Teaching Assistant Lunchtime Support

Beech Hall School Ltd; Chipping Barnet; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A nurturing educational institution in Chipping Barnet is seeking a compassionate Teaching Assistant to support a student with social communication needs during lunchtime. This role emphasizes building confidence and facilitating positive peer engagement in a supportive environment. Candidates should possess excellent interpersonal skills and a strong understanding of the National Curriculum. The position offers 6 hours per week with an option to increase hours. Candidates are also encouraged to bring skills that could enrich lunchtime activities.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a warm, compassionate approach.
• Strong understanding of the National Curriculum.
• Ability to support students with social communication needs.
• Confident in facilitating social interactions and small-group activities.
• Patient and able to build strong, trusting relationships.

Responsibilities

• Support a student with social communication needs during lunchtime.
• Facilitate conversation and interactions with peers.
• Maintain clear records of student progress.
• Uphold safeguarding policies and contribute to a positive environment.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Understanding of the National Curriculum

Facilitating social interactions

Building relationships

Communication skills

Job description

Location: Mount House School, Barnet, North London
Salary: £12.60 per hour
Hours: 6 hours per week (lunchtime support) Option to increase to 10–12 hours per week with additional duties
Contract: Permanent, 36 weeks per year

About Mount House School

Mount House School is a small, nurturing co‑educational day school in Barnet, North London. With a maximum of sixty students per year group, every child is known, cherished and challenged, enabling them to flourish across academic and co-curricular life.

Set within a beautiful Georgian house opposite Hadley Common, the school offers a unique blend of countryside calm and easy access to London’s cultural opportunities. Education has been the heart of this setting since 1940, and since becoming fully co‑educational in 2022, Mount House has continued to develop as a community that values individuality, creativity and academic ambition.

The school emphasises exceptional pastoral care and a “small is beautiful” ethos, where relationships are strong, support is personalised, and every student is empowered to reach their full potential. Our vision - Be You. Belong. Become. Is underpinned by the values of authenticity, confidence, community, compassion, aspiration and growth.

About the Role

Mount House School is seeking a compassionate, proactive and student‑centred Teaching Assistant to support a student with social communication and interaction needs during lunchtime. This role centres on building confidence, encouraging positive peer engagement and helping the student develop social skills in a supportive and structured environment.

You will accompany the student during lunch breaks, facilitating conversation, inclusive play and meaningful interactions with peers. You may also lead a small lunchtime club tailored to the student’s interests, providing a safe and enjoyable space that promotes social development.

There is the option to expand the role to include in‑class support and the delivery of structured social mentoring sessions aimed at developing communication, teamwork and emotional regulation. You will work collaboratively with teaching staff, maintain clear records of progress and adapt support strategies to meet the student’s evolving needs.

As with all roles at Mount House School, safeguarding and student wellbeing are central. You will uphold all safeguarding policies, handle sensitive information with discretion, and contribute to a positive, nurturing school environment rooted in our ethos of Be You. Belong. Become.

Who We Are Looking For

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a warm, compassionate approach
• Strong understanding of the National Curriculum
• Ability to support students with social communication needs
• Confident facilitating social interactions and small‑group activities
• Patient, encouraging and able to build strong, trusting relationships
• Effective communicator who can liaise with staff, parents and students
• Willingness to go the extra mile for the benefit of the students
• Committed to personal and professional development

Other Qualities

• A sense of humour and positive attitude
• Alignment with the school’s ethos and community values
• Sensitivity when supporting children with varied needs
• Ability to maintain confidentialityExperience working with children with SEND or social communication challenges
• Previous experience in an educational setting
• Skills or interests that could support a lunchtime club (e.g. games, arts, coding, sports)

Early applications are encouraged as the school may close the advert early.

Mount House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, verification of identity and right to work in the UK, and satisfactory references.