At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Play Team to create fun and engaging lunchtime experiences for children.
- Company: Knebworth School, dedicated to children's happiness and development through play.
- Benefits: Term time only, flexible hours, and opportunities for training and professional growth.
- Other info: Encouraging diverse applicants to join our inclusive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying the outdoors and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for working with children and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 11.7 - 14.3 £ per hour.
About the role
We are looking for a warm, energetic, and compassionate individual to join our Play Team and help transform lunchtimes into exciting opportunities for creativity, adventure, friendship, and discovery.
At Knebworth School, we recognise the powerful role that play has in supporting children's happiness, wellbeing, confidence, and development.
As part of our Play Team, you will help create an inclusive outdoor environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore, imagine, and learn through play.
Working alongside colleagues, you will encourage meaningful child‑led play experiences, support positive relationships, and help every child find enjoyment during their lunchtime break.
The successful candidate will be willing to undertake First Aid and OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) training and will share our commitment to providing high-quality play opportunities for all children.
The position is term time only, 5 days a week, 11:45am until 1.15pm to cover the lunchtime period.
The main roles and responsibilities will include
- Work as part of the Play Team to cover all lunchtime tasks daily. This will include sessions outside, and in the dining hall.
- Work with the play leader to ensure all children have access to exciting age‑appropriate play opportunities every lunch time.
- Facilitate play opportunities and act as an ambassador for play.
- Ensure that all our children have a safe site for play.
- Assess play areas for risks daily and communicate/implement any changes required.
- Assist with putting out and packing away of play equipment/kit.
- Assess and deliver first aid to pupils (when trained).
- Assist children at lunch, e. g. with queuing, getting seated, opening packets, spillages, disputes, clearing plates encourage good eating, hygiene and social skills.
- Clear and clean the hall during service (e. g. spillages, assisting with waste food, trays and cutlery).
- Offer pastoral care, support and advice for children during lunchtime.
- Contribute ideas and suggestions to improve the team practices and performance.
- Promote and safeguard the safety and welfare of children in accordance with school child protection and behaviour management policies.
- Support and uphold the school’s values system and school rules and reward pupils with verbal praise for positive attitudes and behaviours.
- Attend periodic team meetings and/or training for professional development.
- To complete school-based induction and any subsequent training required
The successful candidate will
- Bring enthusiasm, kindness, and positivity to every day.
- Enjoy engaging with children (all ages in the primary school range 4 to 11 years) and supporting their development.
- Value the importance of play in children's lives.
- Help create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment.
- Be keen to learn and develop through training and professional development opportunities.
- Have strong teamwork skills; enjoy being part of a team, be supportive, flexible and reliable.
Please note - this post involves being outdoors in all weathers, and standing/walking for the duration of the lunch period.
Candidates should therefore consider the physical demands of the role prior to applying.
To help us meet our high standards and aspirations of a fully diverse and inclusive workplace, we strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply and to join us.
If you are ready to inspire play, encourage imagination, and help children flourish, we would be delighted to welcome you to our team.
For more information about the role or to see a lunchtime in action then please email head@knebworth. herts. sch. uk
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Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant (OPAL Play Team) in Knebworth employer: Knebworth Primary and Nursery School
Knebworth School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the happiness and development of both its students and staff. With a strong commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment, we offer opportunities for professional growth through training and development, including First Aid and OPAL training. Our supportive work culture encourages teamwork and creativity, making it a rewarding place to inspire young minds during their lunchtime play.
Contact Details:
Knebworth Primary and Nursery School Recruitment Team
