Lunchtime Assistant

Finkley Nurseries; West of England; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holidays

Career growth

Childcare discount

Wellbeing support

Joining bonus

Free uniform & DBS

Referral rewards

Family entry to Finkley Down Farm

Job summary

Avon Valley Nursery is looking for a Lunchtime Assistant in Andover to join our caring team. You will supervise children during lunch, promote healthy eating, and support children’s comfort and engagement during mealtimes.

This part-time role (20 hours/week, 10:30am–2:30pm, five days a week) offers a friendly, EYFS‑focused environment with opportunities to contribute to planning, observation, and inclusive practice in a Nursery setting.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children during lunch to model and encourage good eating habits and table manners.
• Provide reassurance and support to children during mealtimes.
• Ensure safe transitions between lunchtime and next activity.

Job description

Join the Avon Valley Nursery Team as a Lunchtime Assistant!

Location: Andover : Keynsham

Hours: 20 Hours per week 1030am-14:30pm 5 days per week

Salary: Up to £13.01 per hour

At Avon Valley Nursery, we believe in creating a nurturing environment where children can embark on exciting adventures every day. Our ethos - Happy Children. Happy Parents. Happy Staff. - is at the heart of everything we do. With our unique settings, we offer unparalleled experiences for both children and staff.

Why Join Avon Valley Nursery?

• Generous Holidays – Up to 34 days, plus your birthday off
• Career Growth – 100+ online courses, SENCO/Forest School training, and management pathways
• Childcare Savings – 50% discount for your children
• Wellbeing Support – Health Assured benefits, attendance bonuses, and more
• Extra Perks – £100 joining bonus for resources, free uniform & DBS, referral rewards up to £750, and free family entry to Finkley Down Farm & Solstice Play

What You’ll Be Up To

• Spark Curiosity – Create magical, hands‑on learning adventures guided by the EYFS
• Be Their Hero – Become a key person, championing children’s growth, happiness, and wellbeing
• Click, Tap, Done! – Keep records ship‑shape using our nifty online tools (Famly, Portal)
• Celebrate Every Child – Champion inclusivity and support children with SEND to shine
• Team Vibes Only – Work side‑by‑side with colleagues to keep the energy positive and proactive
• Family First – Build warm, lasting connections with parents and professionals alike
• Join the Fun – Dive into nursery events, outings, and community adventures

What We’re Looking For

Lunchtime Supervision

• Sit with children during meals to model and encourage good eating habits and table manners
• Provide reassurance and support to children, helping them feel comfortable and engaged during mealtimes
• Encourage children to try a variety of foods, respecting individual dietary needs and allergies
• Ensure children with allergies are seated at a designated allergen-aware table, using clearly marked place cards, colour‑coded crockery, and following the nursery’s allergy policy at all times
• Support bottle feeding or weaning as needed under practitioner guidance
• Maintain calm, positive, and age‑appropriate conversations with children during lunch
• Ensure safe transitions between lunchtime and the next activity (e.g. play, sleep, outdoor time)

Childcare and EYFS Curriculum

• Implement and monitor an effective educational framework that reflects the EYFS, ensuring all children access rich, varied, and purposeful learning experiences.
• Take lead responsibility for the planning, observation, assessment, and tracking of children's development using the nursery management system, including 2-year checks and SEND documentation.
• Act as a key person for a designated group of children, promoting strong relationships and personalised learning.
• Promote inclusive practice and ensure children’s individual needs are met through timely interventions and adaptations.

Childcare Support

• Deliver safe, meaningful activities while practitioners are on their lunch break
• Provide comfort and supervision to children needing extra support during transitions or settling
• Encourage independent skills such as hand washing, self-feeding, and putting on coats/shoes
• Work closely with key workers to ensure consistency and emotional support for children
• Monitor and record any concerns and pass these on to the designated staff member or manager

Health, Hygiene & Safety

• Support children with personal care routines before and after meals (toileting, handwashing)
• Help ensure a clean and safe environment in dining and play areas
• Report accidents, incidents, or safeguarding concerns immediately to the designated lead
• Adhere to all nursery health and safety procedures including allergy awareness and infection control
• Ensure confidentiality is fully maintained at all times

Staff & Development

• Work collaboratively with all staff and support a positive team environment
• Take part in meetings and training as required
• Be open to feedback and development opportunities
• Follow and model the nursery’s policies, values, and ethos at all times

Ready to Embark on a New Adventure?

If you’re enthusiastic about making a difference in children’s lives and want to be part of a supportive and dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you!

Attraction Nurseries is an equal opportunities employer. All positions are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.