Job Description

School: Exeter Schools

Post Title: Mealtime Assistant

Responsible To: Mealtime Assistant Supervisor

  1. This job description is not a comprehensive definition of the post. Discussions will take place between the Executive Headteacher and the individual concerned on a regular basis to clarify individual responsibilities within the general framework and character of the post identified below.
  2. In drawing up this job description the Executive Headteacher acknowledges his responsibility in those ways defined for Headteachers in his Contract of Employment, to enable the holder of this post to carry out the assigned duties and responsibilities. The Executive Headteacher will consult you as appropriate during any review of these duties.
Job Purpose

To ensure that lunchtime activities are supported and managed in accordance with the school’s policies and procedures under the overall direction of the Executive Headteacher.

School Meals

  • Encourage good table manners and orderly behaviour in Dining Room.
  • • See that drinking water is provided and assist in pouring water for young children.
  • • Assist young children in handling knives and forks and if necessary cut up their food.
  • • Encourage children to eat the meal provided and encourage them in avoidance of waste.
  • • Supervise the orderly return of empties to a given point.
  • • Wipe down tables between sittings.
  • • Clean up after spillage of food, water or sickness in dining area during the service of the meal.

General

  • • Undertake training as required at the school or at an alternative venue.
  • • Report to Head of Schools any untoward circumstances.
  • • Assist as required in order to care for the safety and well-being of children.
Hours of Work
  • • Normal hours are 11:30am to 1:45pm, Monday to Friday, term time only.
  • • Hours and times of work may be varied at any time in accordance with pupil numbers to meet the needs of the school.
  • • On occasions, you may be required to work overtime.
Physical Demands
  • • Standing, carrying of dishes, setting up of tables.
Working Environment
  • • School buildings.
  • • Dining Hall.
Person specification
Criteria
Essential 
Desirable 
Qualifications

None Required 
  • Current First Aid Qulification
Experience 
  • Should have experience of supervising children.
  • In addition, they might have experience of working with children on a voluntary or paid basis.
Knowledge and Understanding
  • Should be able to recall the ways in which they have successfully managed children’s behaviour.

In addition, they might also have knowledge and understanding of:

  • Child development and social interaction;
  • the value of constructive play opportunities.
 Skills

Will be able to:

  • talk to children and adults in a clear and calm manner;
  • work as part of a group and on their own;
  • encourage high standards of pupil behaviour at all times;
  • respect confidential information;
  • initiate games and activities appropriate to the age of the children;
  • remain calm in a crisis;
  • undertake appropriate training as required.

In addition, they might also have knowledge and understanding of:

  • recognise behaviour giving cause for concern, and inform teaching staff;
  • teach play activities to other Mealtime Assistants;
  • examine systems critically and suggest ways of improving efficiency.
Personal Characteristics
  • Calm under pressure
  • Tolerant
  • Able to communicate well with staff and children.
  • Well-organised
  • Creative
  • Resourceful

 

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