At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children during mealtimes and create a positive lunchtime experience.
- Company: Join Finkley Hudson's Field, part of a growing childcare group.
- Benefits: Earn up to £13.01 per hour, plus generous holiday and childcare discounts.
- Other info: Ideal stepping stone for those looking to grow into childcare roles.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying perfect work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Friendly, reliable, and great with children; experience is a bonus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 27000 € per year.
Lunchtime Assistant Location: Salisbury – Finkley Hudson's Field
Hours: 10:30am – 2:30pm (20 hours per week, Monday–Friday)
Salary: Up to £13.01 per hour
ABOUT US
Finkley Hudson's Field is part of the Attraction Nurseries family, a growing childcare group that delivers high‑quality early years education across the UK. At our Salisbury setting we create a nurturing, engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and grow every day, supporting families and creating meaningful experiences along the way.
THE BENEFITS (The Stuff That Matters)
- In‑House Qualification Scheme – earn an additional 30p per hour.
- Generous holiday and birthday leave.
- Volunteer day – support a charity of your choice.
- 50% childcare discount.
- Wellbeing support (Health Assured + attendance rewards).
- 100+ training courses + SENCO.
- Free uniform & DBS.
- Referral bonuses up to £750.
- Free family access to Finkley Down Farm and Solstice Play.
THE ROLE
We’re looking for a friendly, caring Lunchtime Assistant to support our team during one of the most important parts of the day – mealtimes and transitions.
- Supporting children’s independence.
- Creating a calm, positive lunchtime experience.
- Helping children feel safe, settled, and cared for.
You’ll be responsible for:
LUNCHTIME SUPERVISION- Supporting children during meals and encouraging good table manners.
- Creating a calm, positive, and engaging mealtime environment.
- Helping children feel comfortable and confident during lunch.
- Supporting children with allergies safely and correctly.
- Assisting with feeding, weaning, or bottles where needed.
- Ensuring smooth transitions between lunch and the next activity.
- Delivering safe, meaningful activities while practitioners are on breaks.
- Supporting children with routines and transitions.
- Encouraging independence (handwashing, self‑feeding, dressing).
- Providing comfort and reassurance where needed.
- Sharing any concerns with the team.
- Supporting personal care routines before and after meals.
- Keeping environments clean, safe, and organised.
- Following all health & safety and allergy procedures.
- Reporting any accidents, incidents, or safeguarding concerns.
- Maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Working collaboratively with the team.
- Supporting a positive, energetic environment.
- Attending training and meetings where required.
- Following and promoting nursery values and standards.
WHY THIS ROLE IS AWESOME
- Perfect hours – ideal for work‑life balance.
- Meaningful work – make a real difference every day.
- Supportive team – friendly, welcoming environment.
- Great stepping stone – ideal if you want to grow into childcare.
THE PERFECT CANDIDATE
- Warm, friendly, and approachable.
- Great with children and enjoy supporting their development.
- Reliable and happy to get stuck in.
- Calm and positive in a busy environment.
- A team player with a great attitude.
Bonus if you:
- Have experience working with children (not essential).
- Are interested in progressing into a childcare role.
WHAT YOUR DAY MIGHT LOOK LIKE
- 10:30am – Arrive, settle in, prep for lunchtime.
- 11:30am – Support children during meals.
- 12:00pm – Encourage conversation and independence.
- 12:30pm – Support transitions (toileting, handwashing, rest/play).
- 1:00pm – Supervise play or quiet activities.
- 2:00pm – Support team handover and tidy up.
- 2:30pm – Head home.
Short, rewarding days where you make a real impact.
THE DETAILS
Salisbury – 20 hours per week (10:30am – 2:30pm, Monday–Friday). Salary up to £13.01 per hour.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
Make a difference. Work with a supportive team. Enjoy great hours and benefits.
Good luck.
Nursery Lunchtime Assistant employer: Finkley Nurseries
At Finkley Hudson's Field, part of the Attraction Nurseries family, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the well-being and development of our staff. With a supportive team culture, generous benefits including a 50% childcare discount and in-house qualification schemes, we offer meaningful work that allows you to make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a perfect work-life balance. Our Salisbury location provides a nurturing environment where you can grow your career in childcare, making it an ideal stepping stone for your professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Lunchtime Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around Finkley Hudson's Field if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment shows genuine interest and helps you connect better during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you meet the team, let your warm and friendly nature shine through. They’re looking for someone who’s approachable and great with kids, so don’t hold back on being yourself.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some examples! Think of times when you’ve supported children or created a positive environment. Sharing these stories will help the team see how you fit into their caring culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Attraction Nurseries family right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Lunchtime Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives during mealtimes and transitions.
Be Specific:Use examples from your past experiences to highlight your skills. Whether it’s helping kids with their independence or creating a calm environment, we love to see how you’ve made an impact before!
Keep It Friendly:Since we’re all about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, make sure your tone reflects that. A friendly, approachable style will resonate well with us and show you’re a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey to becoming a Lunchtime Assistant with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Finkley Nurseries
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Lunchtime Assistant. Familiarise yourself with how to support children during meals and transitions, and think about how you can create a calm and positive environment.
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with children. Share any relevant experiences, even if they’re informal, and highlight your ability to encourage independence and support their development.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing allergies or comforting a child. Think through examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully navigated similar challenges.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they support staff wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the nursery's values.
