Midday Meal Supervisor – Supporting Children Beyond the Classroom

Location: Rochdale Borough
Organisation: MDMS School & Community Support Services
Contract: Part-Time Term-Time Only
Hours: Approximately 12 hours per day Monday to Friday

Every School Day Has a Moment That Matters

In every school day there is a moment when learning pauses classrooms empty and children step into a different kind of space lunchtime. Its a time for food movement conversation and connection. Its also a time when children need structure guidance and reassurance just as much as they do in the classroom.

MDMS is looking for Midday Meal Supervisors to work in primary schools across the Rochdale borough supporting children during this important part of their day. This role may be part-time but the influence you have on pupils wellbeing safety and confidence is lasting.

About MDMS

MDMS works in partnership with schools throughout Greater Manchester to provide trusted well-trained staff for essential school support roles. We believe that education is about more than lessons and exams its about creating environments where children feel safe respected and encouraged to be themselves.

Our Midday Meal Supervisors are a vital part of that mission. They are often the adults who notice when a child is struggling who step in before a small issue becomes a bigger one and who help children feel seen and supported during the busiest part of the school day.

The Role: More Than Supervision

As a Midday Meal Supervisor in Rochdale your role goes far beyond simply keeping an eye on children. You will help guide behaviour encourage kindness and create a lunchtime atmosphere that feels calm inclusive and fair.

You will supervise pupils while they eat ensuring mealtimes are safe and pleasant and then support children during indoor or outdoor play. For some children lunchtime is the highlight of the day. For others it can be overwhelming. Your presence helps make it manageable and enjoyable for everyone.

What Youll Be Responsible For

Your responsibilities will include a wide range of practical and people-focused tasks such as:

• Welcoming pupils into the dining area and helping maintain a calm environment

• Supporting younger children or those with additional needs during mealtimes

• Encouraging good manners independence and respectful behaviour

• Being aware of allergies medical needs and dietary requirements

• Ensuring children move safely around the school during lunch

• Supervising playground and indoor activities

• Encouraging inclusive positive play and participation

• Watching for signs of conflict or distress and intervening early

• Helping children resolve minor disagreements in a fair and supportive way

• Providing comfort and reassurance to pupils who may feel upset or anxious

• Administering basic first aid when required (training provided)

• Reporting safeguarding welfare or behaviour concerns in line with school policy

• Working closely with teachers teaching assistants and senior lunchtime staff

You will be a consistent familiar face someone children recognise and trust.

Who This Role Is For

You do not need formal qualifications to apply. What matters most is who you are and how you interact with children.

This role may be a great fit if you are:

• Patient calm and understanding

• Comfortable setting boundaries in a positive way

• Confident speaking to children and adults

• Observant and attentive to childrens needs

• Reliable and committed to showing up consistently

• Interested in supporting childrens wellbeing and development

Many of our Midday Meal Supervisors come from backgrounds such as parenting caring childcare youth work or education but we also welcome applicants who are new to school environments and eager to learn.

Training Guidance & Ongoing Support

MDMS ensures that all staff feel prepared and supported in their role. When you join us you will receive:

• A structured induction before starting

• Safeguarding and child protection training

• Guidance on behaviour management and lunchtime routines

• Clear policies and expectations from each school

• Ongoing support from MDMS coordinators

For those interested in progressing within education this role provides valuable experience and insight into school life.

Hours Routine & Flexibility

• Term-time only (no work during school holidays)

• Part-time hours typically 12 hours per day

• Monday to Friday schedule

• Roles available across Rochdale primary schools

• Ideal for fitting around family life study or other work

This role offers consistency without the pressure of full-time hours.

Safeguarding & Equality

MDMS is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to:

• An enhanced DBS check

• Right to Work in the UK verification

• References

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Why Work with MDMS in Rochdale

• Be part of a supportive community-focused organisation

• Make a real difference during a key part of the school day

• Work in welcoming local schools

• Enjoy flexible term-time hours

• Gain meaningful experience within education

Apply Today

If you believe that small moments can make a big difference and you want to play a positive role in childrens daily lives we would love to hear from you. Apply today to become a Midday Meal Supervisor with MDMS in Rochdale and help create safe caring lunchtimes where children can relax play and thrive.