At a Glance
- Tasks: Support primary school pupils during lunchtime, ensuring their safety and positive engagement.
- Company: Smile Education, a dedicated agency focused on supporting school staff.
- Benefits: Ongoing training, support, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a rewarding role in education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and a caring attitude.
The predicted salary is between 1300 - 1800 £ per month.
Smile Education are currently recruiting for a School Support Assistant to start immediately at a welcoming mainstream primary school in Birmingham. The school provides a supportive and inclusive environment for pupils aged 4–11 and is committed to promoting positive behaviour, wellbeing and achievement for all children. The successful applicant will play a key role in supporting pupils during the lunchtime period, ensuring their safety, wellbeing and positive engagement in a structured and nurturing environment. This is a rewarding opportunity to join a dedicated and supportive school team.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervising pupils during lunchtime in the dining hall and designated outdoor areas
- Supporting children during meals and encouraging good table manners
- Promoting positive behaviour, interaction and inclusive play
- Providing reassurance and guidance to pupils who may require additional support
- Managing low-level behaviour and resolving minor conflicts calmly and fairly
- Ensuring safeguarding, health and safety procedures are followed at all times
- Reporting concerns, incidents or achievements to teaching and senior staff
The successful candidate will
- Have experience working with children or young people, ideally within a school or childcare setting
- Be patient, caring and able to build positive relationships with primary-aged children
- Have strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Be reliable, punctual and able to work effectively as part of a team
- Demonstrate a good understanding of safeguarding and child protection
- Be confident supervising children across the primary age range
What to expect from applicants?
Applicants should have previous experience working with children or young people. Experience within a primary school setting is desirable, though training and guidance will be provided. A strong awareness of health and safety and safeguarding is essential.
Why work with Smile Education?
Smile Education are an agency with a difference. We are education specialists with a proven track record of supporting school staff at every stage of their career. We offer ongoing support, training and CPD opportunities and work closely with schools across Birmingham and the surrounding areas to find the right role for you.
Safeguarding: Smile Education is committed to safeguarding children. All applicants will be required to complete compliance checks including DBS, Barred List and reference checks.
School Support Assistant (Lunchtime) in Birmingham employer: Smile Education
Contact Detail:
Smile Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Support Assistant (Lunchtime) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the school’s values and ethos. This will help you connect with the team and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a School Support Assistant, you'll need to interact with children and staff regularly. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle any situation that comes your way.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for working with kids! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children in the past. Whether it’s through encouraging good behaviour or supporting their wellbeing, let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and shows you’re keen on joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace School Support Assistant (Lunchtime) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Working with Kids: When you're writing your application, let your love for working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences you've had, whether it's in a school or childcare setting, and how they’ve shaped your approach to supporting young learners.
Highlight Your Team Spirit: We’re all about teamwork here at StudySmarter, so make sure to mention your ability to work well with others. Talk about times when you’ve collaborated with colleagues or supported peers, especially in a school environment.
Be Clear About Your Understanding of Safeguarding: Since safeguarding is super important, don’t forget to include your knowledge and experience in this area. Explain how you ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, and any training you’ve had related to child protection.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on board as a School Support Assistant. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smile Education
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research the school and its values. Understanding their commitment to promoting positive behaviour and wellbeing will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children. Share specific examples of how you've supported young people in a school or childcare setting, especially during meal times or play.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to role-play scenarios where you need to manage behaviour or support a child who needs reassurance.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
This position requires teamwork, so be prepared to talk about how you work well with others. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with colleagues to create a positive environment for children.