Mealtime Assistant

St Thomas Primary School, Exeter, Devon, EX2 9BB

4 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  2 February 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  8 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: £12.65 per hour

Mealtime Assistant job summary

An exciting opportunity to work in a friendly school in a varied and interesting role. The school continues its journey working with a company called OPAL - transforming lunchtimes through positive play. We would like our MTA’s to interact, talk and support the childrens' play; as well as supporting them with their meals.

We are seeking to appoint a mealtime assistant to be part of the lunchtime supervision team. The post involves managing the setting up of the eating area at the school in an organised manner, supervising and ensuring the safety of all children during the lunchtime period in the playground. 

We expect our staff to be able to calm and nurture children, provide positive behaviour management and be able to support their social and emotional needs. We are an inclusive school, and our children are at the heart of everything we do. 

The ideal candidate must be vigilant and possess energy and enthusiasm to make sure our lunchtimes have "Amazing play. Every day. For every child." A First Aid qualification is desirable (but training will be provided) as is experience of working with children. Knowledge of safeguarding procedures within a primary school environment is also beneficial but training and guidance will be provided for the successful applicant.

St Thomas Primary School is situated just over the river Exe near the centre of Exeter. We want our children to REACH for their dreams by following our school values: Respect, Equality, Aspiration, Community and Harmony.

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

Exeter Learning Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We encourage you to read our Safeguarding Policy before applying. We will ask for references and conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.

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 St Thomas Primary School

• School type: Academy, ages 5 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 193 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 5 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: St Thomas Primary School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/st-thomas-primary-school

St Thomas Primary School is a member of Exeter Learning Academy Trust, a primary trust with big ambitions for the children in our care. The school has been under the leadership of an acting Headteacher for 12 months and following the retirement of the substantive head teacher we are now looking to recruit a dedicated and ambitious school leader for our children.

St Thomas is a welcoming and happy school with an ethos of aspiration and achievement for all pupils. It sits within the heart of its community, has a strong family ethos and is well regarded. We will be looking for the successful candidate to continue to work closely with the community, ensure the school has a rich and diverse curriculum offer and that our most vulnerable pupils build strong and lasting relationships leading to excellent outcomes and great futures.

School location

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