At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate staff cover, support learning, and lead manual handling practices in a school setting.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Heron Academy, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities and a rewarding role impacting pupils' lives.
- Other info: Flexible, resilient candidates who can manage multiple priorities will thrive here.
- Why this job: Be a key player in ensuring high-quality education and safety for students.
- Qualifications: Experience in a school setting and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a highly organised, proactive and committed Cover Supervisor & Manual Handling Lead to join our dedicated team. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a central role in the smooth running of the school, ensuring high-quality provision for pupils while supporting staff and maintaining consistency across the setting.
As a Cover Supervisor, you will be responsible for coordinating all staff cover arrangements in the absence of permanent staff, liaising with external agencies and managing internal cover. You will also take a lead role in manual handling across the school, ensuring safe and effective practices are embedded and consistently followed. The role also includes delivering pre‑prepared lessons, supporting learning in class, leading play provision, managing midday supervisors, and delivering physiotherapy programmes between 9:00am and 12:00pm.
Key Responsibilities- Coordinate daily cover across the school
- Liaise with agencies to secure suitable cover staff
- Manage and deploy midday supervisors
- Lead structured and unstructured play provision
- Deliver pre‑prepared lessons and provide classroom support
- Lead delivery of physiotherapy programmes (9:00am–12:00pm)
- Promote and monitor safe manual handling practices
- Work collaboratively with staff, SLT and external professionals
- Experience working in a school setting (SEND experience desirable)
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure
- Confident leading groups and supporting pupils’ learning
- Ability to build positive relationships with staff and external partners
- Knowledge or experience of manual handling (training can be provided)
- Flexible, resilient, and solution‑focused
- A supportive and collaborative staff team
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- A rewarding role making a real difference to pupils’ lives
Heron Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and all necessary pre‑employment checks, including online searches, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
Equal OpportunitiesLondon South East Academies Trust is fully committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer and to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parental status or marital or partnership status. As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role. If you have accessibility needs or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know. All appointments are subject to verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with Home Office requirements. Original documentation will be required prior to commencement of employment.
Salary: Lambeth Payscale 6, Point 19
Closing Date: Friday 17th April 2026
Cover Supervisor and Manual Handling Lead in London employer: LSEAT
Heron Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity, employees can expect meaningful work that makes a real difference in the lives of pupils, alongside opportunities for training and development in a vibrant London setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cover Supervisor and Manual Handling Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Cover Supervisor role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for Cover Supervisors and think about how your experience aligns with the role. Practise your answers with a friend or in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you've got experience in manual handling or working with SEND students, make sure to highlight that during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Cover Supervisor and Manual Handling Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Cover Supervisor and Manual Handling Lead. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; give examples of how you've used them in a school setting. Whether it's managing multiple priorities or leading groups, we want to see how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at LSEAT
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Cover Supervisor and Manual Handling Lead. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, like coordinating cover arrangements and leading manual handling practices. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires excellent organisational abilities, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple priorities or coordinated activities. Be ready to discuss how you handle pressure and ensure smooth operations, as this will demonstrate your fit for the position.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building positive relationships with your interviewers. Use their names, maintain eye contact, and engage in active listening. This will not only make you more memorable but also reflect your ability to connect with staff and external partners, which is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations in a school setting. Think about potential challenges you might face as a Cover Supervisor and how you would address them. This preparation will help you respond effectively and showcase your proactive approach.
