SEND Lunch Cover Assistant

Axcis Education Recruitment; Sutton; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

Axcis Education Recruitment is seeking a SEND Lunch Cover Assistant for a specialist school in Sutton. The role offers part-time, school-friendly hours (11:30am–1:30pm) and is ideal for anyone seeking flexible work around other commitments.

The position focuses on lunchtime support for pupils with additional needs, contributing to their safety, wellbeing and social development. You will join a friendly SEND team, with DBS checks and safeguarding obligations in line with DfE guidance.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people is desirable but not essential.
• Personal SEND experience as a parent, carer, or family member is welcomed.
• Reliable, flexible, and willing to support pupils' individual needs.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils during lunchtime and break periods.
• Encourage positive social interaction and independence.
• Assist pupils with additional needs, including complex learning needs and SEND requirements.
• Provide support with personal care where required.
• Help create a calm and supportive lunchtime environment.
• Build positive relationships with pupils and staff.
• Work as part of a friendly SEND team.

Skills

Caring

Reliable

Communication

Flexible

Job description

Location: Sutton

Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30am - 1:30pm

Contract: Part-time / Flexible

Start Date: September 2026

Are you looking for flexible part-time work that fits around your lifestyle, family commitments, or other responsibilities? A welcoming specialist school in Sutton is looking for caring and reliable SEND Lunch Cover Assistants to join their supportive team. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who want to make a positive difference while working school-friendly hours. The role is ideal for those looking for flexibility, including parents, carers, or anyone wanting a part-time position during the school day.

The Role

As a SEND Lunch Cover Assistant, you will support pupils during lunchtime, helping to create a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for children with additional needs. You will work alongside the wider school team to support pupils with their social development, communication, independence, and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils during lunchtime and break periods.
• Encourage positive social interaction and independence.
• Assist pupils with additional needs, including complex learning needs and SEND requirements.
• Provide support with personal care where required.
• Help create a calm and supportive lunchtime environment.
• Build positive relationships with pupils and staff.
• Work as part of a friendly and experienced SEND team.

The Ideal Candidate

• A caring, patient, and positive approach.
• 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 willing to support pupils' individual needs.
• A genuine passion for helping children and young people.

This is a temporary position, unless stated otherwise.

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.

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.