Early Years Lunchtime Supervisor (Temporary)

Required: As soon as possible

Reporting to: Head of Early Years

Hours: 83⁄4 per week, Term-Time Only

Contract: Fixed Term (1 Term)

The Role

Lunchtime is an essential opportunity for pupils to engage with one another outside of the classroom. At King’s, we see this valuable time outdoors as one of the most important facets of growing confident, respectful and engaging young people. Our Supervisors have the privilege of supporting pupils and watching them grow in confidence, form friendships and use their imagination to create games and stories. They are extremely well-regarded by pupils and staff alike, and are afforded the autonomy to design and introduce their own initiatives to ensure lunchtime is an engaging and enjoyable experience for all pupils.

This particular role will work predominantly with our Early Years and is offered initially on a fixed term basis for the Summer term. Prior experience is not required – full training will be provided, as will appropriate branded uniform.

The School

The King’s School is one of the dozen oldest schools in the country and has a proud heritage dating back to at least 1087, with a re-foundation in 1541. King’s is the Cathedral School in the city of Gloucester, whilst the surrounding county is home to many excellent grammar and state schools, as well as other independent schools. King’s is held in high regard amidst this competitive area; our academic, co-curricular and pastoral attainment is second to none. Local media brand SoGlos has awarded King’s the title of ‘Independent School of the Year’ or ‘Highly Commended’ in every one of the last six years – a feat unmatched by any other local independent school – most recently winning the title in May 2025. Despite the multiple national-scale challenges of recent years, King’s has seen its pupil roll growing steadily and parental satisfaction scoring very highly indeed. With careful investment in the campus and facilities, as well as a continuous focus on improving teaching and learning and developing our outstanding pastoral care, King’s is now seen as a dynamic, forward-thinking and impressive place to study and to work.

Main Duties
• To adhere to the School’s risk assessment and guidelines to keeping children safe, and adhere to all health and safety guidelines;
• Vigilance in the playground to recognise potential dangers, and approaching any unauthorised personnel who may enter the School site;

• Supervision of pupils and reinforcement of the School’s expectations with regard to behaviour and the upkeep of School values;

• To show initiative when developing the pastoral support of pupils in the playground, engaging positively with pupils and initiating activities for pupils to join into;
• To be aware of pupils who may be isolated or vulnerable, flagging any concerns to staff where necessary;
• To maintain order in duty areas, caution children who do not meet the School’s behavioural expectations and escalate any unresolved issues appropriately;
• To ensure children who are ill or injured receive appropriate medical attention, and report any serious
accidents;
• In the event of poor weather, to ensure the outdoor spaces are cleared and assist in supervising the designated indoor areas;
• To attend – where required – some of the statutory five INSET training days, and half-termly review meetings to reflect on best practice;
• Any other duties that may reasonably be assigned by the Deputy Head (Operations) or Headmaster.

Personal Profile
• Experience of and/or enthusiasm for working with young children;
• Empathetic yet assertive, especially when dealing with children;
• Respectful, patient and diplomatic, able to ease tempers and fairly manage situations;
• Set an example: able to follow rules and be a model of the School’s expectations and values;
• Excellent communication skills, able to listen to the needs of the children and respond accordingly;
• Able to look for and encourage the best in each child;
• Flexibility to cover additional breaktimes/lunchtimes is desirable;
• Prior First Aid Training is desirable but will be provided.

Hours of Work

The post is for 8 3⁄4 hours per week, term-time only, to be worked from 11:45 to 13:30 Monday to Friday. There may be other occasions when you are required to work, and flexibility to cover additional breaktimes or lunchtimes is desirable. Remuneration will be given for any extra hours worked.

Benefits
• A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
• Generous fee remission for children being educated at King’s;
• Wraparound care for Junior School children being educated at King’s;
• Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
• Staff Wellbeing Programme and Wellbeing Day (additional leave);
• Cycle to Work scheme;
• Various discounts for local services including gym memberships and garages;
• Free access to our Employee Assistant Programme;

• Free lunches;
• Free on-site parking.

Applications

Candidates should apply through TES by clicking on Apply Now, or by sending a completed School Application Form and Covering Letter via the email address to the right of this advert. A CV is not required.

Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the published closing date, if appropriate.

Candidates are advised that the School is on Christmas break from Monday 15th December to Friday 2nd January inclusive; applications received during this period may experience a slight delay in their acknowledgement.

For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller via details to the right of this advert.

The King’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations). Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children.   In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education an online search will be carried out for short listed candidates only – this will consist of a Google and social media search. The search is looking for anything that  calls into question the candidate’s suitability to work with children, or could cause harm to the reputation of The King’s School. Any information discovered will be shared with members of the interviewing panel prior to interview.