At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children during lunchtime, creating a calm and enjoyable environment.
- Company: Fennies, a supportive childcare provider focused on wellbeing.
- Benefits: Earn up to £14 per hour, enjoy free meals, and flexible part-time hours.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with great career growth and fun company events.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in children's lives while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Genuine interest in working with children; experience is a plus.
Make a meaningful difference in a child’s day. At Fennies, our Lunchtime Teaching Assistants play an important role in creating a calm, safe and enjoyable environment for children during one of the most important parts of their day. Whether you’re looking for flexible work, returning to childcare or starting your journey in early years, this is a great opportunity to be part of a supportive and rewarding environment.
Competitive salary and bonus:
- Up to £14 per hour
- Opportunity to earn a performance‑related bonus
Work‑life balance:
- Part‑time hours, ideal for work‑life balance
- Up to 20 days annual leave, increasing one day per year of service, plus bank holidays
- Wellbeing benefits and a supportive team culture
- Free daily meals from the Fennies Café
- Summer BBQs, Christmas events and company celebrations
- Recognition and reward through the Fennies Club long‑service awards
About the role:
As a Lunchtime Teaching Assistant, you’ll support children during lunchtime routines, helping to create a positive, calm and enjoyable experience.
Responsibilities:
- Support children during mealtimes, encouraging independence and good eating habits
- Help create a calm and nurturing environment during lunch and transition times
- Assist with supervising children indoors and outdoors
- Support children’s wellbeing, comfort and emotional needs
- Work closely with the team to maintain routines
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health, safety and hygiene
Qualifications:
- Have a genuine interest in working with children
- Be friendly, patient and supportive
- Enjoy working as part of a team
- Reliable and motivated to learn new skills
- Ideally, some experience working with children (formal or informal)
- Basic understanding of child development or early years (desirable)
Most importantly, bring kindness, enthusiasm and a positive attitude. At Fennies, we celebrate diversity and believe inclusive teams create stronger learning environments for children. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
Safeguarding:
Fennies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide proof of identity. In line with Safer Recruitment guidance, online searches (including social media) may be conducted for shortlisted candidates.
Lunchtime Teaching Assistant Purley employer: Fennies Under 5s Day Nurseries Limited
At Fennies, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and rewarding environment for our Lunchtime Teaching Assistants in Purley. With competitive pay, flexible part-time hours, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we ensure that our team members enjoy a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in children's lives. Our culture celebrates diversity and inclusivity, providing ample opportunities for personal growth and recognition through various awards and events.
Contact Details:
Fennies Under 5s Day Nurseries Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lunchtime Teaching Assistant Purley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Fennies' social media and website. Understanding their values and environment will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their supportive community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your passion for working with children and demonstrate your friendly, patient nature—qualities that Fennies values highly.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your enthusiasm! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported children in the past, whether formally or informally. Highlighting your kindness and positive attitude will resonate well with the team at Fennies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Lunchtime Teaching Assistant Purley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Working with Children:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with kids shine through. Share any experiences you've had, whether formal or informal, that highlight your genuine interest in supporting children's development and wellbeing.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the specific responsibilities of a Lunchtime Teaching Assistant. Mention how you can create a calm and enjoyable environment during mealtimes and support children’s emotional needs.
Keep It Friendly and Professional:While we want to see your personality, remember to maintain a professional tone throughout your application. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches the right people and you’ll have access to all the latest updates about the role and our team culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fennies Under 5s Day Nurseries Limited
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Lunchtime Teaching Assistant. Understand how you can support children during mealtimes and create a calm environment. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to encourage independence and good eating habits.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your genuine interest in working with children shine through. Share stories that highlight your patience, kindness, and enthusiasm. This role is all about making a difference in a child's day, so be ready to discuss why you’re passionate about supporting their wellbeing and emotional needs.
✨Team Player Mindset
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Prepare to discuss how you’ve collaborated with others in previous roles or experiences. Fennies values a supportive team culture, so showing that you can contribute positively to a team will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face as a Lunchtime Teaching Assistant. How would you handle a child who is upset during lunch? Be prepared to share your thoughts on maintaining high standards of safeguarding and health, safety, and hygiene while ensuring a nurturing environment.
