Lunchtime Assistant SEN

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Lunchtime Assistant to join our fantastic team at Grange School.

This is a permanent post working 10 hours per week 11.30am-1.30pm, term time only. The starting salary is £5,937 and the full time equivalent is £24,796 Grade 2.

As a Lunchtime Assistant, you will provide high‑quality support to students during lunchtime, helping to ensure a safe, inclusive, and positive experience for all. You will support students with a range of needs, including social interaction, healthy eating, personal care, and participation in lunchtime clubs and activities.

This role is ideal for someone who is compassionate, patient, and committed to supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

• Supervise and support students in dining areas, playgrounds, and other designated spaces.
• Assist students with feeding, personal care, toileting, changing, and handwashing, as required, ensuring dignity and respect at all times.
• Promote healthy eating and support students in making appropriate food choices.
• Support students’ social communication and interaction, encouraging positive relationships and inclusive behaviour.
• Assist with and lead a range of lunchtime clubs and activities (e.g. outdoor play, football, art, sensory story, magazine club).
• Support students who may display challenging behaviour using calm, positive approaches.
• Monitor dietary needs, medical requirements and individual care plans.
• Provide comfort and reassurance to students who are unwell or have minor accidents and seek first aid support when necessary.
• Report accidents, incidents or safeguarding concerns promptly to senior staff.
• Work closely with teaching staff, SEN staff and the Senior Lunchtime Organiser to meet students’ individual needs.
• Ensure equipment is used safely, maintained and stored correctly, including tables, chairs and specialist equipment following training.
• Follow all school and Trust policies, particularly those relating to safeguarding, health and safety and child protection.

• A dedicated and compassionate individual with experience of working with children (experience of SEN is desirable).
• Someone who can build positive relationships with students and staff.
• A team player who is committed to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing.
• An individual able to communicate clearly and confidently in spoken English.
• A willingness to undertake training, including personal care and specialist equipment training where required.

Please follow the online application process to be considered. Interviews will take place on Friday 6th February.

Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self‑disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references.

• High quality CPD for all roles
• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan – annual cash back allowance for a range of everyday health care expenses
• Generous Pension Contribution – over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff
• Good holidays – teachers as per School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non‑teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus…