Lunchtime Supervisor (MDSA)

Role overview

Bassett Green Primary School in Southampton is seeking a Lunchtime Supervisor (MDSA) to join its supportive team. The position is focused on helping children stay safe, well cared for, and positively engaged throughout the lunch period.

This role suits someone who enjoys working with children, communicates well with pupils and the wider school community, and can work cooperatively as part of a team in a busy school environment.

What you will do

• Help organise and oversee pupils during lunch in the dining hall, outdoor areas, and inside classrooms or wet-play spaces when needed.
• Promote positive conduct, address behaviour issues in line with school policy, and escalate concerns to class teachers or senior staff when appropriate.
• Encourage good table manners, sensible behaviour, and healthy eating habits.
• Keep pupils safe and supported at all times during the lunchtime period.
• Lead and support play activities so children can take part in enjoyable and constructive lunchtime experiences.
• Encourage independence, equality, fair play, and behaviour that reflects the school’s ethos.
• Carry out lunchtime duties such as tidying, cleaning, and clearing tables.

Purpose of the job

Working as part of a team, the main aim of the post is to maintain children’s safety, welfare, and good behaviour during lunch, both while eating and while playing, and to help make lunchtimes more enjoyable.

Key accountabilities

• Supervise pupils in the dining hall, playground, classroom, or other school areas as directed.
• Support positive behaviour and respond to unruly conduct or other breaches of the school behaviour policy.
• Report incidents to class teachers and serious matters to senior staff.
• Encourage children to eat in a calm, socially appropriate way.
• Assist with practical tasks such as clearing spillages and keeping tables clean and tidy.
• Help maintain school security arrangements.
• Provide welfare support, which may include minor first aid if trained and helping with personal hygiene needs.
• Promote active, constructive, and safe outdoor play suited to children’s needs.
• Make sure play equipment is available, safe to use, and stored correctly after use.
• Keep records of the activities children participate in.
• Support children’s social and emotional development through positive encouragement and behaviour guidance.
• Work closely with other lunchtime supervisors to keep the lunchtime period safe, orderly, and enjoyable.

Working in the school

All staff are expected, at a level appropriate to their role, grade, and training, to contribute to the school community and follow its expectations. This includes supporting the school’s aims, values, mission, and ethos; participating in a team-based approach; attending staff meetings and INSET days when required; identifying areas for professional development; taking responsibility for safeguarding and children’s welfare; respecting confidentiality; following health and safety guidance; and complying with all school policies.

Additional duties

The post holder may also be asked to carry out other tasks that are similar in responsibility, provided they have the right qualifications or receive suitable training.

Safeguarding and recruitment checks

Bassett Green Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff and volunteers must share this commitment. The role is subject to Southampton City Council safer recruitment procedures, including an enhanced DBS check, a children’s barred list check, and a prohibition from teaching check. Shortlisted candidates will also be subject to online searches, in line with safeguarding checks and current guidance.

What the school can offer

• A supportive and dedicated staff team.
• A lively, multicultural working environment.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to children and improve life chances in the local community.

Application and interview details

Applicants should complete the application form available on the school website. Interviews will take place on the school site during the week commencing 13 July 2026. The closing date is 12 noon on Friday 10 July 2026. For questions, contact the HR Admin Officer, Elizabeth Davies, by email.