Lunch Cover Assistant

Happy Days Nurseries Limited; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded Blue Light CardMembership

Life Assurance

Christmas On Us – up to 4 gifted days

Job summary

Happy Days Nurseries Limited in Salisbury is seeking a Lunch Cover Assistant for 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday, during lunch periods. You will support children’s lunchtime routines, assist with play and learning activities, and help maintain a safe and inclusive environment.

The role requires early years experience or Level 2 qualification, strong communication, and a collaborative approach with staff. A commitment to safeguarding and a positive, reflective attitude is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with child development and learning.
• Confident, professional communication and collaboration.
• Inclusive approach creating a supportive, respectful environment.
• Reflective mindset and commitment to professional growth.
• Willingness to commute to multiple nursery sites within a one-hour radius.

Responsibilities

• Support lunch times and daily routines to ensure a smooth day for children.
• Assist with mealtimes and safeguarding, following policies and allergy requirements.
• Support learning activities and staff during lunch periods.
• Contribute to a safe, positive environment and consistent daily routines.

Skills

Child development

Communication

Collaboration

Inclusive practice

Education

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

Tools

Nursery software

Job description

We’re looking for a Lunch Cover Assistant committed to supporting children’s growth and learning, at our Salisbury nursery!

Our Lunch Cover Assistant will work 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday (all year round) over our busy lunch time. Working hours are 10:00 to 14:00 or 11:00 to 15:00.

About the role:

As a Lunch Cover Assistant, you will:

• Play a vital role in helping us inspire the future for our children, offering the very best care and education using our unique curriculum “Where Children Shine”.
• Be responsible for providing a safe, supportive and enriching environment that fosters children’s development and well-being, particularly over the busy lunchtime period.
• Be an integral part of our children’s daily routines and you will support the staff team with lunch times, sleep times and supporting learning activities.
• Juggle many different tasks as part of the role, working closely with the staff team to ensure that our children’s day is kept consistent, through a confident, positive and honest approach.
• Support children during their mealtime and following all policies and procedures to keep our children safe and keep to all allergies and special dietary requirements
• Have a good understanding of how to best safeguard our children and families.

About you:

We're looking for Early Years Practitioners, preferably qualified to Level 2, who:

• Have experience with child development and learning and are committed to children’s emotional and intellectual growth
• Communicate confidently, professionally and work collaboratively
• Work in a way that is inclusive and creates a supportive, respectful environment
• Are reflective and committed to professional growth
• Can easily commute to multiple nursery sites within a one-hour radius

And a few nice to haves:

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

Rewarding careers:

We’re committed to nurturing talent and supporting career progression into nursery management roles. Through tailored development plans, mentoring from experienced leaders, and access to accredited training programmes, we empower our team members to grow their leadership skills and take the next step in their careers.

We welcome applicants from under-represented groups including men and offer a competitive range of benefits that aren’t just perks—they are part of a culture that puts people first. They support us build a workplace where you’re empowered to thrive every day and where you’ll feel valued.

What’s in it for you:

• Hourly rate up to £14.41
• Fully funded Blue Light Card Membership
• Life Assurance
• Christmas On Us - up to 4 gifted days off during Christmas closedown
• An extensive range of Health and Wellbeing services through the SPARK APP
• Structured training, mentoring, and a clear career progression pathway all of which will support your CPD

Safeguarding commitment:

Happy Days Nurseries are committed to the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care. All successful candidates will undergo the required vetting process.