Teaching Assistant - Nursery Lunchtime Support - Charnwood Primary School

WMJobs; Lichfield; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Charnwood Primary Academy in Lichfield is seeking a caring, patient and dependable Teaching Assistant to support nursery children during lunchtime. Working with our Early Years team, you will help children enjoy a safe, happy and settled lunchtime.

You will support eating, play, friendships and personal care, helping children develop confidence and independence through familiar routines and gentle encouragement.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Teaching Assistant or within an Early Years setting would be an advantage.
• A relevant childcare or Early Years qualification is desirable but not essential.
• Training and support will be provided, including paediatric first aid where required.

Responsibilities

• Supervising and supporting Nursery children while they eat and during indoor and outdoor play.
• Encouraging safe eating, good manners and increasing independence with lunchtime routines.
• Helping children join in with suitable play activities, take turns and build positive relationships.
• Providing reassurance and using calm, consistent approaches to support children’s emotions and behaviour.
• Supporting toileting and personal care where required, with sensitivity and respect for children’s dignity.
• Following individual care plans and agreed arrangements for allergies, medical needs and additional support.
• Responding to accidents, illness or safeguarding concerns in line with school procedures and within the limits of your training.
• Sharing relevant information with Nursery staff and supporting a smooth transition into the afternoon session.
• Working closely with the Nursery team to maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

Job description

Charnwood Primary Academy (part of Staffordshire University Academies Trust),

Teaching Assistant – Nursery Lunchtime Support

Contract Permanent

Start date As soon as possible

Working pattern Monday to Friday, term-time only

Hours 6.25 hours per week (1.25 hours per day)

Grade Staffordshire Local Government Grade 3, SCP 5

FTE salary £26,427 per annum

Actual salary £3,757.56 per annum

Location Charnwood Primary Academy, Lichfield

Charnwood Primary Academy is looking for a caring, patient and dependable Teaching Assistant to support our Nursery children during lunchtime. Working alongside our qualified Early Years team, you will help our youngest children enjoy a safe, happy and settled lunchtime. You will support eating, play, friendships and personal care, helping children develop confidence and independence through familiar routines and gentle encouragement.

What The Role Involves

• Supervising and supporting Nursery children while they eat and during indoor and outdoor play.


• Encouraging safe eating, good manners and increasing independence with lunchtime routines.


• Helping children join in with suitable play activities, take turns and build positive relationships.


• Providing reassurance and using calm, consistent approaches to support children’s emotions and behaviour.


• Supporting toileting and personal care where required, with sensitivity and respect for children’s dignity.


• Following individual care plans and agreed arrangements for allergies, medical needs and additional support.


• Responding to accidents, illness or safeguarding concerns in line with school procedures and within the limits of your training.


• Sharing relevant information with Nursery staff and supporting a smooth transition into the afternoon session.


• Working closely with the Nursery team to maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

Why this role matters

Lunchtime is an important part of the school day. A calm and well-supported lunchtime helps children build friendships, develop independence and return to class settled and ready to learn. This role offers an opportunity to make a direct and positive difference to pupils' wellbeing and daily experience at Charnwood.

We Are Looking For Someone Who

• Enjoys working with young children and understands their need for patience, reassurance and consistent routines.


• Has experience of working with or caring for children, ideally in a school or Early Years setting.


• Is caring, calm and approachable, with a positive and encouraging manner.


• Can support children with different needs and help everyone feel included.


• Is willing to support eating, toileting and personal care sensitively and respectfully.


• Can follow guidance, work effectively within a team and use initiative appropriately.


• Communicates clearly with children and colleagues and respects confidentiality.


• Is reliable, punctual and committed to safeguarding children.


• Is willing to undertake relevant training.

Experience as a Teaching Assistant or within an Early Years setting would be an advantage. A relevant childcare or Early Years qualification is desirable but not essential. Training and support will be provided, including paediatric first aid where required.

Closing date: Sunday 15th November 2026

Recruitment and safeguarding

Charnwood Primary Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check with a children’s barred list check. It is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children.