Early Years Assistant - Lunch Time cover, Taunton, Somerset

We are seeking an Early Years Assistant to provide lunchtime cover at our setting in Taunton, Somerset. The successful candidate will support children during meal and play times, promote positive behaviour, and help maintain a safe, clean and inclusive environment. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with young children and supporting staff in everyday routines.

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Support the nursery team to ensure children have a positive lunchtime experience.
• Duties include supervising meals, supporting personal care and hygiene, facilitating play, and assisting with basic record keeping and tidying tasks.

Supervision and Care

• Supervise children during lunch and outdoor/indoor play, ensuring their safety and wellbeing at all times.
• Support children with eating, including assisting with cutlery where needed and encouraging healthy eating habits.
• Support personal care routines (e.g., handwashing, toileting) in a respectful and dignified manner.
• Promote positive behaviour through clear, calm and consistent interactions and age‑appropriate boundaries.

Quality of the Environment

• Help set up and clear away lunch areas and activities, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment.
• Support staff in organising play resources and encouraging inclusive, engaging play experiences.
• Report any maintenance or resource issues to the Nursery Manager promptly.

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Follow the nursery’s safeguarding policy and report any concerns immediately in line with procedures.
• Adhere to health and safety, food hygiene and allergy procedures during food handling and mealtimes.
• Support completion of basic records such as accident logs, incidents and care notes as required.

Teamwork and Communication

• Work collaboratively with nursery staff, following instructions from the Nursery Manager and room leaders.
• Build positive relationships with children and families through friendly, professional communication at handovers.
• Attend team briefings and contribute to maintaining a supportive working environment.

Person Specification

• Previous experience working with young children is desirable but not essential; training will be provided.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact positively with children and families.
• Reliable, patient and calm under pressure with a practical, hands‑on approach.
• A willingness to follow routines, instructions and safeguarding procedures.
• Basic literacy skills for completing simple records; basic IT skills desirable.

Skills and Experience

• Experience of supervising groups of children during meals or playtimes is advantageous.
• Knowledge of basic food hygiene and allergy awareness is desirable.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow direction from senior staff.

Location and Hours

• Based at our Taunton setting. Lunchtime cover hours typically around 11:30–14:00; exact hours and pattern to be agreed with the Nursery Manager. Occasional additional cover may be required.

Safer Recruitment

• This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory references. We are committed to safer recruitment practices and to creating an inclusive workplace for all colleagues and children.

How to apply

If you are enthusiastic about supporting children at mealtimes and meet the essential requirements, please apply with your CV and a brief covering statement outlining your suitability for the role.