Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council; North East; On-site; GBP 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Lunchtime Play Worker to ensure the care and supervision of children during lunchtimes. The role involves organizing engaging activities, managing behavior, and assisting during meal service. Suitable candidates should be able to build strong relationships with children and must be willing to undergo first aid training. This part-time position is temporary and requires working Monday to Friday from 11:50 am to 1:05 pm.

Qualifications

• Experience with supervising children during play and meal times.
• Ability to manage behavior and resolve conflicts.
• Willingness to undergo first aid training.

Responsibilities

• Manage children's play and behavior during lunchtimes.
• Assist with meal service, ensuring hygiene and safety.
• Provide pastoral care and support to children.

Skills

Instigating play

Building relationships with children

Basic first aid

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Lunchtime Play Worker

Grade 1, £24,796 pro rata

Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday: 11:50am – 1:05pm

Temporary from Monday 2 March 2026 (subject to a successful DBS check) until 17 July 2026

Description of role

The main purpose of the role is to look after and interact with the children at lunchtimes. You would, alongside other team members, organise and deliver activities that engage and encourage children to play and build friendships. You will manage behaviour and help children to resolve conflict following our behaviour code. The role is mainly outside in the playground unless indoor lunchtime is necessary due to bad weather.

To be responsible for the care, supervision and play of the children before, during and after meals, covering the full interval between the close of the session preceding the meal and the re-opening of the session after the meal, in accordance with the Council’s policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Is able to instigate play in the playground during the OPAL midday break and encourage children to play independently
• Set up play areas that encourage children to develop through play
• Build strong relationships with children and respond to their needs
• Lead games and provide open ended play opportunities
• Encourage children to express themselves and talk about their worries
• Assist pupils during the meal service, including supervising handwashing and entry in and out of the dinner halls. Including clearing up spillages during mealtimes promptly, supporting in wiping tables and chairs when required.
• Ensure pupils maintain high standards of behaviour, managing and reporting any cases of misbehaviour, especially bullying, as appropriate.
• Be familiar with keeping children safe and following the schools’ safeguarding procedures to report any worries or concerns to a member of the Designated Safeguarding Team.
• Perform basic first aid for minor incidents/accidents, including recording of first aid incidents.
• To attend any training courses relevant to the post, ensuring continuing, personal and professional development. The successful candidate would be expected to be first aid trained (or willing to go on a first aid course)
• Role requires working with a team and reporting into the Play Worker Lead.
• Ability to present oneself as a role model to pupils in speech, dress, behaviour and attitude.
• Provide pastoral care and support to sick and injured children taking appropriate action as necessary ensuring parents and school staff are fully informed of incidents and accidents.
• The Post holder may undertake any other duties that are commensurate with the post.

Safer Recruitment

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The above is not exhaustive and the post holder will be expected to undertake any duties which may reasonably fall within the level of responsibility and the competence of the post as directed by your manager.

Successful candidates must be able to undertake additional hours for mandatory training on an annual basis.

This position is paid whole time with retainer adjustments applied to periods of school closure. You will not be required to work during the school closure periods however your salary in these periods will be adjusted accordingly in line with the retainer regulations as specified in the National Joint Council (NJC) Green Book agreement.

This post is not open to job share.

Closing date: 23rd January 2026

Shortlisting date: TBC

Interview date: TBC Late January 2026

Newker Primary School

Waldridge Road

Chester-le-Street

DH2 3AA

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.newkerprimary.co.uk