Prep School Lunch Time Supervisor – Term Time
Prep School Lunch Time Supervisor – Term Time Only
Welcome to Birkdale
Thank you for your interest in this role at Birkdale School. I hope this information pack provides you with everything you need to know about the vacancy, our school, and why we are proud to be a family where everyone is stronger together.
Birkdale is a special place for boys and girls aged 4 to 18, from our Prep School through to the Sixth Form. Our pupils learn and play alongside each other, supported by outstanding, passionate teachers and staff. We are dedicated to developing every individual's potential while achieving the best possible academic results.
We are a welcoming, happy, and aspirational environment, featuring small classes and expert teaching. This approach allows our pupils to learn effectively and achieve highly; typically, around two-thirds of all GCSE grades achieved are between grades 7 to 9.
We also offer a large number of extra-curricular activities in sport, music, drama, and other pastimes that enrich our students’ lives and help them develop new skills.
Our high expectations, huge breadth of activity, and outstanding pastoral care are all rooted in our strong Christian ethos, which characterises the education we offer.
I look forward to potentially welcoming you to Birkdale soon
With best wishes,
Mr Ben Bowles Head, Birkdale School
Prep School Lunch Time Supervisor – Term Time
The Role
We are seeking to appoint a Lunch Time Supervisor to support our established kitchen and teaching teams during the lunchtime period, assisting with preparation and the supervision of pupils during this time.
At Birkdale School, we pride ourselves on providing a warm, nurturing, and well-structured environment in which every child can thrive and reach their full potential. We are seeking a caring, reliable, and proactive Lunch Time Supervisor to join our dedicated team. This role is central to ensuring that pupils experience a safe, positive, and enjoyable break during the school day. The successful candidate will play an important part in maintaining high standards of behaviour and safeguarding, while fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere in line with the values of our school.
The role will be supported by the wider kitchen team, and teaching staff but will predominately be appointed to take responsibility of setting up the hall for lunchtimes and tidying away.
This role is working Monday to Friday 11.45am to 13.15pm, during term time only, over lunch time which is 1.5 hours per day. This equates to 7.5 hours per week. Some attendance at termly inset and training sessions may be required.
Prep School Lunch Time Supervisor – Term Time
Key Responsibilities
The role of the Lunch Supervisor is to support the safe, orderly, and positive conduct of pupils during the lunchtime period. The role includes assisting with the preparation of the dining area and working collaboratively with kitchen and teaching staff to maintain a calm, and respectful environment.
• To monitor pupil conduct and behavior over the lunch period
• Supervise pupils in the dining hall, playground, and other designated areas during lunchtime.
Support the setting up and clearing away of the dining area before and after lunch.
• Encourage good manners, healthy eating habits, and appropriate behaviour in line with the school’s ethos.
Promote positive play and inclusion among pupils.
• Ensuring pupils keep out of areas that are out of bounds, and don't leave the school premises
• Making sure pupils who are ill or injured receive appropriate medical attention, and reporting any serious accidents.
• To carry out such other reasonable duties and responsibilities within the overall scope of the post.
• To adhere at all times to Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
• To be aware and adhere at all times to the School Staff Code of Conduct and confidentiality.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of pupils at all times, following safeguarding procedures.
• Manage minor incidents and report any concerns to teaching staff or senior leaders as appropriate.
• Assist younger pupils where necessary, including with eating and general organisation.
Maintain a visible presence to support behaviour management and ensure a calm environment.
• Follow school policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, and behaviour policies.
Job Information Pack Prep School Lunch Time Supervisor – Term Time
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
• A caring and patient approach to working with children.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with pupils and staff.
Reliability and punctuality.
Respond calmly and quickly to developing situations.
Be flexible and use initiative.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Understanding of the importance of safeguarding and child welfare.
Desirable:
Previous experience working with children in a school or similar setting.
Basic first aid knowledge.
Birkdale is a very successful independent day school located in Sheffield for children aged from 4 to 18, amounting altogether to 770+ pupils.
Birkdale is located on three sites in south-west Sheffield, the 11-18 (Y7 to Y13) Senior School, the 4-11 (Reception to Y6) Prep School and the playing fields at Castle Dyke.
Birkdale is the only HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference) school in South Yorkshire and the Head is also a member of the Society of Heads. The Head of the Preparatory School is a member of IAPS (The Independent Association of Preparatory Schools).
The Christian ethos of the school manifests itself in the particularly friendly and supportive atmosphere. A good proportion of the staff are committed Christians, although as a community Birkdale is open to all, whatever their beliefs.
There have been some exciting developments in recent years which include the introduction of girls at Birkdale. From September 2020, Birkdale began the process of moving from being a school for boys only, with a co-educational sixth form to being a fully co-educational school.
From September 2024, all year groups at the Prep School were co-educational with the first 11+ co-educational cohort joining the Senior School.
This is an exciting time to join our school.
Job Information Pack Prep School Lunch Time Supervisor – Term Time
You may wish to note that the length of Birkdale’s terms are slightly shorter than those of a maintained school and therefore, the school holidays are longer. Term dates are on the school website.
Salary will be at pro-rated to £4,195 per annum inclusive of statutory holidays which will be paid monthly in 12 equal amounts.
During term time, lunch is provided to staff on site.
Pension: Birkdale offers a private pension through Aviva with 6% employer contributions.
Staff are entitled to a remission of school fees amounting up to 71.6% for full-time staff and pro rata for parttime and part year working staff.
Sick pay: The company sick pay scheme provides ex-gratia sick pay at the full rate for up to 3 months in any 12 months, with 50% income protection for extended sickness.
Additional Benefits: Death in service and access to additional wellbeing and health support including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments, Unlimited mental health support, Physiotherapy, Personal training, Nutrition consultations and more.
Car parking is available on site.
Prep School Lunch Time Supervisor – Term Time
How To Apply
Please submit:
A cover letter addressed to Mrs McDermott, Head of Prep School at recruit@birkdaleschool.org.uk of no more than one side of A4 explaining why you are interested in the role, and the skills and experiences you can bring to it (minimum font size of 11)
A completed Birkdale School application form which includes the names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of two referees. This can be found on our website >>
Recruitment timetable:
Closing date for applications – Wednesday 17th June 2026 at 9.am.
Interviews – Thursday 25th June 2026.
For an informal discussion regarding the role please do not hesitate to contact the above email address with any questions you may have. Applicants who do not provide a Covering Letter and Application Form, as stipulated, will unfortunately not be considered. If you have any difficulties in providing this, please do not hesitate to contact the HR team at Recruit@birkdaleschool.org.uk
Prep School Lunch Time Supervisor – Term Time
Pre-Employment Checks
Birkdale School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people.
All applicants must be willing to undergo the relevant pre-employment checks relevant to the role.
Current legislation applying to this post includes the The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2008 and the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996. Therefore, the successful candidate will be required to prove their eligibility to work in the UK and undergo appropriate criminal record checks, including an application for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Details of the documentation etc needed in connection with all the above requirements will be sent to the shortlisted candidates. Prior to taking up appointment, we will then request a declaration about medical fitness, and proof of qualifications from the successful candidate.
Under the guidance set by KCSIE Birkdale School will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates.
Equal Opportunities
At Birkdale School, we strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all individuals.
We are dedicated to promoting equality and diversity, providing a level playing field for all of our staff and pupils. We aim to foster an inclusive culture, where diversity is celebrated and where everyone feels empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. If you meet most of the criteria but are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to reach out - we value potential and a willingness to grow.