Lunchtime Supervisor
Further Information

What is the work like?

Lunchtime supervisors, sometimes called midday supervisors or lunchtime assistants, are responsible for the welfare of school pupils during lunchtimes.
They have a range of duties and responsibilities, varying according to the type of school, which typically include:

• effective supervision of pupils in the dining hall and in other parts of the school premises
• ensuring pupils do not go into areas of the school that are out of bounds, or off the school premises
• dealing with incidents of misbehaviour and reporting any problems they are unable to resolve to the duty teacher or head teacher
• assisting pupils with a variety of tasks, such as cutting up their food and changing clothes
• tending to pupils who are sick or injured, ensuring that they receive appropriate medical attention, and reporting any serious accidents
• cleaning up spillages and sickness
• helping to clear away food and stack tables and chairs after pupils have left the dining hall
• being aware of responsibilities under child protection legislation, and reporting concerns to a senior supervisor or the head teacher
• assisting with play activities if required.

Based on working one and a half hours a day for three 12-week terms, earnings start at £1,395 a year.

Hours and environment

Lunchtime supervisors work part time, usually between 12 noon and 1.30pm, Monday to Friday. The pattern of hours can vary. Some schools employ lunchtime supervisors for six and a quarter hours a week, and others employ them for seven and a half hours a week. They are only employed during term-time, although some schools may pay a retainer during the holidays.
Lunchtime supervisors work in primary, most secondary and special schools. The work involves standing and walking, both inside the school and outdoors in the playground.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
School lunchtime supervisors are usually paid an hourly rate, which varies from one area to another and may include some holiday pay. Based on working one and a half hours a day for three 12-week terms:

? They should earn at least £1,395 a year.
? They may get £2,043 or more.

Skills and personal qualities

School lunchtime supervisors should:

• relate well to children and staff
• have experience of dealing with children
• be quietly assertive
• be able to command respect
• be able to keep calm and respond quickly to developing situations
• be flexible and adaptable
• be able to work in accordance with school policies and guidelines
• be able to keep simple records
• be able to work as part of a team
• be able to use their own initiative when required
• be patient and sympathetic
• have a reasonable level of fitness
• have basic first-aid skills
• have a sense of humour.

Getting in

Lunchtime supervisors are employed at schools throughout the UK. They are usually employed directly by schools. Schools often try to attract parents, or others known to staff, by advertising vacancies for lunchtime supervisors in the school newsletter.
Some schools experience difficulty in recruiting to these posts as the relatively short hours over the lunchtime period often make it impossible to combine the job with any other work

Entry for young people

Applicants normally need to be at least 18 years old. There are no set qualifications to get into work as a lunchtime supervisor, although some experience of dealing with children is useful, and may be required.
As the job involves working closely with children, applicants' backgrounds are checked by the police. Certain criminal convictions will mean applicants are not accepted for this work. Medical checks are also required.

Entry for adults

Lunchtime supervisors are often parents, and over 20 years of age. Working with children in school hours may be particularly attractive to parents and carers of school-age children.

Training

There are no nationally-recognised training courses or qualifications for lunchtime supervisors, although there may be local provision.
All employers provide some training for lunchtime supervisors, which may include:

• basic first aid
• child-behaviour management
• dealing with racism and bullying
• health and safety
• national child protection legislation
• school policies and procedures.

Getting on

In a large school there may be opportunities to progress to senior supervisor, in charge of other staff. Lunchtime supervisors may also be able to become teaching assistants, after appropriate training.

Further information

Further information about training and vacancies may be available from the local Connexions Partnership or careers centre or Jobcentre or Jobcentre Plus office. Local councils may also publish lists of vacancies - they may also be advertised in local newspapers. Local telephone directories may provide a suitable list of employers.

Further reading
Working in schools and colleges - Connexions