Lunchtime Manager: Lead SMSA & Safe, Engaging Play

Lunchtime Manager: Lead SMSA & Safe, Engaging Play

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

  • Tasks: Lead and support lunchtime activities, ensuring a safe and engaging 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 lunchtime while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach.

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 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 & Safe, Engaging Play 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 growth, offering unparalleled CPD opportunities and clear pathways for career progression. Join us in making a meaningful impact on our children's lunchtime experience while enjoying a positive work culture and modern facilities.

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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

Tip Number 1

Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, take a stroll around the school or check out their website. Understanding their values and how they engage with pupils will help you connect during your chat.

Tip Number 2

Show off your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led a team or organised activities. Be ready to share how you can inspire and support the lunchtime assistants to create a fun environment for the kids.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive in your approach! During the interview, suggest some creative lunchtime activities you could implement. This shows you're not just about managing but also about making lunchtimes engaging for everyone.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by asking about the school's approach to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing. It’s a great way to demonstrate that you care about creating a safe and happy environment.

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

Leadership Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Behaviour Management
Proactivity
Activity Planning

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 or anecdotes that highlight your ability to build positive relationships and create a safe, engaging environment.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Lunchtime Manager, you'll be leading a team of lunchtime assistants. Make sure to emphasise your leadership experience and how you can support and coordinate a team effectively. We want to see how you can lead by example!

Be Clear and Professional:Communication is key in this role, so ensure your application is clear and professional. Use straightforward language and structure your application well, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.

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. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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 built positive relationships, managed teams, or organised activities. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Emphasise Communication Skills

Since clear communication is crucial in this role, prepare to discuss how you effectively communicate with children, parents, and staff. You might want to give examples of how you've handled difficult situations or promoted positive behaviour in the past.

Demonstrate Your Proactivity

The school is looking for someone who can take initiative. Think of ways you've proactively organised activities or improved processes in previous roles. Share these examples during the interview to highlight your ability to enhance the lunchtime experience for pupils.