Lunchtime Manager (Lead SMSA)

Lunchtime Manager (Lead SMSA)

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and support lunchtime activities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for pupils.
  • Company: Priestmead Primary School, part of The Pegasus Partnership Trust, known for its inclusive culture.
  • Benefits: Supportive teams, career progression, wellbeing focus, and modern facilities.
  • Other info: Join a caring community and enjoy unparalleled professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives during their lunchtime experience.
  • Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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 Midday

Interview Date: 15th or 16th June 2026

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

Lunchtime Manager (Lead SMSA) employer: Priestmead Primary School and Nursery

At Priestmead Primary School, we are dedicated to fostering a warm and inclusive environment where both staff and pupils thrive. As a Lunchtime Manager, you will be part of a supportive team that values professional development and offers unparalleled opportunities for career progression, all while working with engaged and well-behaved children. Our commitment to wellbeing, alongside modern facilities and a collaborative culture, makes us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in education.

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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)

Tip Number 1

Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, take a stroll around Priestmead Primary School if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment and chatting with staff or parents can give you a real feel for the community and help you connect during your interview.

Tip Number 2

Show your passion for working with children! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's lives in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable lunchtime experience.

Tip Number 3

Be ready to discuss your leadership style! As a Lunchtime Manager, you'll be coordinating a team. Think about how you can lead by example and support your colleagues. Share your ideas on promoting teamwork and positive behaviour among the children.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by asking about the school's approach to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing. This not only shows you're proactive but also helps you understand how you can contribute to the school's values.

We think you need these skills to ace Lunchtime Manager (Lead SMSA)

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

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Working with Children:When writing your application, let your love for working with kids shine through! Share any relevant experiences that highlight your ability to build positive relationships and create a safe, enjoyable environment for them.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Lunchtime Manager, you'll be leading a team of lunchtime assistants. Make sure to mention any previous leadership roles or experiences where you coordinated a team, organised activities, or supported others in their roles.

Be Clear and Professional:Communication is key in this role, so ensure your application is well-structured and free from errors. Use clear language to convey your thoughts and make it easy for us to see why you'd be a great fit for our team.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process!

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

Know the School's Values

Before your interview, take some time to research Priestmead Primary School and its values. Understanding their commitment to creating a warm, inclusive environment will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for. Be ready to share how your own values match theirs!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Lunchtime Manager, you'll need to lead and support a team of lunchtime assistants. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or coordinated activities. Highlight your ability to promote positive behaviour and ensure a safe environment for children.

Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally. You might be asked how you would handle a situation with a child or communicate with parents, so think of specific scenarios where you’ve successfully navigated similar conversations.

Prepare for Situational Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to respond to various situations, especially regarding safeguarding and health and safety. Think about potential challenges you might face during lunchtimes and how you would address them. Showing that you can remain calm and organised under pressure will impress the interviewers.