Location: London Borough of Barnet
Hours: Part-Time | Term-Time Only
Working Pattern: Lunchtime cover, Monday to Friday
Pay: Competitive, with opportunities for regular hours

Create Safe and Enjoyable Lunchtimes – Midday Meal Supervisor in Barnet

Schools across Barnet are seeking reliable, patient, and approachable Midday Meal Supervisors (MDM) to ensure children have safe, structured, and positive lunchtimes.

Though the role is part-time, it has a significant impact on pupils’ daily experiences. Lunchtime is a key part of the school day, offering children the chance to socialise, develop independence, and practise social skills. As an MDM, your calm, fair, and supportive approach will help children navigate this lively period safely.

About Barnet Schools

Barnet schools are known for high standards of pastoral care and strong community values. Lunchtime supervision is seen as an extension of the school’s ethos, supporting:

• Positive behaviour

• Safety and wellbeing

• Social development

• Inclusion for children with additional needs

You may work in:

• Large primary or secondary school dining halls

• Outdoor playgrounds and recreational spaces

• Wet-weather indoor activity areas

• Schools with diverse pupil populations

MDMs are integral to ensuring lunchtime is calm, enjoyable, and safe for all pupils.

Your Role as a Midday Meal Supervisor

Key responsibilities include:

• Supervising pupils in the dining hall while they eat

• Helping younger children with trays, cutlery, or food

• Encouraging polite behaviour and social interaction

• Monitoring children with allergies or dietary restrictions

• Supervising playground activities, games, and free play

• Supporting children who are upset, anxious, or struggling socially

• Managing low-level behavioural issues calmly and fairly

• Communicating any concerns to senior staff or teaching staff

• Ensuring adherence to school safeguarding and health & safety policies

You will act as a consistent, positive presence, helping children feel safe and supported throughout lunchtime.

Who This Role Is For

Formal teaching or childcare qualifications are not required. The most important qualities are reliability, patience, and a calm approach.

Ideal candidates are:

• Observant and proactive

• Friendly yet firm

• Confident supervising groups of children

• Patient and empathetic

• Reliable and punctual

Many successful MDMs come from backgrounds such as:

• Parenting or caring experience

• Nursery or early years work

• Youth work or community support

• Customer service roles requiring responsibility

• Retirees seeking meaningful part-time work

Training and guidance are provided to ensure you feel supported and confident.

Why Lunchtime Supervision Matters

Lunchtime is a period when children:

• Socialise and build friendships

• Navigate unstructured time

• Experience independence

• Face potential conflict or accidents

A strong MDM ensures:

• Safety for all pupils

• Prevention of accidents or conflicts

• Encouragement of positive behaviour

• Emotional support for pupils who need reassurance

• Smooth transition back to classroom learning

Even though the role is part-time, your impact is long-lasting.

Working Hours & Flexibility

• Typically 1–2 hours per day

• Monday to Friday

• Term-time only

This role offers excellent work-life balance, ideal for combining with other commitments.

Support & Safeguarding

All MDM roles in Barnet require:

• Enhanced DBS clearance

• Safeguarding training

• Adherence to school policies

Schools take safeguarding seriously and expect lunchtime staff to uphold the same standards.

What You’ll Gain

• A valued role in a school community

• Strong relationships with pupils and staff

• Sense of responsibility and purpose

• Experience in an educational setting

• The satisfaction of positively impacting children’s day

Your calm, approachable approach can transform lunchtime into a safe and enjoyable experience for every pupil.

Apply Today

If you are looking for a meaningful part-time role where your presence directly supports children’s safety, social skills, and wellbeing, consider becoming a Midday Meal Supervisor in Barnet.

Your contribution can make lunchtime one of the best parts of a child’s day, every day.