Lunchtime Support Assistant: Calm, Caring Student Helper

Dorset Council; Ringwood; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Wyvern Academy is seeking a Lunchtime / Midday Supervisory Assistant to support pupils during lunch. The role is 12.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 11:30am–2:00pm, with a start in November 2026.

The salary is £25,614 per annum full-time equivalent; actual pro-rata pay applies for term-time or part-time working, with a separate annual figure of £7,405 for term-time arrangements. Join a caring team to build positive relationships, supervise in the dining hall, promote healthy habits, and

Qualifications

• Kind, enthusiastic and reliable, with a genuine love for working with children and young people.
• Patient, empathetic and calm, even when things don’t go to plan.
• A positive role model and a friendly, reassuring presence.
• Organised and able to multitask in a busy environment.
• Compassionate, open-minded and creative - because every pupil is unique.
• Resilient and able to bounce back on challenging days.
• Passionate about supporting children and young people with complex learning needs.
• Experience is welcome, but your attitude, values and willingness to learn are what matter most.

Responsibilities

• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils to create a safe and supportive lunchtime environment
• Supervising pupils in the dining hall, ensuring their safety, wellbeing and dignity at all times
• Encouraging good hygiene, polite table manners and healthy eating habits
• Supporting pupils with individual needs to ensure lunchtime is a positive experience for everyone
• Setting up and clearing the dining area, keeping the hall clean, tidy and welcoming
• Cleaning and tidying equipment, including trays, beakers and cutlery
• Maintaining calm and organisation, even during busy or challenging moments
• Working closely with colleagues to ensure every pupil’s needs are met with care and creativity Bringing energy, positivity and joy to lunchtime - because it really matters

Skills

Kindness & enthusiasm

Reliability

Patience

Calm under pressure

Role modelling

Organisation & multitasking

Creativity

Resilience

Support for learners with needs

Willingness to learn

Job description

Wyvern Academy is seeking a Lunchtime / Midday Supervisory Assistant to support pupils during lunch. The role is 12.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 11:30am–2:00pm, with a start in November 2026.

The salary is £25,614 per annum full-time equivalent; actual pro-rata pay applies for term-time or part-time working, with a separate annual figure of £7,405 for term-time arrangements. Join a caring team to build positive relationships, supervise in the dining hall, promote healthy habits, and