Lunchtime Assistant - Wyvern Academy in Weymouth

Lunchtime at Wyvern Academy is no ordinary lunch break – it’s a daily blend of chatter, smiles, and those small magical moments that stay with you long after the bell rings. It’s where confidence grows over shared jokes, friendships bloom over sandwiches, and tiny triumphs feel like big wins. If you’re someone who brings calm to chaos, joy to the everyday, and has a soft spot for the moments that make you think, “This is exactly where I’m meant to be,” then you just might be the hero our lunchtimes are waiting for. Here, your kindness, patience, and sense of humour won’t just be appreciated – they’ll help our pupils feel safe, seen, and ready to tackle the rest of their day.

What you’ll be doing:

• Getting to know our pupils and helping them feel safe, supported, and welcomed.
• Keeping an eye on the dining hall and making sure everyone is happy, calm, and doing well.
• Encouraging good manners, good hygiene, and good eating habits (with plenty of gentle guidance).
• Setting up and tidying away the hall so it’s clean, organised, and ready for the next round.
• Helping keep equipment clean and everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
• Making lunchtime a positive, feel-good part of the day.
• Working closely with our friendly team to support each pupil with care and creativity.
• Adding joy, fun, and a warm smile to the midday routine.

Who we’re looking for:

• Someone kind, upbeat, reliable, and great with children and young adults.
• A friendly face who brings positivity wherever they go.
• Patient, empathetic, and full of energy (or at least good at pretending!).
• Compassionate, open-minded, and creative – because every pupil is wonderfully different.
• Organised and able to juggle tasks with surprising grace.
• Calm under pressure, even when the day throws curveballs.
• Passionate about supporting young people with complex needs – and armed with excellent patience.

What the school offers its staff:

• The chance to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time.
• Comprehensive support, induction and training package.
• A supportive team who’ll have your back during the good, the bad, and the “Did that really just happen?” moments.
• Professional development opportunities because we’re all about helping you grow, both as a person and in your ability to juggle six things at once!
• You will be part of an inclusive and collaborative team that, no matter what the challenge may be, are ready to face it head on and are committed to seeing it through.
• A school that celebrates progress, not just results.
• A rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference!
• The opportunity to develop your career in a School and Southern Education Trust, a growing Trust.

At Wyvern Academy, part of the Southern Education Trust, we’re passionate about “making lives better” by creating an environment where every child, regardless of their challenges, can shine. We specialise in supporting children and young people aged 2 to 19 years with learning difficulties, including autism, physical and sensory disabilities and healthcare needs.

If you’re looking for a role that challenges, rewards, and fills you with purpose in a world where every day is unique and every moment counts, this could be the role for you!

Further details about the role:

• Become part of our journey, by completing our Support Staff Application Form and returning it to recruitment@southern.education if you would like to apply.
• Closing date: 4th January 2026
• Interview date: 14th January 2026

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment.

The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.