Lunchtime Supervisor

Are you a Life Changer? Do you want to lean in and transform the life of a child? Compass Community puts children first through our therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity, Courage and Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fix what needs fixing, together.

Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties. The work we do is both varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment informed organisation, all staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Lunchtime Supervisor to join our team at Redwood Park School. The Lunchtime Supervisor will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of students during lunchtime. This role is particularly important at an SEMH school, where understanding, patience, and the ability to manage a diverse range of student needs are essential. The successful candidate will work closely with both staff and students to ensure that lunchtimes are a positive, safe, and supportive experience.

• Support the overall running of lunchtimes, including serving students meals and aiding with clearing the dining spaces.
• Supervise students in the dining hall, playground, and other designated lunchtime areas, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Foster positive relationships with students, encouraging appropriate behaviour and social interaction during lunchtimes.
• Support students with special educational needs (SEN), particularly in managing emotional regulation and social interactions.
• Assist students where required (e.g., helping with opening food containers, cleaning up spills).
• Promote and model positive behaviour, providing encouragement and support where necessary.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the lunchtime area, ensuring that all waste is disposed of correctly and that the environment is safe.

• Essential
• Experience working with children, preferably in an SEMH or SEN setting.
• A calm, empathetic, and patient approach when dealing with children, particularly those with emotional and behavioural needs.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with both staff and students.
• A proactive approach to student welfare and safety.
• Understanding of safeguarding practices and the ability to respond to concerns appropriately.
• Ability to remain calm in potentially stressful or challenging situations.

• Desirable
• Previous experience in a school or educational setting.
• First-aid qualification (or willingness to undertake training).

• The opportunity to develop and grow your career within Compass Community.
• Competitive salary.
• Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities.
• Small class sizes with specialist TA support.
• The chance to be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognises skill, effort and potential and grows its own leadership teams.
• Flexible pension.
• Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision.
• Employee benefit service with access to wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes.

Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use. All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.

Compass is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.