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School Lunchtime Supervisor

Do you want to become a School Lunchtime Supervisor? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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School lunchtime supervisors look after school children during lunchtimes and make sure that they are safe. They:

• supervise pupils in the dining hall, playground and school premises
• help children at mealtimes - this may involve helping some children to cut up their food, showing them how to use cutlery and encouraging good table manners
• clean up spillages and make sure that tables are clean
• caution children who misbehave and, if necessary, report them to the duty teacher or head teacher
• make sure that children do not leave the school premises or go into areas of the school that are out of bounds
• tend to sick or injured pupils and report any serious accidents
• report any concerns over possible abuse of a child
• encourage children to play, and help with play activities if required.

School lunchtime supervisors work part time. Hours of work usually vary between six and eight hours a week. Supervisors work during term time only, although some schools may pay a retainer during the holidays. Supervisors work inside the school and outdoors in the playground.

Salaries for those who work one-and-a-half hours a day for three 12-week terms range from at least £1,525 a year for new supervisors, to £2,743 or more for senior supervisors.

A school lunchtime supervisor should:

• enjoy working with children
• relate well to children and staff
• be responsible and able to command respect
• be able to keep calm and respond quickly to situations
• have experience of dealing with children.

Lunchtime supervisors are employed at most primary schools and some secondary and special schools throughout the UK. Competition for jobs varies.

There are no set qualifications, but applicants normally need to be at least 18 years old. Many supervisors are over 20 and are parents.

Training may include basic first aid, child-behaviour management, dealing with racism and bullying, health and safety, child protection law, and school policies and procedures.

It may be possible to progress to senior lunchtime supervisor. Some supervisors may also go on to become teaching assistants.

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