Lunch Time Assistant

Job summary

Join the Finkley Nurseries Team as a Lunchtime Assistant!

Location: Finkley Weeke
Hours: part-time (37.5 hours per week) 5 days per week- 9am-5pm (timings are flexible)
Salary: Starting from £12.21 per hour

At Finkley Nurseries, we believe in creating a nurturing environment where children can embark on exciting adventures every day. Our ethos - Happy Children. Happy Parents. Happy Staff. - is at the heart of everything we do. With our unique settings, including access to Finkley Down Farm, Solstice Play and our private Bertie Bus for outings, we offer unparalleled experiences for both children and staff.

Why Join Finkley Nurseries?
Generous Holidays – Up to 34 days, plus your birthday off
Flexible Working – Choose 4 or 5 days with a set day off
Career Growth – 100+ online courses, SENCO/Forest School training, and management pathways
Childcare Savings – 50% discount for your children
Wellbeing Support – Health Assured benefits, attendance bonuses, and more
Extra Perks – £100 joining bonus for resources, free uniform & DBS, referral rewards up to £750, and free family entry to Finkley Down Farm & Solstice Play


What You’ll Be Up To 
• Spark Curiosity – Create magical, hands-on learning adventures guided by the EYFS
• Be Their Hero – Become a key person, championing children’s growth, happiness, and wellbeing
• Click, Tap, Done! – Keep records shipshape using our nifty online tools (Famly, Portal)
• Celebrate Every Child – Champion inclusivity and support children with SEND to shine
• Team Vibes Only – Work side by side with colleagues to keep the energy positive and proactive
• Family First – Build warm, lasting connections with parents and professionals alike
• Join the Fun – Dive into nursery events, outings, and community adventures

What We’re Looking For 

Lunchtime Supervision:

• Sit with children during meals to model and encourage good eating habits and table manners

• Provide reassurance and support to children, helping them feel comfortable and engaged during mealtimes

• Encourage children to try a variety of foods, respecting individual dietary needs and allergies

• Ensure children with allergies are seated at a designated allergen-aware table, using clearly marked place cards, colour-coded crockery, and following the nursery’s allergy policy at all times

• Support bottle feeding or weaning as needed under practitioner guidance

• Maintain calm, positive, and age-appropriate conversations with children during lunch

• Ensure safe transitions between lunchtime and the next activity (e.g. play, sleep, outdoor time)

Childcare and EYFS Curriculum:

• Implement and monitor an effective educational framework that reflects the EYFS, ensuring all children access rich, varied, and purposeful learning experiences.

• Take lead responsibility for the planning, observation, assessment, and tracking of children's development using the nursery management system, including 2-year checks and SEND documentation.

• Act as a key person for a designated group of children, promoting strong relationships and personalised learning.

• Promote inclusive practice and ensure children’s individual needs are met through timely interventions and adaptations.

Childcare Support:

• Deliver safe, meaningful activities while practitioners are on their lunch break

• Provide comfort and supervision to children needing extra support during transitions or settling

• Encourage independent skills such as hand washing, self-feeding, and putting on coats/shoes

• Work closely with key workers to ensure consistency and emotional support for children

• Monitor and record any concerns and pass these on to the designated staff member or manager

Health, Hygiene & Safety:

• Support children with personal care routines before and after meals (toileting, handwashing)

• Help ensure a clean and safe environment in dining and play areas

• Report accidents, incidents, or safeguarding concerns immediately to the designated lead

• Adhere to all nursery health and safety procedures including allergy awareness and infection control

• Ensure confidentiality is fully maintained at all times

Staff & Development:

• Work collaboratively with all staff and support a positive team environment

• Take part in meetings and training as required

• Be open to feedback and development opportunities

• Follow and model the nursery’s policies, values, and ethos at all times

Ready to Embark on a New Adventure?
If you're enthusiastic about making a difference in children's lives and want to be part of a supportive and dynamic team, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply Now to join the Attraction Nurseries family and start your next adventure in early years education.

Attraction Nurseries is an equal opportunities employer. All positions are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.