Lunchtime Assistant

Overview

Join our Education team at Chailey Heritage Foundation as a Lunchtime Assistant, where every day brings an opportunity to make a difference. This role goes beyond supporting children with complex physical disabilities and health needs during mealtimes. You’ll also play an active part in their school day—encouraging participation in activities, fostering independence, and supporting wherever needed to ensure their school experience is as enriching as possible.

LOCATION: Onsite, North Chailey, (BN8 4EF
)

SALARY: £12.98 per hour / £8,760 pro rata

HOURS: 15 hours per week (11:30 am - 2:30 pm), Monday to Friday, term time only.

• Assisting with personal care, hygiene, and mealtime routines.
• Engaging children in social play and activities to promote interaction and independence.
• Preparing and tidying lunch areas, and ensuring pupils  dietary and sensory needs are met.
• Supporting mobility needs using appropriate handling techniques.
• Being an advocate for the children, respecting their individuality and promoting their confidence.

With your help, pupils will feel safe, valued, and inspired every day.

We need someone who is:

• Compassionate, proactive, and great at building relationships.
• A team player with a basic understanding of technology.
• Willing to learn and grow, with a passion for helping children thrive. Previous experience in SEN settings or working with children is an advantage but not essential.

We want you to feel confident and fully equipped to succeed in this role. That’s why all successful candidates must complete our 5-day induction program (and additional hands-on training sessions), which may extend beyond your contracted hours—but don’t worry, you’ll be paid for every hour you attend.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Competitive pay.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Discount facilities and healthcare cash plans.
• Free parking, tea/coffee facilities, and an onsite café.
• Cycle-to-work scheme, employee assistance program, and more!

For full details of the role, you can view the Lunchtime Assistant JD here.

Discover more about our organisation, purpose, and values on the Chailey Heritage Foundation website.

If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today or reach out to us at careers or Whats App us on for any questions.

Chailey Heritage Foundation is committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and young adults. Employment will be subject to the receipt of two satisfactory professional references, an enhanced DBS certificate and occupational health clearance. It is an offence to apply for any job in regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults if you are barred from doing so.

As part of our recruitment process, Chailey Heritage Foundation (CHF) collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. CHF is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data to meet its obligations under GDPR. Please ensure you have reviewed our privacy policy prior to completing an application with us.