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- Tasks: Supervise and support children during lunchtime, ensuring safety and engagement.
- Company: Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School, a vibrant and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Set hours during term time, professional development, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Full training provided; commitment to safeguarding required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's school experience while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Enjoy working with children; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Permanent, Monday to Friday - Term time only, 2.5 hours per day (12.5 hours per week). Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School is a vibrant, inclusive community where children are placed at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a friendly, reliable and enthusiastic Lunchtime Controller to join our dedicated team. You will help to supervise and support our pupils during the lunch break, ensuring they are safe, happy and engaged.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervising children in the dining hall, playground and around the school.
- Supporting children ages 2-11 years.
- Encouraging good manners and positive behaviour.
- Supporting play activities and helping to organise safe and enjoyable lunchtime experiences.
- Assisting younger pupils as needed, such as with opening lunch items.
- Promoting our school’s values and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children.
What We’re Looking For
- Enjoys working with children and is committed to their wellbeing.
- Is approachable, patient and has a positive attitude.
- Works well as part of a team and uses initiative.
- Is reliable and punctual.
- Experience working with children is desirable but not essential — full training will be provided.
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Why Join Us
- Set hours during term time only.
- A friendly, inclusive, and supportive school environment.
- Opportunities to gain valuable school-based experience.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- A role that makes a real difference in children’s school experience.
- Term-time working pattern to support a healthy work–life balance.
The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, online searches, and satisfactory references.
Lunchtime Controller - Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lunchtime Controller - Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment will help you feel more confident and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your enthusiasm! When you’re chatting with the interviewers, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your positive attitude and commitment to their wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! Don’t be shy about asking about the school's values or how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it ensures your application gets to the right people quickly, so you can get one step closer to joining the team at Whitley Park.
We think you need these skills to ace Lunchtime Controller - Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Working with Children: When writing your application, let us know why you love working with kids! Share any experiences you've had that highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to their wellbeing. This will help us see how you fit into our vibrant community.
Be Friendly and Approachable: Use a warm and friendly tone in your application. We want to know that you’re someone who can connect with children and make them feel safe and happy during lunchtime. A positive attitude goes a long way!
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Since you'll be part of a dedicated team, mention any past experiences where you worked well with others. We value collaboration, so showing us that you can work as part of a team will definitely catch our eye.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our school community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School's values and ethos. Understanding what they stand for will help you align your answers with their mission, showing that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Working with Children
During the interview, express your passion for working with children. Share any relevant experiences, even if they're informal, like babysitting or volunteering. This will demonstrate your commitment to their wellbeing and your ability to engage with pupils aged 2-11.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing conflicts during playtime or encouraging good manners at the dining table. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated similar challenges.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to promoting positive behaviour or how they support new staff. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.