Lunchtime Assistant SEN in Manchester

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a part time Lunchtime Assistant SEN to join our fantastic team at Grange School. This is a Grade 2, permanent part time post working 10 hours per week, term time only. The starting salary is £5,937 and the full time equivalent is £24,796.

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate part time Lunchtime Assistant to support students during lunchtime. The ideal candidate will have experience working with children, preferably those with SEN, and will assist in ensuring a safe, inclusive, and positive lunchtime experience.

Main purpose of the job: You will supervise and support student(s) in the dining areas and elsewhere as required to provide high quality support over lunchtime, ensuring their safety and well-being and assist with feeding and other personal care needs, as required. You will help create an atmosphere so that the meal and lunchtime recreation is a pleasant experience for pupils and staff.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the students with social interaction and communication, fostering positive relationships with peers.
• Promote inclusive behaviours and encourage participation in group activities.
• Support the students in managing any challenging behaviours in a calm and positive manner.
• Monitor and assist the students with any dietary restrictions or preferences.
• Work closely with teaching staff and SEN coordinators to ensure that the student’s specific needs are met.
• Follow school policies and procedures regarding health and safety and safeguarding.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.

Working for Prospere Learning Trust: Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including:

• High quality CPD for all roles
• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan – annual cash back allowance for a range of everyday health care expenses
• Generous Pension Contribution – over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff
• Good holidays – teachers as per School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non-teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years’ service
• Cyclescheme – save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free
• Employee Assistance Programmes – including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines
• Credit Union – regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans
• Flexible working options – we’re happy to talk flexible working where possible
• Mental Health First Aid in every school
• Blue Light Card – discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more
• bYond cashback card – spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases

Grange School in Levenshulme, Manchester, provides 247 day places for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). Catering to pupils from EYFS to KS5, Grange offers a bespoke education through a stimulating environment and the Know and Remember Curriculum, ensuring access to the National Curriculum with engaging activities. Progress is tracked termly using a bespoke data system. Grange also offers exciting curriculum enrichment activities, including an on-site farm with various animals and an enhanced learning area called Know Globes. Imagination Village allows pupils to practice real-world skills in settings like a post office, grocer’s, and doctor’s surgery. For KS4 and KS5, the curriculum focuses on the world of work, offering accredited courses in English, maths, PSHE, and qualifications in areas like Active Sports and Leisure, Catering and Hospitality, and Construction. Grange School has been graded as outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.

Job Application Information: Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self-disclosure form. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references.

Safeguarding Commitment: All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Equality Statement: Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.