What does a school lunchtime supervisor do?

As a school lunchtime supervisor, you would: set out tables and chairs in the dining hall help children with their food, if needed encourage good behaviour and table manners supervise children in the playground, or indoors if the weather is bad make sure children are safe at all times deal with minor injuries like…

How many hours does a school lunchtime supervisor work?

Typically 10 to 18 hours a week.

School lunchtime supervisor

Lunchtime supervisors work in primary, secondary and special schools, looking after children during the lunch break.

Also known as: Lunchtime assistant

Typical hours10 to 18 a week

What you'll do

As a school lunchtime supervisor, you would:

set out tables and chairs in the dining hall
help children with their food, if needed
encourage good behaviour and table manners
supervise children in the playground, or indoors if the weather is bad
make sure children are safe at all times
deal with minor injuries like bumps, cuts and grazes
organise games and activities during breaks

Working environment

You could work at a school.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

sensitivity and understanding
the ability to work well with others
to be flexible and open to change
excellent verbal communication skills
active listening skills
customer service skills
a desire to help people
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

How to become a school lunchtime supervisor

You can get into this job by applying directly.

Direct application

You can apply directly to vacancies advertised by schools in your local area.

It could give you an advantage if you have experience working with children. A positive and caring approach is also important.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks
be over 18 years of age

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior lunchtime supervisor or apply to work in the school kitchen.

You could also train to become a teaching assistant within the school.

Career tips

A food hygiene certificate or first aid qualification may be helpful, though not essential.

Guides for this industry

Education & Teaching: pay, interviews and getting started →

Related roles

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0