Lunchtime Assistant - Wyvern Academy

Wyvern Academy, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5AL

17 days remaining to apply

Closing date
23 February 2026 at 9am
Date listed
6 February 2026

Job details

Job role: Catering, cleaning and site management
Other support roles
Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern: Part time: 12.5hrs per week, Monday – Friday 11:30am-14:00, Term time only
Contract type: Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary: £24,130 – £24,982 per annum
Actual salary: For part-time, term-time working £7,058 – £7,281 per annum

What skills and experience we're looking for

What you’ll be doing:

Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils to create a safe and supportive lunchtime environment
Supervising pupils in the dining hall, ensuring their safety, wellbeing and dignity at all times
Encouraging good hygiene, polite table manners and healthy eating habits
Supporting pupils with individual needs to ensure lunchtime is a positive experience for everyone
Setting up and clearing the dining area, keeping the hall clean, tidy and welcoming
Cleaning and tidying equipment, including trays, beakers and cutlery
Maintaining calm and organisation, even during busy or challenging moments
Working closely with colleagues to ensure every pupil’s needs are met with care and creativity
Bringing energy, positivity and joy to lunchtime - because it really matters

What the school offers its staff

Why join us?

The chance to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time.
Comprehensive support, Induction and training package
We’re a supportive team who’ll have your back during the good, the bad, and the “Did that really just happen?” moments.
Professional development opportunities because we’re all about helping you grow, both as a person and in your ability to juggle six things at once!
You will be part of an inclusive and collaborative team that, no matter what the challenge may be, are ready to face it head on and are committed to seeing it through.
A school that celebrates progress, not just results.
A rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference!
The opportunity to develop your career in a School and Southern Education Trust, a growing Trust.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

About Wyvern Academy

Wyvern Academy, part of the Southern Education Trust, is a specialist school where every child is encouraged to shine. We support children and young people aged 2–19 with a wide range of learning difficulties, including autism, physical and sensory disabilities, and complex healthcare needs.

Our vision is simple but powerful: to provide a bespoke, creative and nurturing education that helps every pupil develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging. We work closely with families to ensure our pupils leave Wyvern ready to lead full, interesting and meaningful lives.

If you’re looking for a role that is purposeful, rewarding and never the same twice, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

About the Role

As a Lunchbreak Supervisor/ Midday Supervisory Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in making lunchtime a calm, safe and enjoyable part of the school day. For many of our pupils, this is much more than just a meal - it’s an important opportunity to build independence, social skills and confidence.

You’ll be a reassuring presence, a positive role model, and someone who brings warmth, structure and a sense of fun to the day.

What you’ll be doing:

Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils to create a safe and supportive lunchtime environment
Supervising pupils in the dining hall, ensuring their safety, wellbeing and dignity at all times
Encouraging good hygiene, polite table manners and healthy eating habits
Supporting pupils with individual needs to ensure lunchtime is a positive experience for everyone
Setting up and clearing the dining area, keeping the hall clean, tidy and welcoming
Cleaning and tidying equipment, including trays, beakers and cutlery
Maintaining calm and organisation, even during busy or challenging moments
Working closely with colleagues to ensure every pupil’s needs are met with care and creativity
Bringing energy, positivity and joy to lunchtime - because it really matters

We’re looking for someone who is:

Kind, enthusiastic and reliable, with a genuine love for working with children and young people
Patient, empathetic and calm, even when things don’t go to plan
A positive role model and a friendly, reassuring presence
Organised and able to multitask in a busy environment
Compassionate, open-minded and creative - because every pupil is unique
Resilient and able to bounce back on challenging days
Passionate about supporting children and young people with complex learning needs

Experience is great, but your attitude, values and willingness to learn are what matter most.

Why Join Us?

The opportunity to make a real difference, one small moment at a time
A comprehensive induction and ongoing training and support
A welcoming, supportive team who genuinely look out for one another
Professional development opportunities within a growing Trust
An inclusive and collaborative working environment
A school that celebrates progress, not just results
A rewarding role where every day is different and every day matters

As part of the Southern Education Trust, you’ll be joining an organisation guided by the ethos“Making Lives Better”. We care deeply about how our students experience learning, and we work hard to ensure they grow into confident, independent and happy individuals who make a positive difference in the world.

Closing date: 23rd February 2026

Interview dates: 9th-11th March 2026

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.