Lunch Cover Assistant

Happy Days Nurseries; Croxley Green; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Funded DBS Update Service

Funded Blue Light Card Membership &amp

More

Job summary

Happy Days Nurseries Limited in Croxley Green is seeking a Lunch Cover Assistant to support the Early Years team during lunchtimes. You will help with mealtimes, routines and learning activities, ensuring children feel safe and cared for.

The role requires empathy, reliability and teamwork, with an opportunity to develop within a nurturing, values‑driven nursery environment and across multiple sites if needed.

Qualifications

• A Level 2 Early Years qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience supporting children's development and wellbeing.
• Understanding safeguarding and keeping children safe.
• Strong communication and collaborative work with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Support lunchtime, mealtimes and daily routines.
• Assist with mealtimes, sleep times and learning activities.
• Follow the curriculum to support individual development.
• Maintain safeguarding, allergies and dietary requirements.
• Work with the team to keep routines consistent and high standards.
• Communicate professionally with colleagues and families.

Job description

Location: Croxley Green, Watford
Salary: up to £15.50 per hour, depending on qualification
Additional Benefits: Funded DBS Update Service, Funded Blue Light Card Membership & More
Contract: Part-time, All Year Round
Hours: 20hours per week, Monday to Friday,10am to 2pm

About Happy Days

Happy Days is growing, and we're looking for a dedicated Lunch Cover Assistant to join our nursery team in Croxley Green.

As a Lunch Cover Assistant, you'll play an important role in supporting our Early Years team to provide high-quality care and education, helping children feel safe, happy and supported throughout their nursery day.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to children's development, learning and wellbeing by supporting their daily routines, encouraging positive mealtime experiences and helping create an environment where every child can thrive.

The Role

As a Lunch Cover Assistant, you'll support our nursery team during the busy lunchtime period, helping ensure children receive the care, attention and support they need.

You’ll assist with mealtimes, sleep times and learning activities, following our "Where Children Shine" curriculum to support children's individual development. You'll work closely with colleagues to maintain consistent routines, meet children's individual needs and ensure safeguarding, allergies and dietary requirements are always prioritised.

Key Responsibilities

• Support children throughout lunchtime, helping create positive and enjoyable mealtime experiences.
• Provide a safe, supportive and enriching environment that promotes children's development and wellbeing.
• Support children's daily routines, including mealtimes, sleep times and learning activities.
• Help deliver high-quality care and education in line with our "Where Children Shine" curriculum.
• Support children's emotional, social and intellectual development through positive interactions.
• Follow all nursery policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety requirements.
• Ensure allergies and special dietary requirements are followed carefully.
• Work collaboratively with the nursery team to maintain consistent routines and high standards of care.
• Communicate professionally and build positive relationships with colleagues, children and families.
• Adapt to changing priorities and support the wider team wherever needed.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a caring, enthusiastic and flexible Early Years professional who is passionate about supporting children's development and creating positive nursery experiences.

You'll ideally have:

• A Level 2 Early Years qualification, although relevant experience and a commitment to learning are also valued.
• Experience supporting children's development, learning and emotional wellbeing.
• A good understanding of safeguarding and the importance of keeping children safe.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• An inclusive and respectful approach that recognises every child's individual needs.
• A reflective attitude and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• The flexibility to support nursery teams across multiple sites within a one-hour radius, where required.

It would also be great if you have:

• Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Experience supporting children with additional needs.
• Familiarity with digital learning journals or nursery software.

What We Offer

We're proud to provide a supportive working environment where our people feel valued, can develop their skills and build rewarding careers in Early Years.

Flexible Working

We recognise that everyone's circumstances are different and offer:

• Full-time, part-time and flexible working options.
• Support to find working arrangements that work for you.

Learning & Development

• Structured training, mentoring and a clear career progression pathway.
• Tailored development plans to support your professional growth.
• Access to accredited training programmes and continuing professional development (CPD).
• Mentoring from experienced Early Years leaders.
• Opportunities to develop your skills and progress towards nursery management roles.

Health and Wellbeing

• Generous annual leave from day one
• Extra days off for Christmas and personal day
• Extensive Health and Wellbeing Support

If you're passionate about Early Years, enjoy supporting children's daily routines and want to make a positive difference to their learning and wellbeing, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Happy Days and help create an environment where children feel safe, supported and inspired to shine, while developing your own skills and career.

Inclusion & Safeguarding

Happy Days is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applicants from under-represented groups, including men. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Happy Days Nurseries is committed to safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care. All successful candidates will undergo the required pre-employment and vetting checks, including verification of the right to work in the UK.