriate medical attention, and reporting any serious accidents
• being aware of responsibilities under child protection legislation, and reporting concerns to a senior supervisor or the head teacher
• assisting with play activities if required.
Skills and experience you'll need
To work as a lunchtime supervisor, the following skills would be helpful:
• enjoyment of working with children and the ability to control and supervise them
• patience
• the ability to stay calm
• good communication skills
• the ability to work as part of a team
Entry requirements
It could be an advantage if you have basic first aid skills and experience of working with children. You would need clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly the Criminal Records Bureau), along with patience and the ability to stay calm.