LUNCHTIME WELFARE ASSISTANT

Lancashire County Council; Helmshore; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Training opportunities

Supportive staff environment

Job summary

St Mary's CE Primary School in Haslingden is seeking a reliable Welfare Assistant to support pupils at lunchtime, supervise the dining hall and playground, and promote safe, inclusive play. You will work as part of a friendly team and help maintain positive behaviours throughout the school day.

The role emphasises safeguarding, first aid support, and working within school policies. This is a part-time, term-time position with pro-rata pay and DBS checks required.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children, preferably in a school, childcare or community setting.
• Effective communication with children, staff and parents/carers.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils and encourage positive behaviour.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and use their own initiative when required.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Supervise pupils in the dining hall, playground and other designated areas during lunchtime.
• Encourage positive behaviour and good manners.
• Promote safe play and positive interactions between pupils.
• Assist younger children with meals and lunchtime routines.
• Support pupils' wellbeing and report any concerns to the appropriate staff.
• Administer basic first aid and seek assistance when required.
• Ensure school policies relating to behaviour, health and safety, and safeguarding are followed at all times.

Skills

Experience with children

Communication

Teamwork

Safeguarding commitment

Job description

Location St Mary's Rawtenstall Church Of England Primary School, Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, Rossendale, BB4 8RZ (178 on roll)

Tel: [phone]

School website: www.stmaryscep.org.uk

Summary St Mary's CE Primary School is looking to appoint a reliable, caring and enthusiastic Welfare Assistant to join our dedicated team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with children and is committed to helping create a safe, happy and positive lunchtime environment.

The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting pupils during the lunchtime period, encouraging positive behaviour and ensuring all children feel included and cared for.

Main Duties

• Supervise pupils in the dining hall, playground and other designated areas during lunchtime.
• Encourage positive behaviour and good manners.
• Promote safe play and positive interactions between pupils.
• Assist younger children where necessary with meals and lunchtime routines.
• Support pupils' wellbeing and report any concerns to the appropriate staff.
• Administer basic first aid and seek assistance when required.
• Ensure school policies relating to behaviour, health and safety, and safeguarding are followed at all times.

We are looking for someone who:

• Enjoys working with children and has a positive, friendly approach.
• Can build positive relationships with pupils and staff.
• Is reliable, punctual and able to work as part of a team.
• Has good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can remain calm and professional when managing behaviour and resolving minor conflicts.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

We can offer

• Friendly and enthusiastic pupils.
• A welcoming and supportive staff team.
• A positive working environment.
• Relevant training and development opportunities.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to children's school experience.

Safeguarding Statement

St Mary's CE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all necessary pre-employment checks.

Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

This position is part time, term time only, please note the salary quoted is full time equivalent. If successful, the salary received will be paid on a pro-rata basis.

The closing date is 12 noon on 15/09/2026

Essential Qualifications

• Have experience of working with children, preferably in a school, childcare or community setting.
• Be able to communicate effectively with children, staff and parents/carers.
• Demonstrate an ability to build positive relationships with pupils and encourage positive behaviour.
• Be able to work effectively as part of a team and use their own initiative when required.

Desirable Qualifications

• First Aid (training will be organised through the school if required)

Essential Experience

• Ability to relate and communicate well with children.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Desirable Experience

• Experience of working in a school environment or with children.

For an informal discussion please contact: If you would like to visit school or to discuss the role further please contact the school office on 01706 216407.

Equal Opportunities statement An Equal Opportunities Employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community Rehabilitation Rehabilitation The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Information provided by you or the Disclosure and Barring Service will be dealt with in a confidential manner in accordance with the DBS's Code of Practice. You may view the Code of Practice on the DBS website at www.gov.uk/dbs or alternatively a copy is available on request. Lancashire County Council has a Handling of DBS Certificate Information Policy and a Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders this is available from the recruiting manager to applicants who are asked to complete a DBS application.

The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all people in terms of recruitment, selection and employment, and is a Disability Confident employer, which means that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria in the person specification will be interviewed. However, commitment to this standard is on an individual school basis and, therefore, if you are applying for a position within a school, you will need to check with the school whether they have made the decision to comply with this standard.

Please note that we can only consider applications from candidates who are legally entitled to work in the UK.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.