Lunchtime Assistant

Chailey Heritage Foundation; North Chailey; On-site; GBP 9,000; Part time

Job summary

An educational organization in North Chailey is seeking a Lunchtime Assistant to support children with complex physical disabilities during mealtimes. This role involves assisting with personal care, engaging children in play, and ensuring a safe and positive environment. A compassionate approach and teamwork are essential. Experience in special education settings is preferred. The position offers competitive pay and a supportive induction program, fostering professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Enhanced pension scheme

Discount facilities and healthcare cash plans

Free parking

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Previous experience in SEN settings or working with children is an advantage.
• Proactive and willing to support children's needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with personal care, hygiene, and mealtime routines.
• Engage children in social play and activities.
• Prepare and tidy lunch areas while meeting dietary needs.
• Support mobility using appropriate handling techniques.
• Advocate for children, respecting their individuality.

Skills

Compassionate

Building relationships

Team player

Basic understanding of technology

Willingness to learn

Job description

Help Shape Bright Futures as a Lunchtime Assistant

Join our Education team at Chailey Heritage Foundation as a Lunchtime Assistant, where every day brings an opportunity to make a difference. This role goes beyond supporting children with complex physical disabilities and health needs during mealtimes. You’ll also play an active part in their school day—encouraging participation in activities, fostering independence, and supporting wherever needed to ensure their school experience is as enriching as possible.

LOCATION: Onsite, North Chailey, (BN8 4EF)

SALARY:£12.98 per hour / £8,760 pro rata

HOURS:15 hours per week (11:30 am - 2:30 pm), Monday to Friday, term time only.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assisting with personal care, hygiene, and mealtime routines.
• Engaging children in social play and activities to promote interaction and independence.
• Preparing and tidying lunch areas, and ensuring pupils' dietary and sensory needs are met.
• Supporting mobility needs using appropriate handling techniques.
• Being an advocate for the children, respecting their individuality and promoting their confidence.

With your help, pupils will feel safe, valued, and inspired every day.

Who We’re Looking For

We need someone who is:

• Compassionate, proactive, and great at building relationships.
• A team player with a basic understanding of technology.
• Willing to learn and grow, with a passion for helping children thrive. Previous experience in SEN settings or working with children is an advantage but not essential.

Our Induction Programme

We want you to feel confident and fully equipped to succeed in this role. That’s why all successful candidates must complete our 5-day induction program (and additional hands‑on training sessions), which may extend beyond your contracted hours—but don’t worry, you’ll be paid for every hour you attend.

Why Join Us?

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Competitive pay.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Discount facilities and healthcare cash plans.
• Free parking, tea/coffee facilities, and an onsite café.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, employee assistance program, and more!

More information?

For full details of the role, you can view the Lunchtime Assistant JD here.

Discover more about our organisation, purpose, and values on the Chailey Heritage Foundation website.

Apply now

If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today or reach out to us at [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 07923 233178 for any questions.

Important notice

Chailey Heritage Foundation is committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and young adults. Employment will be subject to the receipt of two satisfactory professional references, an enhanced DBS certificate and occupational health clearance. It is an offence to apply for any job in regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults if you are barred from doing so.

As part of our recruitment process, Chailey Heritage Foundation (CHF) collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. CHF is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data to meet its obligations under GDPR. Please ensure you have reviewed our privacy policy prior to completing an application with us.