Mealtime Assistant

Shaftesbury; Holton Heath; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local charity in Holton Heath is seeking a caring and reliable Mealtime Assistant to support students during lunchtime. The role focuses on ensuring a positive dining experience while promoting student independence and safety. Ideal candidates will have compassion, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team. This position offers a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in students' lives in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Awareness of differing dietary requirements, training can be provided.
• Knowledge of health and safety and food hygiene, training can be provided.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to student safety.

Responsibilities

• Supervise students before and after the lunch period.
• Support students with eating and drinking.
• Maintain a safe and supportive dining environment.
• Clean and reset spaces after meals.
• Support students to transition back to class after lunch.

Skills

Compassion

Patience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Job description

Exceptional People Deserve Exceptional Staff

About Shaftesbury Statement

Shaftesbury is a disability charity offering care, education, vocational and rehab services. The charity also provides residential care, nursing and supported living.

Within the education sector, Shaftesbury has one school, Shaftesbury Victoria School, and 2 further education colleges, Shaftesbury Millie College and Shaftesbury Nash College. The school is for students aged 3-19, and the colleges are for students aged 16-25. All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as well as physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and some have profound and complex learning needs.

About the Role

We are looking for caring and reliable Mealtime Assistants to support students during the lunchtime period. In this role, you will help to provide a safe, enjoyable, and positive mealtime experience for students, ensuring their needs are met with dignity and respect. The ideal candidate will be compassionate, patient, and committed to promoting independence wherever possible.

You will be responsible for maintaining exceptional standards of care, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and positive mealtime experience for students. Your role will focus on meeting individual needs with dignity and respect, creating an environment where every student feels valued and supported.

Together alongside your colleagues as a team, you will foster a culture of safety, compliance, and excellence. This collaborative approach is essential to delivering high quality support for students with special educational needs, helping them thrive both socially and academically.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team, where your contribution will make a real difference in the lives of young people. You will play a key part in promoting wellbeing and independence, while working in a supportive and inclusive environment that values professional growth.

The successful candidate will be compassionate, patient, and committed to encouraging independence wherever possible. You will bring enthusiasm, self‑motivation, and empathy, along with a genuine passion for supporting students. A calm, adaptable approach and excellent interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise students before and after the lunch period to allow class staff to take their lunch break.
• Support students with eating and drinking, including those with Dysphagia (training provided).
• Provide personal care where required.
• Maintain a safe and supportive dining environment, ensuring students are never left alone.
• Clean and reset spaces after meals, including supporting students to wash up.
• Support students to transition back to class after lunch.
• Work closely with colleagues to uphold high standards of care and safeguarding.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Awareness of differing dietary requirements (training can be provided).
• Knowledge of health and safety and food hygiene (training can be provided).
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good communication skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to student safety.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of students, and their ability to access education and the wider community.
• Work alongside a dedicated, passionate team in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Safeguarding

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Shaftesbury Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes.

Equality and Diversity

Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them.

Application Process

Job Description and Application Form on request please contact : Cenan Chappell [e-mail]

Please provide a covering letter with your application form.

Closing date : 9th January 2026

Interview Dates : TBC

Early applications are strongly encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate before the above dates.

Visits to the setting are welcomed, and encouraged, by arrangement.