At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children during lunchtime, ensuring a calm and safe eating experience.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Burgess Hill Nursery, dedicated to child development.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour plus holiday pay, with a focus on wellbeing and professional growth.
- Other info: Term time only, with hours from 11:30am to 2:30pm, perfect for students!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a fun, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with young children and a Level 2 childcare qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Nursery Lunch Time Assistant (Term Time Only)
Employment Type: Term Time Only
Salary Range: £12.71 per hour, plus paid holiday leave which is £7,597 pa, so £14.47 inclusive of holiday pay.
Deadline: 17-06-2026
Compliance: Burgess Hill School is a Charity No 307001. The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of the Barred List, as well as other pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all criminal convictions, including those that are ‘spent’ unless they are ‘protected’ under the DBS filtering rules.
Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 15 hours per week, Term time only.
Why Join Us? Our Nursery is a joyful, stimulating and highly regarded setting where children are encouraged to explore, discover and flourish. Our values Where Fun Sparks Curiosity — with kindness, curiosity, respect and a love of learning—shape everything we do. You’ll join a collaborative team who create a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment for children and staff alike. We value wellbeing, creativity and professional development.
About the Role: Supporting our children aged 2.5 to 5 years, you will play an important role in creating a calm, happy lunchtime experience where children can socialise, develop independence, and enjoy their meals safely.
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing active supervision during mealtimes, sitting with children to ensure safe eating and monitoring for allergies and dietary needs
- Encouraging a relaxed, social and unhurried eating environment
- Supporting children to build independence (e.g. using cutlery, self-serving)
- Serving meals and clearing away afterwards
- Supporting handwashing, toileting, and good hygiene routines
- Engaging children in quiet, calming activities after lunch
- Supervising rest or sleep time for younger children
- Helping create a warm, inclusive and welcoming atmosphere throughout the nursery
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience working with young children (ages 2.5–5 years)
- A Level 2 childcare qualification or above (preferred)
- A kind, patient, and observant approach
- A strong understanding of child safety and safeguarding, particularly during mealtimes
Benefits:
- Be part of a friendly, supportive Burgess Hill team
- Work in a nursery that values care, community, and child development
- Make a genuine difference to children’s everyday experiences
If you’re passionate about supporting young children and would love to play a part in their day, we would be delighted to hear from you. Completed application forms should be emailed to hr@burgesshillgirls.com
Lunch Time Assistant — Calm Mealtimes for Young Children employer: Burgess Hill Girls
Burgess Hill School offers a nurturing and collaborative environment where you can make a meaningful impact on young children's lives. As a Nursery Lunch Time Assistant, you'll enjoy a supportive team culture that prioritises wellbeing and professional development, all while working in a highly regarded nursery that values kindness, curiosity, and respect. With flexible term-time hours and the opportunity to contribute to a safe and inspiring atmosphere, this role is perfect for those passionate about early childhood development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lunch Time Assistant — Calm Mealtimes for Young Children
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's values and mission. When you walk in for your interview, show us how your own values align with theirs. It’s all about creating that warm, inclusive atmosphere we cherish!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've supported young children in previous roles. We love hearing about your experiences, especially those moments where you made a difference during mealtimes or playtime.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role by asking about the team dynamics or how they promote child development. It’ll help you stand out as an engaged candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our friendly Burgess Hill team right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Lunch Time Assistant — Calm Mealtimes for Young Children
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating a calm and happy environment for them during mealtimes.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any experience you have working with children aged 2.5 to 5 years. We love to see examples of how you've supported their independence and safety, especially during mealtimes.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon and keep it simple!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Burgess Hill.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burgess Hill Girls
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Lunch Time Assistant. Understand how to create a calm and happy mealtime experience for young children, and be ready to discuss your approach to encouraging independence and social interaction during lunch.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your patience, kindness, and ability to create a nurturing environment. This will show that you genuinely care about their wellbeing.
✨Understand Safeguarding
Be prepared to talk about child safety and safeguarding practices, especially during mealtimes. Familiarise yourself with the relevant guidelines and be ready to explain how you would ensure a safe eating environment for the children.
✨Engage in Role-Play
During the interview, you might be asked to demonstrate how you would handle certain situations, like encouraging children to use cutlery or managing dietary needs. Practising these scenarios beforehand can help you feel more confident and showcase your skills effectively.
