Job Description

Midday Assistant - Radwinter CofE Primary School

Are you warm, reliable and skilled at creating calm, happy playground and dining spaces where every child feels included? Join our close‑knit Church of England primary in the heart of a rural Essex village and help ensure our children enjoy safe, happy and restorative midday breaks.

About our school

Radwinter CofE Primary School is a small, caring voluntary aided school in the Diocese of Chelmsford. Our Christian vision - "Growing and learning together to embrace life in all its fullness" (John 10:10) - is lived daily through our values of fairness, forgiveness, kindness, respect and service. We are proud of our inclusive culture: OFSTED (April 2024) described our support for pupils with SEND as "impressive", and our children regularly say the school is a place where "everyone is accepted".

We are a half‑form entry school currently organised across five classes with a happy, oversubscribed roll. We value teamwork, high standards and continuous improvement - the coming year's focus is on consistency and quality across teaching, behaviour and pastoral support.

About the role

As a Midday Assistant you will be an important part of the team that cares for pupils during the lunchtime period. Working under the Pastoral and Behaviour Support Lead, your duties will include:

Supervising children in the dining hall, sandwich room and playground to maintain safety and good conduct.
Supporting children with mealtimes and clearing up spillages.
Providing pastoral care and routine guidance, and, where appropriate, leading games and activities to engage pupils.
Recording first aid treatment, behaviour incidents and sanctions; administering basic first aid as required.
Alerting senior staff to any concerns about an individual child or group.

This role plays a key part in embedding our restorative approach to behaviour and in creating the safe, welcoming atmosphere that allows our pupils to flourish.

About you - the ideal candidate

You will be someone who:

Enjoys working with children and can build respectful, trusting relationships with pupils and families.
Communicates clearly and calmly with children and adults.
Understands and supports inclusive practice, including adapting support to remove barriers for pupils with SEND.
Is organised, reliable and able to follow school procedures around behaviour, safeguarding and health & safety.
Can provide basic first aid and keep accurate records or is willing to train.
Is a team player who will contribute positively to the life of a small school and take part in school improvement priorities such as promoting positive play and pupil leadership.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you care passionately about children's wellbeing and want to make a real difference at a school with strong values, we would love to hear from you.

What we offer

A friendly, supportive staff team and a genuine sense of community where every member is valued.
Opportunities to develop skills through relevant training and performance review discussions.
A role where your contribution directly improves children's safety, happiness and opportunities to learn.
Working in a school with a clear vision and strong pastoral focus, where staff are involved in school improvement priorities and CPD.

Practical details and how to apply

Salary: Scale 3 Pt6-7 - £13.47 to £13.69 per hour
Contract: Midday Assistant (term‑time) - hours in line with midday supervision duties
Closing date: Tuesday 30 June 2026
How to apply: Complete the application form via Essex Jobs in Schools
Contact for enquiries and completed applications: Sarah McSweeney - office@radwinter.essex.sch.uk or 01799 599248

Radwinter CofE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and the usual pre‑employment checks.

We look forward to receiving your application and to welcoming a new colleague who will help our children enjoy their time at school and thrive in life in all its fullness.

Information about the School

Growing and learning together to embrace life in all its fullness.

In the life of our school, this means that we provide a caring, happy and secure environment where every child feels valued and can flourish. It reflects a Christian understanding that God's love is for everyone recognising that every child has individual talents, needs and a worthy contribution to make.