Lunchtime Play Leader

Cold Harbour Church of England School, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK3 7PD

15 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  ASAP

• Closing date

  18 October 2025 at 12:59am

• Date listed

  3 October 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other support roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £13.05 - £13.05 Hourly

Lunchtime Play Leader job summary

Purpose of the Role

The Lunchtime Play Leader supports the school’s commitment to pupil wellbeing by creating a safe, structured, and enjoyable lunchtime experience. Through active supervision and the delivery of engaging play opportunities, the role promotes positive behaviour, social interaction, and emotional development. The postholder ensures that dining and outdoor areas are well-managed, clean, and secure, while upholding safeguarding standards and contributing to a calm, inclusive school culture.

Duties and Responsibilities

Engage pupils in a variety of games and activities that encourage creativity, cooperation, and physical movement

Monitor pupil conduct in line with our Behaviour Management Policy, promoting respectful and inclusive interactions

Assist with cleaning tables, managing spillages, and ensuring a hygienic and orderly lunch environment

Provide care and attention to pupils, including basic first aid (training provided if required)

Maintain awareness of school safeguarding and security procedures at all times

Participate in safeguarding updates and professional development sessions, occasionally outside standard

Qualifications (preferable)

Experience working with children in a school, childcare, or youth setting

Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures, with a commitment to promoting pupil welfare

Basic knowledge of behaviour management strategies, and ability to support positive play and interactions

Good communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently and kindly with pupils and staff

Ability to organise and lead play activities, encouraging inclusive and cooperative play

First aid training (or willingness to undertake training as required)

Awareness of health and safety procedures, particularly in outdoor and playground environments

Person Specification

A warm and approachable manner, with a genuine interest in supporting children’s wellbeing and social development

The ability to work collaboratively within a team, contributing positively to shared goals and daily routines

Confidence in leading play activities and managing pupil behaviour in line with school policies

A calm, consistent approach to resolving minor incidents and promoting respectful interactions

Reliability, punctuality, and a strong sense of responsibility for pupil safety and supervision

Safe Working Practices

All staff must uphold Cold Harbour’s ethos and commitment to safe working practices for adults working with children. Staff should model positive behaviour and promote a harmonious, inclusive environment.

General Data Protection Regulations

The postholder must comply with GDPR and related data protection legislation. Confidentiality in handling personal data is essential.

Equality and Diversity

The postholder must promote equality and diversity in all aspects of their role and treat all individuals fairly and without discrimination.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality must be maintained at all times in line with school policy.

Health and Safety

Responsibilities must be carried out with due regard to school policy and statutory health and safety requirements.

Flexibility

This job description is not exhaustive. The postholder may be required to undertake other duties within their skillset and grade, as reasonably instructed.

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.

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.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Cold Harbour Church of England School

• School type: Local authority maintained school, Church of England, ages 4 to 11
• Education phase: Primary
• School size: 174 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Cold Harbour Church of England School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/cold-harbour-church-of-england-school

School location

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