Lunchtime Support Assistant

Lunchtime Support Assistant

Swindon Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children during lunchtime, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.
  • Company: Uplands is a school dedicated to children with severe learning difficulties and complex needs.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, training opportunities, exclusive discounts, and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while being part of a caring community.
  • Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a positive attitude and a desire to help.
  • Other info: Join us for a rewarding experience that impacts lives beyond the classroom.

Overview

Uplands is a school for children and young people (CYP) with severe (SLD) or profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) aged 11 – 19 years and/or Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). Our CYP will often have additional complex needs.

We are in search of a Lunchtime Support Assistant who demonstrates unconditional positive regard for our CYP, is motivated to make a difference, is a resilient, supportive and reliable team player, and is focused on enabling our CYP by being solution focused.

If this sounds like you, we’d love for you to join our friendly and dedicated team. Our children are unique and need positive, supportive and fun Support Assistants who understand that our learning journeys are a bit different and that’s great!

Uplands is proud to be part of Brunel Academies Trust – a growing educational community with no barriers, only potential. We strive to significantly improve the life chances and outcomes for our CYP within our SEND, CofE and mainstream EpS.

Responsibilities

The Lunchtime Support Assistant role includes:

  • Demonstrates an unconditional positive regard for our CYP
  • Is motivated to make a difference
  • Is a resilient, supportive and a reliable team player
  • Is focused on enabling our CYP by being solution focused

What it’s like to work at Uplands

“The very special students and dedicated team members are what motivate me”.

“Working here gives true perspective of how the small things in life for most people are a huge journey for our young people but helping and seeing them succeed makes you realise what we do every day can impact on someone not just for the school day, but for the rest of their lives”.

“The internal feeling you will get from supporting the young people to help manage life will make all the hard work worth it”.

“You reap what you sow. Not everything is achievable first time round, but with time, patience and perseverance, the rewards are endless”.

“You know that you, as a team member, are proud to be part of that student’s journey and that has made a difference (however big or small)”.

“With the support of Uplands I have been able to further my career and work in a really rewarding job”

Qualifications and requirements

Please see the attached Job Description for full details of the responsibilities and expectations of this role. You will be required to show the qualifications listed as Essential in the Person Specification if you are successful.

Interview and application process

Interview: 02.03.2026 or as received. Note: Applicants will be considered as received. Should a suitable candidate be identified, we may close the vacancy early.

In the first instance we would welcome your application via SAM People Recruit. If you are unable to complete the application on this platform, please contact the team using resourcingswindon @brunel.org.uk or 01793 268820 and we will issue a Word version of the application form for completion and return by the deadline. Unfortunately, in line with Safer Recruitment, we are unable to accept CVs.

For internal Brunel candidates, please contact resourcingswindon @brunel.org.uk for an internal application form.

Hours and training

Hours: 12.5 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm)

Training: It is important to us to ensure you feel valued and supported. Full training appropriate to the role will be provided.

Benefits

  • Support on continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities
  • Brunel Perks – exclusive discounts on a range of products and retailers from cinema tickets, food shopping and holidays
  • Carefirst – impartial counselling service in person, by video call or phone as well as a citizen’s advice function for advice and support on personal or professional queries
  • Excellent pension scheme
  • Free on-site parking
  • Annual pay progression opportunities
  • Continuous Service date honoured

You are invited and encouraged to visit our setting to explore how unique and inspirational our children and team are. We encourage you to learn more about us through our website, and contact the school office to arrange a visit.

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Lunchtime Support Assistant employer: eTeach UK Limited

Uplands is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its Lunchtime Support Assistants. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from comprehensive training, CPD opportunities, and a range of perks including discounts and a robust pension scheme. Working at Uplands not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with complex needs but also offers a rewarding career path within a caring and motivated team.
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Contact Detail:

eTeach UK Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lunchtime Support Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with severe learning difficulties and autism. Understanding their unique challenges will help you demonstrate your commitment to providing unconditional positive regard during your interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your teamwork skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to be a supportive and reliable team player will resonate well with the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 3

Research Uplands and Brunel Academies Trust to understand their values and mission. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs will make a strong impression during your interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss solution-focused approaches you've used in past experiences. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and ability to contribute positively to the learning journeys of the children you'll be supporting.

We think you need these skills to ace Lunchtime Support Assistant

Empathy
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Resilience
Problem-Solving Skills
Patience
Adaptability
Understanding of Special Educational Needs
Positive Attitude
Ability to Create a Safe Environment
Supportive Nature
Flexibility
Conflict Resolution
Observation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Lunchtime Support Assistant. Highlight key qualities such as unconditional positive regard, resilience, and teamwork in your application.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect your experiences and skills that align with the needs of Uplands. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to support children and young people with learning difficulties.

Show Your Passion: Express your motivation for wanting to work with children and young people with special educational needs. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that showcase your commitment to making a difference in their lives.

Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you submit your application via the specified platform, SAM People Recruit. If you encounter any issues, reach out for assistance as instructed. Remember, CVs are not accepted, so focus on completing the application form thoroughly.

How to prepare for a job interview at eTeach UK Limited

✨Show Your Passion for Supporting Young People

Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children and young people, especially those with special educational needs. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills

Since the role requires being a reliable team player, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Highlight your ability to collaborate and support others, especially in challenging situations.

✨Emphasise Resilience and Problem-Solving

The interviewers will be looking for candidates who can handle challenges with a solution-focused mindset. Prepare to share specific instances where you faced difficulties and how you overcame them, particularly in a supportive role.

✨Understand the Unique Needs of the Role

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with severe learning difficulties or autism. Show that you understand their unique learning journeys and are ready to adapt your approach to meet their individual requirements.

Lunchtime Support Assistant
eTeach UK Limited
Location: Swindon
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