Key Role Information

Salary
£12.65 per hour
Job type
Part Time
Contract type
Permanent
Closing
02/02/2026 12:00
Interview
6 February 2026
Contract term
TTO - Term time only
Pay grade
Support Staff | SCP2
Department
Mealtime Assistant
Key stage
Not Applicable
Hours per week
5.00
Weeks per year
39.000
Visa sponsorship
No

Your Role

An exciting opportunity to work in a friendly school in a varied and interesting role. The school continues its journey working with a company called OPAL - transforming lunchtimes through positive play. We would like our MTA’s to interact, talk and support the childrens' play; as well as supporting them with their meals.


We are seeking to appoint a mealtime assistant to be part of the lunchtime supervision team. The post involves managing the setting up of the eating area at the school in an organised manner, supervising and ensuring the safety of all children during the lunchtime period in the playground. 


We expect our staff to be able to calm and nurture children, provide positive behaviour management and be able to support their social and emotional needs. We are an inclusive school, and our children are at the heart of everything we do. 


The ideal candidate must be vigilant and possess energy and enthusiasm to make sure our lunchtimes have "Amazing play. Every day. For every child." A First Aid qualification is desirable (but training will be provided) as is experience of working with children. Knowledge of safeguarding procedures within a primary school environment is also beneficial but training and guidance will be provided for the successful applicant.


St Thomas Primary School is situated just over the river Exe near the centre of Exeter. We want our children to REACH for their dreams by following our school values: Respect, Equality, Aspiration, Community and Harmony.


Benefits

Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme
Employee Assistance Programme

Skills

Abilities, Skills and Knowledge

Ability to relate well to children and adultsessential
Care about the wellbeing of all children; understanding and commitment to safeguarding and equalityessential
Good interpersonal skillsessential
Ability to form positive relationships with children with Social, emotional and mental health needs essential

Personal Attributes

Maintaining a professional and confidential approach to information about pupils, families and staffessential
Excellent relationships with colleagues and ability to work within a teamessential

About Us

St. Thomas Primary School

Dan Jenkins

djenkins@st-thomas.devon.sch.uk

Union Street
St Thomas
Exeter
Devon
EX2 9BB

Safeguarding Information

We are a people-focused organisation with strong principles of enabling every child and adult within our Trust to thrive. We have high aspirations for all our children, regardless of their starting point, and in turn, expect our staff to have high aspirations of themselves. We believe that our strength lies in working together and using our collective skills and expertise to benefit the children in our schools.


We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We encourage you to read our Safeguarding Policy before applying. We will ask for references and conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role also requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.


Our Safeguarding policy can be accessed via the below link

https://www.exeterlearningacademytrust.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ELAT-trust-version-Child-Protection-and-Safeguarding-Policy-2024-2025.pdf