Lunchtime Assistant
We’re hiring
Lunchtime Assistant
Children’s Team - Langside School, Poole
Langside School is Diverse Abilities’ visionary school for pupils aged two to 19 with profound physical and learning disabilities, and complex medical needs. We are looking for a part time Lunchtime Assistant to enable children with complex needs to eat at lunchtimes.
15 hours per week, term time only, working between 11.00am – 2.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Start date: This role is due to start the week beginning 5th January 2026
More about the role…
This role requires staff to:
• Sensitivity to the needs of children with disabilities. Heat up children’s lunches where appropriate.
• Patience and concentration in order to facilitate good communication and safe eating. Clear away after children have finished lunches.
• Make a positive contribution to Langside’s, multi-team approach. Supporting where required in class.
• Attend any training or meetings which are essential in order to effectively and safely carry out duties but may be in addition to contracted hours.
• Be an active participant in the appraisal system.
• Act as a positive role model at all times and specifically in respect of new members of staff.
• To actively support the school’s policy of continued personal professional development.
• To report all accidents to staff or pupils to line manager or Senior Nurse in line with school’s policy.
• To ensure all areas and equipment kept clean as possible.
• To report any broken or damaged equipment or furniture.
• To actively support all Langside School and Diverse Abilities policies and working practices
Essential skills required:
interpersonal skills
time management
Clear communication
Understands, values and respects people
person centred approach
teamwork
physical ability to carry out tasks
For full details on requirements and essential skills required for this role, check the job description linked above.
Commitment to safeguarding
Diverse Abilities is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults that we support and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check is required for this post prior to commencement. The Charity is an equal opportunities employer.
* Please note: by submitting an application form you are agreeing to Diverse Abilities conducting a social media check- If you wish to know more about this check before applying please call 01202 718266 option 3**
Benefits and bonuses
We offer a wide range of employee rewards and benefits. These include access to hundreds of retailer, restaurant, entertainment, and hotel discounts through Blue Light Card, auto-enrolment pensions, paid accrued holiday, and a cycle to work scheme. Click here for a full list of our rewards and benefits.
You’ll also get paid while you complete your training and as you proceed to any diplomas.
We provide long service awards at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25+ years including bonuses, vouchers, and additional paid time off.
Introducing Reasons to Care
Hosted by Michelle (Supported Living Deputy Manager) and Clare (Children’s Team Short Breaks Manager), "Reasons to Care" will take you on a heartwarming journey, making an impact that truly matters. It’s our podcast on all things to do with working in care.
We'll dive into some uplifting stories that'll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, changing lives with love, one story at a time. From speaking to those who have worked for us for years and new members of the team, through to parents and people we support, there’s lots of stories to enjoy.
Our employee stories
Find out more about what our employees have to say about working for us.
