School lunchtime supervisor

Lunchtime assistant

Lunchtime supervisors work in primary, secondary and special schools, looking after children during the lunch break.

Salary range: Variable

How to become a school lunchtime supervisor

You can get into this job through:

• applying directly

Direct application

You can apply directly to vacancies advertised by schools in your local area.

More information

Career tips

Experience of working with children and a first aid qualification could give you an advantage when applying for jobs.

Further information

You can find details of schools in your area from your local council.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and requirements

You’ll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• be over 18 years of age

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties could include:

• helping children cut up their food, if needed
• encouraging good behaviour and table manners
• supervising children in the playground (or indoors if wet weather)
• comforting children who are upset
• dealing with minor injuries like cuts, grazes and bruises
• organising games

Working environment

You could work at a school.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior supervisor.

You could also become a teaching assistant.