Midday Assistant

The role of a Midday Assistant is key to the safe supervision of pupils during the lunch period, actively engaging all children in your assigned area in play and talk over the lunchtime period.

The Midday Assistant will help supervise pupils during lunchtime, support appropriate activities and ensure that children are safely transitioned into school at the end of the lunchtime break.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervision and Care of Pupils

• Ensure children attending the school are appropriately registered and accounted for during lunchtime.
• Provide appropriate supervision throughout the Lunchtime session.
• Promote a calm, safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment.
• Encourage children to develop independence, positive social skills and good manners.
• Interact positively with children and encourage participation in suitable activities.
• Support the management of children's behaviour in accordance with the school’s behaviour policy and expectations.
• Be attentive to the individual needs and wellbeing of children attending the provision.
• Report any concerns regarding a child’s welfare or behaviour to the appropriate member of staff.

Lunchtime Provision:

• Assist with the serving of lunch in accordance with school procedures.
• Encourage children to make appropriate and healthy choices.
• Be aware of and follow information relating to food allergies, intolerances and individual dietary requirements.
• Ensure appropriate standards of hygiene are maintained when handling and serving food.
• Assist children appropriately where additional support is required.
• Clear tables and food preparation areas following lunchtime and ensure equipment is stored appropriately.

Activities and Environment:

• Assist with supervising children during Lunchtime break
• Encourage children to engage positively with one another and with the activities provided.
• Ensure equipment and resources are used safely.
• Help maintain a clean, organised and welcoming Lunchtime environment in the Dinner Hall, the Playground and in the Classroom .
• Assist with clearing and tidying the provision at the end of lunchtime play.

Transition into School:

• Ensure all children are accounted for at the end of the Lunchtime session.
• Support children to transition safely and promptly to their classrooms or designated areas.
• Communicate any relevant information or concerns to the appropriate school staff.

Safeguarding:

The Midday Assistant has a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

The postholder will:

• Follow the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures at all times.
• Remain vigilant to signs that a child may be at risk of harm or in need of additional support.
• Report safeguarding concerns immediately in accordance with school procedures.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with pupils.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle information appropriately.
• Complete required safeguarding training and updates.

Health, Safety and Hygiene:

The postholder will:

• Follow the school’s health and safety procedures.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Follow appropriate food hygiene procedures.
• Be aware of pupils with allergies, medical conditions or specific dietary requirements and follow agreed procedures.
• Report accidents, incidents, hazards or concerns promptly.
• Follow the school’s procedures in the event of an emergency.

General Responsibilities:

• Work cooperatively and professionally with colleagues.
• Promote the values, ethos and expectations of Acre Hall Primary School.
• Treat pupils, parents, colleagues and visitors with dignity and respect.
• Promote equality, inclusion and positive relationships.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding pupils, families and school matters.
• Attend relevant training as required.
• Comply with school and Trust policies and procedures.
• Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the nature and level of the role.