Midday Meal Supervisor (MDM)

Location: Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Hours: Part-time | Term Time Only (Typically 11:30am–1:30pm)
Contract Type: Ongoing / Long-Term
Pay Rate: Competitive, dependent on experience

Be the Calm, Caring Presence Children Remember – Midday Meal Supervisor Roles in Kensington & Chelsea

Schools across the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea are seeking warm, responsible, and attentive Midday Meal Supervisors to support pupils during one of the most important parts of the school day: lunchtime.

While this role may be part-time, its impact is enormous. For many children, lunchtime is when social skills are tested, friendships are formed, and emotional wellbeing is shaped. As a Midday Meal Supervisor, you will help create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where every child feels supported and cared for.

About the Schools

Kensington & Chelsea is home to a wide range of primary schools, infant schools, and specialist provisions , each with a strong emphasis on pupil wellbeing, behaviour, and safeguarding. Schools in this borough value lunchtime staff as an essential part of the wider school team, not just an add-on.

You may work in:

• Traditional school dining halls

• Playground and outdoor lunch areas

• Mixed indoor/outdoor settings depending on weather

• Schools with diverse cultural and social backgrounds

Each setting is welcoming, structured, and well-supported by senior leadership.

The Role: Midday Meal Supervisor

As a Midday Meal Supervisor, you are responsible for ensuring children are safe, happy, and well cared for during lunch breaks. You will supervise pupils while they eat, help manage behaviour, encourage good manners, and support positive play.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supervising pupils in the dining hall during lunchtime

• Encouraging healthy eating habits and good table manners

• Assisting younger children with opening food and managing trays

• Ensuring allergies and dietary requirements are respected

• Maintaining a calm and orderly lunch environment

• Supporting pupils in the playground during break times

• Promoting inclusive play and positive social interaction

• Managing low-level behaviour and resolving minor conflicts

• Supporting children who may feel upset, overwhelmed, or excluded

• Following school safeguarding, behaviour, and health & safety policies

• Communicating concerns to teaching staff or senior leaders where necessary

This role requires vigilance, patience, and a genuine care for children’s wellbeing.

Who This Role Is Perfect For

You do not need formal qualifications to be an excellent Midday Meal Supervisor. Schools are looking for people with the right personal qualities and a natural ability to connect with children.

This role is ideal for:

• Parents or carers returning to work

• Individuals seeking term-time-only hours

• People with experience in childcare, nurseries, or youth work

• Those looking for school-based experience

• Anyone who enjoys working with children in a supportive environment

Key qualities include:

• A calm and friendly manner

• Confidence supervising groups of children

• Strong communication skills

• Reliability and punctuality

• An understanding of boundaries and authority

• The ability to remain patient under pressure

• A caring and observant nature

Training and guidance will be provided to ensure you feel confident and supported in the role.

Why Work in Kensington & Chelsea?

Kensington & Chelsea offers a unique and rewarding school environment:

• Strong community-focused schools

• Well-resourced educational settings

• Excellent transport links

• Diverse pupil populations

• Supportive leadership teams who value lunchtime staff

Many Midday Meal Supervisors in this borough enjoy long-term placements and become trusted, familiar faces within their school communities.

The Importance of the Role

Lunchtime is often the least structured part of the school day — and for some children, the most challenging. Your presence can:

• Prevent bullying and social exclusion

• Help children develop positive social skills

• Provide emotional reassurance

• Ensure safety during busy periods

• Promote respectful behaviour and cooperation

Children often remember the adults who supported them during these moments long after they leave school.

Hours and Flexibility

Most roles are:

• 1.5 to 2 hours per day

• Monday to Friday

• Term time only

This makes the role perfect for those seeking work-life balance or supplementary income.

Safeguarding & Compliance

All Midday Meal Supervisor roles are subject to:

• Enhanced DBS checks

• Safeguarding training

• School policies and procedures

Schools in Kensington & Chelsea are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this responsibility.

Apply Now

If you are looking for a meaningful, community-focused role where your work truly matters, becoming a Midday Meal Supervisor in Kensington & Chelsea could be the perfect fit.

Your patience, kindness, and attentiveness could make lunchtime the best part of a child’s day.