At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise and assist children during lunchtime and playtime activities.
- Company: St Michael's Church of England Primary School is a vibrant, inclusive school in Larkhill, Wiltshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy part-time hours, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Maternity cover role starting September 2025; First Aid training is a plus.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while working in a nurturing and ambitious setting.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a love for working with children are essential.
St Michael's Church of England Primary School is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and flexible Midday Supervisory Assistant (MDSA) to support our children during lunchtime provision, on a maternity cover contract, starting from September 2025. This part-time position is a key component of our lunchtime operations, ensuring pupils are provided with a healthy and enjoyable meal experience.
Contract: Maternity cover (effective from September 2025). Working Hours: Part time (12.5 hours / week Monday – Friday, 38 weeks per year).
We are an open and inclusive primary school, educating children between the ages of 5 and 11 years. Located in the garrison town of Larkhill, Wiltshire, our school aims to spark interest, ignite a passion for learning and fire up ambition to inspire every child to recognise and exceed expectations. Our staff provide a challenging, yet nurturing, environment based on our Christian values and we are committed to learning outside the classroom, as much as inside; with regular trips planned and visitors invited in to help make the learning relevant and linked to both our local community and the wider world.
In May 2022, we joined Acorn Education Trust, which has provided exciting opportunities to improve local education and draw on collective experience.
Responsible for supervising and assisting children in the dining area and/or supervising them during inside/outside play, you will support other members of staff to ensure that our school lunchtime period runs smoothly while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all children at all times. The role will involve the receipt and storage of school meal delivery, preparing and cleaning the dining area before and after lunch as well as serving meals to children.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong interpersonal and communication skills and is able to work with a variety of pupils and staff;
- Has superb attention to detail and organisational skills;
- Is self-motivated, dedicated and consistent;
- Has the ability to deal with new challenging situations;
- Is a strong team player who can use their own initiative;
- Has a positive and flexible attitude;
- Has First Aid training, or is willing to complete it;
- Enjoys working with children and has the ability to devise creative indoor/outdoor play activities for them;
- Is happy to assist with general dining hall/kitchen cleaning and maintenance duties.
We can offer the successful candidate:
- An ambitious and vibrant place to work, with enthusiastic children and staff who are passionate about learning;
- A workplace where everyone feels valued and supported;
- Opportunities for training and progression;
- The support of Acorn Education Trust, with excellent opportunities to work with experienced colleagues;
- A supportive and clearly defined induction procedure.
For information about this role, including a full Job Description and Person Specification, please read our Applicant Information Pack. If you have any additional questions, please contact our school admin office on: 01980-670268.
Closing Date: Thursday 3rd July 2025 at 12pm. Interview Date: TBC.
Please note: while the closing date for applications has been set, we reserve the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate upon receipt of an exceptional application. Therefore, we would encourage prompt application for this position.
Acorn Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If successful in obtaining this post you will be subject to a Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and health screening. We are an equal opportunities employer. As part of our safer recruitment processes, if you are shortlisted for the post, we will carry out a social media account search.
Midday Supervisory Assistant in Salisbury employer: Acorn Education Trust
Acorn Education Trust is an excellent employer, offering a nurturing environment for Teaching Assistants at St Michael’s Church of England Primary School in Salisbury. With a strong focus on professional development and a collaborative team culture, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children, particularly those with special educational needs. The trust's commitment to inclusivity and support makes it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Midday Supervisory Assistant in Salisbury
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the school's values and mission. Understanding St Michael's Church of England Primary School's commitment to nurturing a positive learning environment will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience working with children in your conversations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've engaged with kids, especially in a supervisory or educational context, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your teamwork skills. Since the role requires collaboration with other staff members, think of instances where you've successfully worked as part of a team, particularly in challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for outdoor and indoor play activities. Be ready to suggest creative ideas for engaging children during lunchtime, as this will reflect your proactive attitude and ability to contribute positively to the school environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Midday Supervisory Assistant in Salisbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Midday Supervisory Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what the school is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children or in a supervisory role. Mention specific examples that demonstrate your interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle challenging situations.
Show Enthusiasm for Education:Express your passion for working with children and contributing to their lunchtime experience. Share any creative ideas you have for indoor and outdoor play activities that could enhance their enjoyment during this time.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Education Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Working with Children
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have had, whether in a professional or volunteer capacity, that demonstrate your ability to engage and support young learners.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
As a Midday Supervisory Assistant, you'll be part of a team. Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment before. Emphasise your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The role may involve dealing with unexpected situations. Think of examples where you've had to think on your feet or resolve conflicts, especially in a childcare setting. This will show your potential employer that you can handle challenges calmly and effectively.
✨Prepare Questions About the School's Values
Research St Michael's Church of England Primary School and its values. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in their mission and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment for the children. This shows that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
