Nursery Lunch Cover Assistant (Hanningfield CM3 8BH)

Second Steps Day Nursery; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday pro rata

Extra annual leave day per year

Employee of the month

Career progression

Discounted childcare

Employee discounts

Pension contributions

Free counselling

Job summary

Second Steps Day Nursery in Chelmsford is seeking a part-time Lunch Cover Assistant to support children aged 0-5 during lunchtime hours. You will join our team to create a warm, nurturing environment and assist with mealtime routines across all rooms, Monday to Friday, 11:00am–14:00pm.

Key duties include supervising lunchtime, helping with meals, engaging children in activities, and maintaining a clean dining area while upholding safety and hygiene standards.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a nursery/childcare setting is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills are essential.
• Patience, organisation and nurturing qualities are preferred.
• Ability to follow guidance and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children during lunchtime, ensuring safety and wellbeing.
• Assist children with meals, encouraging manners and independence.
• Engage children in age-appropriate activities or conversations during lunch.
• Maintain a clean and hygienic dining area before and after mealtimes.
• Support children's social development by modelling positive behaviour.
• Collaborate with nursery staff to ensure smooth transition between mealtime routines.
• Monitor children's behaviour and report concerns to senior staff.
• Uphold nursery policies on child safety, health and hygiene.

Skills

Excellent communication

Patience

Nurturing

Independence

Experience with children

Job description

Nursery Lunch Cover Assistant (Hanningfield CM3 8BH)

Second Steps Day Nursery (Hanningfield CM3 8BH) are looking for an enthusiastic part-time lunch cover assistant to work alongside our staff members. This role involves providing a warm and nurturing environment for children during lunchtime hours, supporting their well‑being and ensuring a smooth mealtime experience. The successful applicant will be required to work within all rooms (0-5 years), assisting staff and children with lunchtime routines.

Working: Monday – Friday either: 11:00am – 14:00pm

Duties

• Supervising children during lunchtime, always ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
• Assisting children with their meals, encouraging good manners and independence.
• Engaging children in age-appropriate activities or conversations during lunch breaks.
• Maintaining a clean and hygienic dining area before and after mealtimes.
• Supporting children's social development by modelling positive behaviour and communication skills.
• Collaborating with nursery staff to ensure smooth transition between mealtime routines.
• Monitoring children's behaviour and reporting any concerns to senior staff promptly
• Upholding nursery policies regarding child safety, health, and hygiene standards.

Experience

• Previous experience working with children in a nursery, childcare setting, or early childhood education environment is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience in childcare or nursery roles demonstrating patience, organisation, and nurturing qualities is preferred.
• Ability to work independently while following guidance from nursery management.

Preferred Experience:

• Nursery / Childcare: 1 year (preferred)

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children. Therefore our

successful candidates must be willing to undergo child protection screening: including checks with past employers and an Enhance DBS.

• 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays) – pro-rata for part-time staff
• 1 additional extra day of annual leave for each year worked (up to a maximum of 5 days)
• Employee of the month scheme
• Career progression within the group
• Discounted childcare (up to 50%)
• Employee discounts
• Pension contributions
• Free Counselling service offered 24/7

Offering a starting salary of £13:10 per hour