Lunchtime Manager: Lead SMSA & Safe, Engaging Play in London

Lunchtime Manager: Lead SMSA & Safe, Engaging Play in London

London Full-Time 20000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to create a safe and engaging lunchtime experience for children.
  • Company: Priestmead Primary School, part of The Pegasus Partnership Trust.
  • Benefits: Supportive teams, career progression, wellbeing focus, and modern facilities.
  • Other info: Join a warm, inclusive community dedicated to staff and pupil success.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives every day while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude.

The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.

Looking for a role where you can make a real difference every day? Priestmead Primary School is seeking to appoint a caring, organised and proactive Lunchtime Manager to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring our pupils experience a safe, positive and enjoyable lunchtime environment. We are looking for someone who can lead by example, support and coordinate our lunchtime assistant team and build strong relationships with children and staff.

As an ‘Outstanding’ four-form entry school within The Pegasus Partnership Trust, we pride ourselves on creating a warm, inclusive and ambitious learning community where both pupils and staff thrive. We are seeking someone who:

  • Enjoys working with children and understands the importance of positive relationships.
  • Can confidently lead, support and coordinate our Lunchtime Assistants Team.
  • Can confidently organise daily lunchtime provision, support staff deployment and maintain high standards across the school.
  • Is calm, organised and able to respond effectively to a range of situations.
  • Can promote positive behaviour and ensure all children, including those with SEND and additional needs, feel safe, happy and included.
  • Is proactive in organising lunchtime activities and encouraging active play.
  • Communicates clearly and professionally with pupils, parents and staff.
  • Understands the importance of safeguarding, health and safety and pupil wellbeing, ensuring incidents and concerns are reported in line with school procedures.
  • Ensures the health and safety of pupils at all times and follows the school process for reporting incidents.
  • Is flexible, reliable and committed to contributing to the wider life of the school.
  • Confidence using school communication and safeguarding systems, or willingness to learn, would be welcomed.
  • Has strong spoken English and communication skills.

What We Offer:

  • Supportive Teams - Work alongside experienced, friendly colleagues who want to see you succeed.
  • Incredible Children - Our pupils are well-behaved, engaged and eager to learn.
  • A Caring Community - A welcoming, inclusive environment where staff, pupils and families work together.
  • Unparalleled CPD - From in-school training to trust-wide collaboration and external research-led projects, we help you grow as a leader.
  • Career Progression - Whether you want to further develop your leadership skills or progress into senior leadership, we provide clear pathways and opportunities across the trust.
  • A Focus on Wellbeing - 24/7 GP access, supportive teams, social staff events and a positive working culture.
  • Modern, Purpose-Built Facilities - Inspiring teaching spaces and on-site parking for staff.

Why Join The Pegasus Partnership Trust?

  • A trust committed to developing and valuing all staff.
  • Opportunities to collaborate and grow professionally across schools.
  • A positive culture built on inclusion, ambition and teamwork.

Come and Visit Us

We warmly encourage prospective candidates to visit Priestmead Primary School and meet our team.

Closing Date: 8th June 2026

Interview Date: 15th or 16th June 2026

Join us and help make every lunchtime a positive experience for our children.

Lunchtime Manager: Lead SMSA & Safe, Engaging Play in London employer: Priestmead Primary School and Nursery

Priestmead Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment where staff are valued and supported. With a strong focus on professional development, our dedicated team enjoys unparalleled opportunities for growth and collaboration within The Pegasus Partnership Trust. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our well-behaved and eager-to-learn pupils while benefiting from a positive work culture that prioritises wellbeing and community.

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Contact Details:

Priestmead Primary School and Nursery Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lunchtime Manager: Lead SMSA & Safe, Engaging Play in London

Tip Number 1

Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, take a stroll around Priestmead Primary School if you can. Familiarise yourself with the environment and the vibe. This will help you connect better during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.

Tip Number 2

Show off your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led a team or organised activities, especially with kids. Bring these stories to the table during your interview to demonstrate how you can support and coordinate the Lunchtime Assistants Team effectively.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive in your approach! Share ideas on how you would promote positive behaviour and engage children during lunchtime. This shows that you're not just looking to fill a role but are excited about making a real difference in their daily experience.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the school's values, the team you'll be working with, and how they support staff wellbeing. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for a smoother process!

We think you need these skills to ace Lunchtime Manager: Lead SMSA & Safe, Engaging Play in London

Leadership Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Behaviour Management
Proactivity
Flexibility

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Working with Children:Let us see your enthusiasm for creating a safe and engaging environment for kids. Share experiences where you've positively impacted children's lives, whether in a school setting or elsewhere.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:We want to know how you can lead and support our Lunchtime Assistants Team. Give examples of times you've coordinated a team or taken charge in a busy situation, showing us you're calm and organised.

Communicate Clearly and Professionally:Your written application should reflect the clear communication skills we value. Make sure your language is professional yet friendly, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Priestmead Primary School and Nursery

Know Your Role

Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Lunchtime Manager. Familiarise yourself with how to lead a team of lunchtime assistants and create a safe, engaging environment for children. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Showcase Your Experience

Think about your past experiences working with children or in similar roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've promoted positive behaviour, organised activities, or handled challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and support others effectively.

Communicate Clearly

Since communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally. You might be asked how you would communicate with pupils, parents, and staff, so prepare some scenarios where you’ve successfully navigated these interactions in the past.

Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility

Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with others and adapt to changing situations. The school values a supportive team environment, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute positively to the team dynamic and ensure a smooth lunchtime experience for everyone.