Lunchtime Supervisor

Role Overview

Hawthorn Academy is looking for a Lunchtime Supervisor to become part of its warm, supportive staff team. This is a permanent, term-time-only position based at a newly established specialist school for learners aged 11 to 16 with a broad range of complex special educational needs. The school is part of The Propeller Academy Trust and places a strong emphasis on inclusive, specialist provision and positive relationships with pupils, families, professionals, and the wider community.

The working hours are 11:15am to 1:15pm each day. In addition to midday supervision, there may be occasional opportunities to take on classroom supply work before or after lunch, if this is of interest.

Key Duties

• Prepare the dining hall for the lunchtime period.
• Support and supervise pupils while they are in the hall.
• Help pupils with getting lunch.
• Work with other lunchtime staff to arrange the lunch hall according to the pupil seating plan.
• Encourage positive mealtime habits and appropriate behaviour.
• Oversee named pupils during playground time.
• Support pupils in working towards their targets during lunch and outdoor break duty.
• Assist teachers and teaching assistants with behaviour management when needed.
• Take part in relevant training, including safeguarding sessions.
• Follow the school’s health and safety rules and applicable legislation.

What the School Offers

• Competitive pay.
• A trust-wide wellbeing focus, including paid wellbeing days, one each long term, generous PPA time, and free on-site parking.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Access to an employee assistance programme.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• An employee referral scheme with rewards of up to £500 for successful recommendations.
• A supportive and caring staff environment.
• A strong culture built around safeguarding and therapeutic approaches.

Candidate Profile

• Previous experience working with children, especially those with learning difficulties, is important.
• You should be a dependable team member who can also use your own judgement when needed.
• Ability to take direction and respond calmly to changing situations is essential.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice is expected.
• The role requires physical fitness, including manual handling and remaining active throughout the day.
• You should be adaptable and willing to support different teams or school sites if required.
• Comfort working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions is necessary.
• A positive, proactive, and resilient mindset is valued.
• First aid training would be an advantage.

Additional Information

All necessary training will be delivered by existing school staff. Early applications are encouraged. To arrange a visit or learn more, interested candidates may contact the School Business Manager, Sandra Allen, on 0118 3592449 or by email at recruitment@HawthornAcademy.org.uk.