Lunchtime Support Assistant, SEND

Axcis Education Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 1,378,000 - 1,929,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free CPD and SEND-focused training

Long-term opportunities

Job summary

Axcis Education is recruiting a caring Lunchtime Support Assistant to work in a Sutton SEND school. You will support pupils with ASD and complex needs during lunch and unstructured times, helping them develop independence and social skills while ensuring safety.

The role suits candidates with care, education, or healthcare experience, offering opportunities for ongoing CPD and potential permanent placement.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEND, ASD, learning disabilities.
• Patient, caring and able to build positive relationships with pupils.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support pupils during lunch and recreation periods.
• Encourage independent and cooperative play activities.
• Support development of social interaction, communication and friendship skills.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
• Assist pupils with transitions between lunchtime activities and lessons.
• Provide support to pupils with autism, SEND and complex needs.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive and enjoyable lunchtime environment.
• Assist with eating and drinking where required.
• Provide personal care support in line with individual care plans.

Skills

SEND experience

Patience and caring

Teamwork and communication

Job description

Location: Sutton, South London

Hours: Lunchtime Hours, Term Time Only

Contract: Temporary with Potential for Permanent Placement

Pay: Competitive Hourly Rate

Axcis Education is currently recruiting for a caring and proactive Lunchtime Support Assistant to work within a supportive SEND school in Sutton. This rewarding role involves supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and additional complex needs during lunchtime and unstructured periods of the school day. You will play a vital role in helping pupils develop independence, social skills, and positive play behaviours while ensuring their safety and wellbeing. This position is ideal for candidates with experience in education, care, support work, childcare, or healthcare settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and support pupils during lunch and recreational periods.
• Encourage pupils to engage in independent and cooperative play activities.
• Support the development of social interaction, communication, and friendship skills.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
• Assist pupils with transitions between lunchtime activities and lessons.
• Provide support to pupils with autism, SEND, and complex needs.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable lunchtime environment.
• Support pupils with eating and drinking where required.
• Provide personal care support in line with individual care plans.

Ideal Candidate

• Has experience supporting children or young people with SEND, ASD, autism, learning disabilities, or complex needs.
• Is patient, caring, and able to build positive relationships with pupils.
• Can encourage independence while providing appropriate support.
• Has strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Is confident supporting pupils with personal care needs.
• Remains calm, flexible, and positive in a busy school environment.
• Has a genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs.

Why Work Through Axcis Education?

• Competitive rates of pay.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated SEND recruitment consultant.
• Access to free CPD and SEND-focused training.
• Opportunities for long-term and permanent positions.
• Work within supportive and inclusive school environments.
• Make a meaningful difference to the daily lives of children with additional needs.

Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria.

The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website).

If the position you are applying for involves working with children or vulnerable adults, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Axcis Education is an employment agency offering temporary supply work for daily, short-term and long-term assignments in addition to permanent positions.

You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face to face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role.

Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.