SEND Lunch Cover Assistant

Axcis Education Recruitment; Carshalton; On-site; GBP 12,398,000 - 16,531,000; Part time

Job summary

Axcis Education Recruitment in Sutton is seeking caring and reliable SEND Lunch Cover Assistants to support pupils at lunchtime. This part-time, flexible role is ideal for parents, carers, or individuals seeking short hours that fit around other commitments.

You will help create a calm, safe, and inclusive environment for pupils with SEND, including those with ASD and sensory needs. DBS checks and safeguarding commitment are required; attendance at face-to-face interview will be arranged.

Qualifications

• Caring and patient approach to supporting pupils.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Reliable, flexible, and committed to supporting pupils’ needs.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils during lunchtime and outdoor/social activities.
• Encourage positive interactions and independence.
• Support pupils with ASD, non-verbal communication needs, sensory needs, and SEMH.
• Provide reassurance and emotional support when needed.
• Help pupils manage transitions and less structured parts of the day.
• Promote positive behaviour through a calm and consistent approach.
• Build strong relationships with pupils and staff.
• Work as part of a supportive SEND team.

Skills

Caring

Patience

Reliable

Flexible

Job description

SEND Lunch Cover Assistant Location: Sutton Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30am – 1:30pm Contract: Part-time / Flexible Start Date: September 2026

A welcoming specialist school in Sutton is seeking caring and reliable SEND Lunch Cover Assistants to support pupils during lunchtime. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a positive difference while working short, flexible hours within a supportive school environment. The role is ideal for parents, carers, or individuals looking for part-time work that fits around other commitments, while gaining valuable experience supporting children and young people with SEND.

The Role

As a SEND Lunch Cover Assistant, you will support pupils during lunchtime and social times, helping to create a calm, safe, and positive environment. You will support pupils with a range of additional needs, including Autism (ASD), non-verbal communication needs, sensory needs, and SEMH, helping them to feel confident, included, and supported throughout the school day.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils during lunchtime and outdoor/social activities.
• Encourage positive interactions and independence.
• Support pupils with ASD, non-verbal communication needs, sensory needs, and SEMH.
• Provide reassurance and emotional support when needed.
• Help pupils manage transitions and less structured parts of the day.
• Promote positive behaviour through a calm and consistent approach.
• Build strong relationships with pupils and staff.
• Work as part of a supportive SEND team.

The Ideal Candidate

• Caring, patient, and approachable with a positive attitude.
• Experience supporting children or young people is desirable but not essential.
• Personal SEND experience as a parent, carer, or family member is welcomed.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Reliable, flexible, and committed to supporting pupils’ needs.
• A genuine passion for helping children and young people thrive.

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.

This is a temporary position, unless stated otherwise.

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.

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.

Contact: Patsy Boguzas

Telephone: [phone] | Ext: 1031