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School lunchtime supervisor

Alternative titles for this job include Lunchtime assistant

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

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

16 to 18 term time

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

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

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:

What you’ll do

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

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior supervisor.

You could also become a teaching assistant. 

Current opportunities

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a school lunchtime supervisor right now.

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Courses In England

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