Lunchtime Assistant

West Sussex County Council; Chichester; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Chichester Nursery School invites applications for a friendly Lunchtime Assistant to support 3- to 4-year-olds during our daily lunchtime sessions. The post is a fixed-term contract until 22 July 2027, with a view to renewal, at Grade 3 £13.23 per hour pro rata (5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 12pm–1pm; occasional 11:30 start during busy times).

You will help children develop independence, clear away after lunch, and maintain a clean environment; safeguarding and DBS checks apply, and

Qualifications

• Experience with children aged 3–4 preferred.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Willingness to undertake Level 2 Food Hygiene training and DBS checks.

Responsibilities

• Support a small group of children during lunchtimes.
• Assist with clearing away after lunch and washing-up duties.
• Maintain a warm, caring and welcoming environment for children.

Skills

Childcare basics

Teamwork

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification

Job description

Chichester Nursery School are looking forward to appointing a friendly and hard-working Lunchtime Assistant to support the lunchtime sessions with children aged 3-4 in our Nursery School.

5 hours per week
Monday to Friday - 12pm - 1pm
Term Time Only (with the occasional flexibility to start work at 11.30am when needed)
Fixed Contract to 22nd July 2027, with the possibility of renewal
Grade 3 £13.23 per hour pro rata

Closing date: 25th November 2026
Interview date: 30th November 2026

During lunchtimes, you will support a small group of children, encouraging the development of their independence skills while creating a warm, caring, and nurturing environment. You will also assist with clearing away after lunch and carrying out washing-up duties to help maintain a clean and organised setting.

The successful candidate will be able to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team. They will have a basic understanding of food hygiene principles and either hold, or be willing to undertake training towards, a Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification. They will be proactive, able to identify what needs to be done, and use their initiative to support the smooth running of the setting.

A genuine enjoyment of working with children is essential for this role.

This post is subject to enhanced DBS clearance in line with our commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, as well as references and health checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Safeguarding Statement

Chichester Nursery School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.