Lunchtime Assistant First School

Hexham First School is seeking a calm, approachable, and empathetic individual with excellent interpersonal skills to join our lunchtime team. The ideal candidate will be supportive and nurturing, able to communicate positively with children and respond sensitively to their individual needs, helping to develop their personal, social, and emotional skills.

This role involves supervising children both in the dining hall and playground, ensuring a safe and enjoyable lunchtime experience. You will lead engaging playground games that encourage teamwork and active play, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all pupils. Additionally, you will be responsible for managing minor accidents and incidents with care and professionalism, always prioritising the wellbeing of the children.

• Supervise pupils in the dining hall, playground, and classrooms during wet play, ensuring their safety and wellbeing at all times.
• Encourage pupils to eat their lunch and monitor those who do not, reporting any concerns to class teachers.
• Support pupils with tasks such as cutting up food where needed.
• Assist pupils who are sick or injured, ensuring appropriate medical attention is given and incidents are logged in line with school procedures.
• Manage pupil behaviour during lunchtime, dealing calmly with any misbehaviour and reporting serious issues to the Headteacher or relevant staff.
• Be vigilant and responsive to safeguarding responsibilities, reporting any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

• Set up and clear away tables, chairs, and equipment in the lunch area efficiently.
• Clean up food, water spillages, and any sickness promptly to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Manage orderly entrance and exit of pupils to and from the lunch area.

• Lead and organise playground games and activities that encourage inclusive, active play.
• Support pupils in sharing play equipment and resolving minor disputes during playtime.
• Monitor pupils who are not engaging in play and report any concerns to class teachers.

• Observe pupils and the environment to identify and minimise health and safety risks.
• Deliver first aid for minor incidents and refer major incidents to qualified first aiders.
• Be aware of and support pupils with medical or dietary needs.
• Promote the school’s healthy eating policy and reinforce positive behaviours around food and play.

• Work collaboratively with school staff, following any directions regarding support for pupils with challenging behaviour.
• Maintain clear communication with staff regarding any concerns or incidents.
• Participate in training and development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role.

• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and the ability to supervise and manage groups calmly and effectively.
• Patience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong communication skills to engage positively with pupils and staff.
• Ability to work as part of a team, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive lunchtime environment.

Further information about the school can be found on our website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..hexha

An application pack can be downloaded from this website or requested via the contact details below.

Applications should be returned to School by midday on Friday January 23rd 2026. Application forms can be handed, or posted, into the main school office or emailed to

Interviews will be held in the week commencing January 26th, 2026.

Hexham First School
Beauforth Avenue, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 1JD

website: .hexha

Salary amounts quoted are subject to an equated salary adjustment if you commence employment part way through the academic year.