Lunchtime Assistant

Lunchtime Assistant

Full-Time 13100 £ / year No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young children during mealtimes and rest periods in a nurturing environment.
  • Company: Friendly nursery in Henley with a passionate childcare team.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay from £12.21ph for 20 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives during their vital lunchtime.
  • Qualifications: Caring attitude and enthusiasm for working with young children.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team and help create a safe, happy space for kids.

We are currently seeking a caring, reliable and enthusiastic Lunchtime Assistant to join our friendly nursery team. This is a rewarding role for someone who is passionate about supporting young children during a vital part of their day and who enjoys working as part of a committed childcare team. As a Lunchtime Assistant, you will play a key role in ensuring children feel safe, happy and supported during mealtimes, rest periods and transitions.

The successful Lunchtime Assistant will contribute to the delivery of high-quality childcare and education within the nursery by supporting children’s wellbeing, learning and development. You will help create a calm, nurturing environment where children feel secure and confident. A strong focus on safety is essential, and the Lunchtime Assistant will be responsible for minimising risks and preventing avoidable accidents.

Key Responsibilities and Main Tasks

As a Lunchtime Assistant, you will work over the staff lunch period to provide continuity of care. You will support smooth transitions between activities, mealtimes and sleep times, ensuring children are not left waiting and feel settled. Duties will include assisting children at mealtimes, feeding them where necessary or supporting them to serve and feed themselves in line with their age and development. The Lunchtime Assistant will ensure mealtimes are relaxed and social by sitting with children, talking with them and encouraging positive interaction.

You will also assist children during rest and sleep times, helping them feel safe and secure, while ensuring those who do not sleep are engaged in stimulating, age-appropriate activities. Accurate recording of sleep times, meals, nappy changes and toileting is an essential part of the Lunchtime Assistant role, as is making observations and sharing relevant information with the child’s Key Person.

Child, Parent and Team Care

A Lunchtime Assistant must work effectively as part of the nursery team, communicating clearly and contributing positively to staff morale. You will support children who may feel vulnerable, including new starters, and encourage good personal hygiene. You will also ensure children’s belongings and information are ready for parents and share appropriate information during drop-off and collection, directing queries as needed.

Administration, Communication and Health & Safety

The Lunchtime Assistant will ensure records and registers are accurate, follow all company policies and procedures, maintain confidentiality, and participate in meetings when required. You will uphold high standards of hygiene, support handwashing routines, clean and sterilise equipment, follow risk assessments, report accidents, and take part in fire drills.

If you are a dedicated Lunchtime Assistant who enjoys supporting children at this important time of day, we would love to hear from you.

Lunchtime Assistant employer: Pure Care Recruitment

Join our nurturing nursery team in Henley, where we prioritise the wellbeing and development of young children. As a Lunchtime Assistant, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values collaboration and communication, alongside opportunities for personal growth within the childcare sector. Enjoy a rewarding role with flexible hours and a competitive hourly rate, all while making a meaningful impact on children's lives during their lunchtime experience.
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Contact Detail:

Pure Care Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lunchtime Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or check out their website. Understanding their values and environment will help you connect with the team and show you're genuinely interested.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your passion for working with children and demonstrate your ability to create a nurturing environment.

✨Tip Number 3

Bring your A-game! When you go for the interview, dress smartly and bring along any relevant documents, like references or certificates. It shows you're organised and ready to jump into the role of Lunchtime Assistant.

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in making a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Lunchtime Assistant

Caring Attitude
Reliability
Enthusiasm
Childcare Knowledge
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Safety Awareness
Observation Skills
Record Keeping
Hygiene Standards
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Positive Interaction Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. We want to ensure you're a great fit for the Lunchtime Assistant role, so understanding the key responsibilities and requirements is essential.

Show Your Passion for Childcare: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences or qualities that demonstrate your caring and supportive nature, as this is what we value most at our nursery.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you'd be a fantastic addition to our team.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This way, you can ensure that all your details are captured correctly, and it helps us keep track of your application efficiently!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pure Care Recruitment

✨Know the Role Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Lunchtime Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like supporting children during mealtimes and ensuring their safety. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Show Your Passion for Childcare

During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with children. Share any relevant experiences or anecdotes that highlight your caring nature and ability to create a nurturing environment. This will demonstrate to the interviewers that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you truly care about supporting young children.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations, such as a child feeling upset during mealtime. Think through potential scenarios and how you would respond to ensure the child's wellbeing. This shows that you can think on your feet and prioritise children's needs effectively.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the nursery's approach to child development or how they support new staff. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if the nursery is the right fit for you.

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