Play Assistant

eTeach UK Limited; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 9,000 - 10,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Kingston is seeking a dedicated Lunch Support Worker to assist young students with special needs during mealtimes. The role involves preparing the dining area, serving meals, and providing personal care to ensure a nurturing environment. Ideal candidates will have experience working with children, basic IT skills, and strong communication abilities. This part-time position (14.58 hours/week) offers competitive benefits including a pension scheme and employee wellbeing initiatives.

Benefits

Pension Scheme

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Employee Wellbeing support

Discount schemes

Season Ticket Loan

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing the dining hall for lunchtime.
• Help move pupils, following the advice of therapists.
• Serve pupils lunch and assist them with feeding.
• Encourage social interaction with pupils.
• Assist with the personal care needs of pupils.

Skills

Experience of working with, or caring for children

Basic IT skills

Good range of communication skills

Willingness to learn skills in relation to SEN

Job description

Salary: OHCAT Outer London Business Support Scale, Grade B, Point 7-9, Actual Salary: £9,650.09 - £9,786.03 (FTE £27,826 - £28,218)

Location: Bedelsford School, Grange Road, KT1 2QZ

Working Pattern: 14.58 hours per week, Term Time Only Monday – Friday 11.00 – 13.55

Bedelsford School is an Outstanding special school located in Kingston, providing a nurturing and innovative learning environment for pupils aged 2 to 19. We support a diverse group of students with a wide range of physical disabilities, including those with profound and multiple learning difficulties, moderate learning needs, and complex health conditions. The school benefits from specialist facilities including an accessible swimming pool, adapted outdoor play areas and an outdoor learning environment. It is within walking distance of the vibrant town centre of Kingston upon Thames and has excellent transport links. Bedelsford School is committed to evidence-based practice. We draw on the latest developments in neuroscience and educational research to continually enhance the skills of our staff. Every member of our team is trained to understand how each pupil learns uniquely and is supported in delivering tailored teaching strategies that help our students achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing the dining hall for lunchtime.
• Help move pupils, following the advice of therapists.
• Serve pupils lunch and assist them with feeding, including gastrostomy as required.
• Encourage social interaction with pupils.
• Assist with the personal care needs of pupils.

Key Requirements

• Experience of working with, or caring for children.
• Basic IT skills.
• Good range of communication skills and ability to follow instructions.
• Willingness and ability to learn new skills in relation to SEN, including medical and personal care needs.

Rewards & Benefits

• Pension Scheme – enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) providing life cover and financial protection.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme).
• Employee Wellbeing – access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, enhanced parental leave and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme and Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more).
• Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme.

Bedelsford School is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust, a family of specialist education providers across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please get in touch with the School directly. Visits to the School in advance of applications are encouraged.

Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.

To apply for this role, please click ‘Fast Apply’, you will then be directed to a ‘Login’ page. Once signed in, please complete and submit the Application Form.

Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.

To ensure a fair opportunity for all applicants, candidates who have applied for this position in the past 6 months will not be considered.

Closing Date: Tuesday 6th January 2026

Interviews will take place on: Week Commencing 12th January 2026