Midday Assistant-Springwell School

Working with children can be one of the most rewarding roles you can have. At Springwell School, our Midday Assistants play an important part in making sure pupils feel safe, supported and included during their lunchtime, while helping them develop confidence and independence.

Springwell is a warm and supportive special school on the edge of Southampton, providing education for children aged 4–11 with complex learning needs, including speech and language disorders, autism and behaviours that can be challenging.

We are looking for caring, enthusiastic and resilient Midday Assistants to join our dedicated team and support our children across the school.

Role details

Role: Midday Assistant
School: Springwell School
Salary: Grade 3, SCP 3–4
Actual salary: £4,473–£4,675 per annum, dependent on experience/length of service
Hours: 7.5 hours per week, term time only
Working pattern: Monday–Friday, 11:30am–1:00pm
Contract: Permanent
Start date: As soon as possible
Closing date: This vacancy is open on a rolling basis

The role

As a Midday Assistant, you will help make lunchtime a positive, safe and enjoyable part of the school day for our pupils.

You will be a consistent and reassuring presence, supporting children to develop their independence, build positive relationships and manage their behaviour appropriately.

Your role will include:

• Supporting and motivating children during the lunchtime period.
• Encouraging pupils to develop independence and positive social skills.
• Promoting positive behaviour by being a calm and positive role model.
• Supporting children who may display challenging behaviour and reporting more serious concerns to senior staff.
• Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming dining environment.
• Assisting with practical lunchtime duties, including clearing tables and cleaning spillages.

Most importantly, you will share our commitment to making sure every child feels safe, valued and supported throughout their school day.

About you

We would love to hear from you if you are:

• Caring, patient and enthusiastic about working with children.
• Reliable, resilient and able to remain calm in challenging situations.
• A good communicator who can build positive relationships with children and colleagues.
• Comfortable working as part of a team.
• Able to use your initiative while following school procedures.
• Committed to confidentiality, safeguarding and the wellbeing of children.

Previous experience of working with children in a school environment would be desirable, but most importantly, we are looking for people with the right attitude, resilience and commitment to supporting our pupils.

What we can offer you

Joining Springwell means becoming part of a positive and supportive school community where your contribution is valued.

We can offer:

• Competitive salary with salary progression.
• Opportunities for CPD and development.
• Support and training to help you succeed in the role.
• A positive and supportive team environment.
• Monday–Friday working pattern.
• Pension Scheme.
• Free on-site parking at the main school site.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Mental health and wellbeing support.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to children and their families.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the responsibilities and knowledge required for this role.

Working pattern

7.5 hours per week, term time only

Monday–Friday: 11:30am–1:00pm

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application form available at www.springwellschool.net and return it to Rachel Ambrey, HR Lead, by email at recruitment@springwellschool.net.

Alternatively, completed applications can be posted to:

HR
Springwell School
Hinkler Road
Thornhill
Southampton
SO19 6DH

Please note that CVs are not accepted.

Interview process

Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will complete a short observation in the dining hall before attending a face-to-face panel interview.

Safeguarding

Springwell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and the relevant pre-employment checks.

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to interview, appoint and close the vacancy early if suitable candidates who meet the criteria are identified, so early applications are encouraged.