Meal Time Assistant

St Matthew's Church of England Primary and Nursery Academy, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 5FN

13 days remaining to apply

Start date details
ASAP
Closing date
5 February 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
22 January 2026

Job details

Job role: Other support roles
Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern: Part time
Contract type: Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary: £4,861.00 Annually (Actual) STC Grade 1 NJC point 2

Meal Time Assistant job summary

Meal Time Assistant

St Matthew’s Primary and Nursery Academy, Derriford

Contract Term: Permanent

Hours: 8.75 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Salary: SC1 NJC point 2 Actual Salary £4,861 (FTE £24,413)

Term Time only: 38 weeks per annum

Annual Leave: Taken outside of term time and paid pro-rata throughout the year (no annual leave to be taken during term time)

Benefits: Local Government Pension Scheme

Deadline for application: 12pm on 5th February 2026

Start: ASAP

We are seeking a friendly and enthusiastic MTA to join our lunchtime team. Our lunchtimes follow the OPAL approach, which means our focus is on high-quality play, exploration and building children’s social skills.

We are looking for a candidate who enjoys working with children, is happy to get involved in play, and who understands that play can be adventurous, messy and full of imagination! You will help children explore, collaborate and take appropriate risks within a safe, supportive and engaging environment.

We would love to hear from you if you:

Enjoy working with children and being outdoors

Are confident interacting with and supporting children at play

Are not afraid to get stuck in and lead games or activities

Understand that play is a valuable part of learning and development

Can support children with social skills, friendships and problem-solving

Can work as part of a friendly, supportive team

Experience of working with children is an advantage, but not essential — the right attitude, energy and willingness to be hands-on are more important.

What we offer:

A welcoming and committed lunchtime team who all muck in together

OPAL playtimes with a wide range of outdoor opportunities and resources

Opportunities to work alongside Teaching Assistants and school staff at lunch

A positive school culture that values play, wellbeing and inclusion

Opportunities for wider school experience and possible progression in the future

If you are looking for a fun and rewarding role where no two lunchtimes are the same, and you’re excited to help children learn through adventurous play, we would love to hear from you.

To arrange a tour of the school please contact the school on 01752 395969 or via email on SMPA.office@stcmat.org

Please ensure you refer to the criteria for the role on the person specification in your supporting statement.

If you have any issues applying for this role please contact The People Team via people@stcmat.org

Applications need to be completed by 12pm on 5th February 2026. Interviews will be in the week commencing 9th February 2026.

Please note it is our process to apply for references for shortlisted applicants and to complete online searches in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, for all shortlisted applicants. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS Disclosure is required for this post.

Please visit the below website for our Trust policies and our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy:

https://www.stchristophersmat.org/key-information/item/10/trust-policies

Our commitment to EDI

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applicants who meet the criteria will be considered for employment, regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age or veteran status.

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.