At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils during lunchtime, engage in play, and provide basic first aid.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at Pentland Field School, part of Eden Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with potential for career growth and additional hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with diverse needs.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for working with children and a caring attitude.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
The Role We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive School Meals Supervisory Assistant (SMSA) to join our vibrant team.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring a smooth and efficient lunchtime service for our pupils.
You will be working with our pupils, engaging them in play, helping them to manage social situations and providing basic first aid.
At times you will be required to assist with: personal intimate care in line with care plans, and feeding in line with specified feeding plans.
Above all, you will treat our pupils with professional warmth and compassion, so that they know that at all times, they are valued, cared for and feel safe.
- A friendly and approachable senior leadership team.
- A hardworking, committed and knowledgeable staff community who are willing to share their knowledge and skills with anyone who has a desire to learn.
Pentland Field School is an all-through school that meets the educational needs of around 170 children and young adults aged 4-19 with a range of learning disabilities, including those who may be autistic and those who have physical or sensory needs.
Pentland Field School, a member of the Eden Academy Trust, is a good school, making a difference for the pupils we work with.
We help them make progress in all areas of life, become young adults who know their own value, and become active members of the communities in which they live.
Pupils work in small classes (average 10 pupils) with supportive and skilled teams.
At Eden Academy Trust, we value and actively embrace diversity.
We believe that a diverse school community strengthens learning, enriches experiences, and helps every child thrive.
Across our schools, we are committed to creating a culture where all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or background are respected, represented, and supported.
We understand the role of inclusive education in preparing young people for a complex and diverse society.
We challenge discrimination, recognise and celebrate difference, and work continuously to promote equity and opportunity in everything we do.
Our commitment to inclusion runs through our curriculum, our staffing and leadership, our policies, and our day-to-day interactions.
We strive to practise cultural humility, anti-racism, and equitable approaches that meet the needs of all our pupils.
Safeguarding Statement The Eden Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and other pre-employment checks.
The Eden Academy Trust may, from time to time, require an employee to be relocated temporarily or permanently to one of its other schools.
Any proposal to relocate will be carried out with due consultation and reasonable notice.
- A comprehensive induction programme for new staff, followed by access to continuous personal and professional development.
- Teaching teams who work collaboratively and in an inclusive way
- A commitment to the wellbeing of staff and pupils, including staff led wellbeing initiatives
- Free access to a comprehensive staff wellbeing package, offering a range of wellbeing and medical advice and care
- Paid CPD up to 7.5 hours per year
- The opportunity to work additional SMSA hours. In some cases, this has led to a casual LSA contract, and some SMSAs have progressed to TA roles
- Part of a dynamic special school multi-academy trust, with opportunities for career development.
- Excellent transport links, by road or public transport. The nearest underground station is a 5 min walk from the school, and you can be in central London within 20 minutes.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
School Meals Supervisory Assistant employer: Eden Academy Trust
Pentland Field School, part of the Eden Academy Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and pupils. With a strong commitment to professional development, staff wellbeing initiatives, and a vibrant team culture, employees are empowered to grow their careers while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with diverse needs. Located conveniently with excellent transport links to central London, this role offers not just a job, but a rewarding career in a dynamic educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Meals Supervisory Assistant
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Eden Academy Trust.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Eden Academy Trust!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Eden Academy Trust, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Eden Academy Trust or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace School Meals Supervisory Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Eden Academy Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Eden Academy Trust! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Academy Trust
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
