Be the Friendly Face That Makes Lunchtime Better Midday Assistant and Lunchtime Playworker
Location: Woodlands Primary School, Ellesmere Port
Days: Monday to Friday
Hours: 12.00pm to 1.30pm
Weekly hours: 7.5 hours
Start date: September 2026
You are calm, friendly and naturally good with children.
You know how to make children feel included, encourage positive behaviour and turn lunchtime into an enjoyable part of the school day.
You may be looking for work that fits around family life, another job, studying or other commitments.
This consistent Monday to Friday role could be the perfect fit.
Join a Team Where You Are Known
Vara Sports and Education supports more than 35 primary schools across Cheshire, Wirral and North Wales.
Our growing team of more than 75 staff supports around 10,000 children every week.
We are not a company that places you in a school and disappears.
We know our staff by name.
We answer the phone.
We provide support, training and opportunities to develop.
You will work consistently at Woodlands Primary School and become a familiar and trusted member of the school community.
What Your Lunchtime Will Look Like
You will help supervise children during lunch and outdoor play.
You will encourage positive friendships, good manners and safe behaviour.
You may help organise simple playground games, support children who need encouragement or make sure quieter pupils feel included.
You will work closely with school staff to create a calm, happy and well organised lunchtime.
It is only 90 minutes each day, but the difference you make can last much longer.
Children will know your name.
Staff will value your support.
You will help make lunchtime safer, happier and more enjoyable for everyone.
What We Give You
You will receive:
- A consistent Monday to Friday position at one primary school
- Hours that fit easily around family life or other commitments
- Competitive hourly pay
- Full support from the Vara management team
- Free training and professional development
- Access to funded qualifications
- Opportunities to increase your hours where suitable roles become available
- Optional work at our breakfast clubs, after school clubs and holiday camps
- Clear opportunities to progress into Teaching Assistant, childcare or sports coaching roles
- A friendly team that answers the phone and supports its staff
What You Will Be Doing
You will:
- Supervise children safely during lunchtime
- Support children in the dining area and playground
- Encourage positive behaviour and respectful relationships
- Lead simple games and activities
- Help children feel included and involved
- Support pupils who may need reassurance or encouragement
- Deal calmly with minor disagreements
- Follow the school’s behaviour and safeguarding procedures
- Report accidents, incidents or concerns promptly
- Work professionally with school staff and the Vara team
Who We Are Looking For
Character comes first at Vara.
We are looking for someone who is kind, dependable and genuinely enjoys working with children.
You will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Reliable and punctual
- Calm and patient
- Positive and encouraging
- Confident supervising groups of children
- Able to communicate clearly
- Comfortable working outdoors throughout the year
- Willing to organise simple games and activities
- Committed to maintaining high standards
Previous experience working with children would be valuable, but it is not essential.
We are equally interested in parents, students, sports coaches, childcare workers and people looking to begin a career in education.
Full training and support will be provided.
Additional Hours Available
This role begins with 7.5 consistent hours each week.
For anyone wanting additional work, we may also be able to offer hours across our breakfast clubs, after school clubs, holiday camps and partner schools.
Tell us what hours you are looking for and we will explore whether we can build a larger working pattern around your availability.
Safeguarding Comes First
Keeping children safe is our absolute priority.
The successful candidate must have:
- The right to work in the UK
- Suitable professional references
- A satisfactory employment history
- An enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service or a willingness to obtain one
- A genuine commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures.
Ready to Join Us?
This is a brilliant opportunity to secure regular school hours without committing to a full working day.
Applying is simple.
Click apply and send us your CV.
A member of our team will contact you for a friendly conversation about the position.
No pressure.
No complicated process.
Just a chance to join a welcoming school and make a positive difference every lunchtime.
The right person can turn an ordinary lunchtime into the best part of a child’s day.
Pay: £10.00-£14.32 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Ellesmere Port CH66 2JT: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Have you worked in a school or with children before? If yes, please state below.
- Why would you like the job?
Work Location: In person
