Lunchtime / Midday Supervisor

What skills and experience we're looking for

Have you ever seen a pupil’s face light up when they finally master something they’ve been struggling with?

Those moments are what make this role so worthwhile. As a midday supervisor at Wyvern Academy, you’ll support pupils during one of the busiest parts of their day. Lunchtimes can be lively, sometimes noisy, and not always predictable. Some pupils may need extra help with communication, social interaction, or managing their emotions.

There will be times that test your patience, flexibility, and calm approach. But alongside that, there are many small, meaningful moments that make a real difference:

• A pupil choosing to sit and eat calmly with others.
• A child using kind words or sharing for the first time.
• Helping someone feel safe and settled during a busy lunchtime.
• A quiet “thank you” or a smile that shows you’ve made them feel supported.

These moments may seem small, but they matter hugely to the pupils – and to us.

If you’re looking for a role where you can support young people, be part of a team, and make a positive difference every day, this could be the right place for you.

What you’ll be doing

• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils to create a safe and supportive lunchtime environment
• Supervising pupils in the dining hall, ensuring their safety, wellbeing and dignity at all times
• Encouraging good hygiene, polite table manners and healthy eating habits
• Supporting pupils with individual needs to ensure lunchtime is a positive experience for everyone
• Setting up and clearing the dining area, keeping the hall clean, tidy and welcoming
• Cleaning and tidying equipment, including trays, beakers and cutlery
• Maintaining calm and organisation, even during busy or challenging moments
• Working closely with colleagues to ensure every pupil’s needs are met with care and creativity
• Bringing energy, positivity and joy to lunchtime – because it really matters

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is

• Kind, enthusiastic and reliable, with a genuine love for working with children and young people
• Patient, empathetic and calm, even when things don’t go to plan
• A positive role model and a friendly, reassuring presence
• Organised and able to multitask in a busy environment
• Compassionate, open-minded and creative – because every pupil is unique
• Resilient and able to bounce back on challenging days
• Passionate about supporting children and young people with complex learning needs

Experience is welcome, but your attitude, values and willingness to learn are what matter most.

What the school offers its staff

About us

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.

We are a place where progress is celebrated – even when it looks different from pupil to pupil – and where relationships, patience and perseverance matter just as much as expertise.

Why join us?

• 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
• 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.
• The opportunity to develop your career in a School and Southern Education Trust, a growing Trust.

If you want a role where the progress is real, the impact is deep, and the rewards come from honest human connection, then Wyvern might just be the place where you make your difference.

Further details about the role

To apply, please complete our Support Staff Application Form and returning it to recruitment@southern.education. Please see the Midday Supervisory Assistant Job Description and our WVN – Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy for further information.

Closing date

14th June 2026

Interview date

23rd June 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. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your ‘name, education and employment’, to demonstrate due diligence following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.