Mealtime Assistant - Sherwell Valley Primary School
- Multiple Locations
- Multiple Terms
- Grade A point 2: £23,656 FTE (£2,737.38actual salary)
Contract Type: Fixed Term from 1 September 2025 - 31 August 2026
Additional Salary Info: A national pay award is currently being negotiated with workers’ unions and is pending agreement. Therefore the salary will be higher than published.
Shaping futures in Torbay
At Sherwell Valley Primary School, we believe in the potential of all children and go above and beyond to provide them with the support they need to thrive. Sherwell Valley is a great place to work, with wide opportunities and excellent support.
Visits are warmly welcomed. Please call the office or email to arrange a convenient date and time 01803613296 / recruitment@svps1.com
Core Values in Our Primary School Environment: Mealtime Assistant
At our school, we believe in fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where every child can thrive. As a Mealtime Assistant, you'll play a vital role in upholding our core values during the lunch period, influencing the members of our school community.
Respect
You will consistently demonstrate respectful interactions with all children during mealtimes, regardless of their individual needs, backgrounds, or differences. This means actively listening to children, valuing their choices, and communicating with them in a kind and age-appropriate manner. You will help create opportunities for children to feel valued and their perspectives considered, fostering a culture of kindness and acceptance. You'll ensure every child feels comfortable and confident, respecting their choices and dietary needs with understanding and patience.
Resilience
You will support children to develop resilience by gently guiding them through new experiences, such as trying different foods at lunchtime, while also encouraging them to manage their own mealtime routines. You'll help create a secure environment where children feel safe to try new things and ask for help if needed. You'll celebrate their efforts as they build confidence and independence in their mealtime habits, helping them understand that trying new things is a part of growing.
Aspiration
You will focus on what children can do during mealtimes and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, to build their confidence and motivation. This could be as simple as acknowledging a child's effort in trying a new vegetable, encouraging them to clear their plate, or celebrating their attempts at using cutlery independently. Your enthusiasm will help spark their curiosity and drive to make healthy choices and enjoy their meals.
Collaboration
You will work collaboratively with the wider school team, including class teachers, support staff, and kitchen staff, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable mealtime experience for all children. You'll share observations and communicate effectively about any concerns related to well-being or behaviour during the lunch period. This teamwork ensures a consistent and shared approach to supporting each child's needs during this important part of the school day.
Responsibility
You will guide children to develop a sense of responsibility for their actions during mealtimes, appropriate for their age and developmental stage. This includes encouraging them to care for the dining environment, participate in tidying up their area, and understand the impact of their behaviour on others. You will reinforce expectations for behaviour positively and support children in making good choices, helping them understand the consequences of their actions. You'll encourage children to take responsibility for their own eating habits, such as clearing their plates, and understanding the importance of healthy choices and good table manners.
Why Sherwell Valley Primary School?
A Supportive Community: At Sherwell Valley, we pride ourselves on our supportive culture. You will be a valued member of our team, where your contributions are recognised and celebrated.
Collaborative Teams: You will work within a school team, supported by experienced and confident leaders, fostering a collaborative and enriching working environment.
Opportunities for Growth: We believe in the growth of our staff as much as our children. With wide opportunities for professional development, you’ll find room to expand your skills and knowledge in a nurturing environment.
A Vibrant Learning Environment: Our school is a lively, engaging and positive place for both children and staff. We strive to make our school the best imaginable, where creativity, innovation and dedication are at the heart of all we do.
We can offer you an amazing place to work and some great benefits, including:
- Competitive pay and opportunities to develop your skills.
- Pension scheme.
- Eden Red/My Lifestyles - our benefits scheme which provides a range of great savings and perks for staff.
- On-site parking and well equipped school workplace.
- Opportunities to access quality CPD, to ensure professional success and personal satisfaction.
- A team of dedicated staff who are passionate about supporting teaching and learning to provide the best start to all children’s education and well-being that attend our school.
- A culture of trust which is fair, developmental and supportive of staff and children.
- A strong and achievable school vision and values that are embedded in our school.
- Supportive team.
- Leadership experience.
Safeguarding and Well-being
- Follow all statutory safeguarding policies and adhere to the school’s child protection and health & safety procedures.
- Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to ensure the best interests of all pupils.
- Actively promote and uphold a culture of safeguarding, reporting concerns and taking appropriate action when necessary.
Please see the full Job Description and Person Specification attached.
Please use the attached application form and return it to Tracey Young - HR Administrator Sherwell Valley Primary School, Hawkins Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 6ES – Email: recruitment@svps1.com
Please apply by midday on the closing date.
Interview Date: Monday 21 July 2025.
Job Details
- OrganisationOther Organisations
- Work LocationTorbayDevonTorquay
- Work Postcode
TQ2 6ES
- Reference
AC5440
- Occupational GroupEducation Support
- Salary Details
Grade A point 2: £23,656 FTE (£2,737.38actual salary)
- Job TermFixed
- Appointment TypePart TimeTerm Time
- Hours
5 hours per week (Monday - Friday, term time plus INSET days) 38 weeks per annum
- Closing Date
16/07/2025
- DBS Check Required
Yes