Mealtime Assistant

Starcross Primary School, Exeter, Devon, Devon, EX6 8QD

13 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  9th November

• Closing date

  12 October 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  29 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other support role
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Part time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £26,016.00 Annually (FTE) £13.48 per hours plus holiday pay. Working hours: 11:40-13:10 Mondays to Fridays inclusive. (Scale 2 Point 4-5, Full time equivalent: £26,016 - £26,427 pa Actual starting salary £4,536 pa)

Mealtime Assistant job summary

Mealtimes in our primary school are more than just a break in the day—they’re a vital part of a social and emotional development. They offer a chance for our children to relax, connect with friends, and build positive relationships in a safe and supportive environment.

With the right guidance and care, lunchtime becomes a space where children learn important life skills like sharing, communication, and independence. A calm, well-supervised mealtime can set the tone for the rest of the school day, helping our pupils feel valued, nourished, and ready to learn.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has the ability to build positive relationships with children and adults
• Is friendly, caring, approachable and patient
• Can be a clam and supportive presence
• Enjoys being around children and is committed to safeguarding
• Brings a positive attitude and a genuine love of school life.

In this role you will:

• Supervise children in the dining hall and playground during lunch
• Support pupils with eating, social interactions and positive behaviour
• Encourage healthy choices and good table manners
• Help set up and clear away dining areas
• Be a caring, approachable adult in the busy heart of school life.

We offer

• A role where your work really matters - make a meaningful impact on children’s wellbeing every day
• A rewarding role in a positive environment
• The opportunity to work in a team who are invested in growing the potential of others
• Competitive package with generous career average pension scheme with employer contributions of 2%
• A part-time, term time only contract working 39 weeks per year
• Ongoing professional development

How to apply

If you’d love to help make lunchtime a joyful, safe experience for our pupils we would love to hear from you.

Please do take the opportunity to learn more about the role by viewing the detailed job description included on the following pages. To apply please complete our application form and take the opportunity to share with us how your skills and experience meet the person specification in the job description. To learn more about the school please visit:https://starcross-primary.co.uk.

The closing date for applications is Monday 12th October at 9.00am. Interviews will be arranged once applications have been reviewed.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact us at people@ivyeducationtrust.co.uk

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

Data Protection Policy

Recruitment of Ex-offenders Policy

Recruitment Selection Disclosure Policy

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 Starcross Primary School

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 2 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 206 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 2 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Starcross Primary School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/starcross-primary-school

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