2x Midday Supervisory Assistants / Play Team Members

Start date: November 2026, by agreement and subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks

Salary: Nottinghamshire Grade 1, SCP 3: £13.28 per hour (£25,614 full-time equivalent), pro rata for 7.5 hours per week, term time only

Contract: 1x Permanent position & 1x maternity cover, fixed one year contract| 7.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | Term time only

Hours: 11:45am–1:15pm

Location: Central Avenue, Mapperley, Nottingham NG3 5LD

Could you help every child feel safe, included and ready to enjoy their lunchtime?

At Mapperley Plains Primary and Nursery School, positive relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We are a warm, inclusive and ambitious school where children are encouraged to be kind, be curious and be their best. Lunchtime is an important part of their day: a chance to enjoy a meal, spend time with friends, explore and play.

We are looking for a caring, reliable and enthusiastic Midday Supervisory Assistant to join our play team. You will be someone who notices when a child needs help, listens carefully and enjoys supporting children to play happily together.

Our children told us they would love someone who “wants to get to know us, listen to us, and join in our games.”

About the Role

You will help create safe, welcoming and enjoyable lunchtimes in the dining hall, playground and other agreed areas. As part of our developing OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) provision, you will support inclusive, child-led play and help children build friendships, confidence and independence.

• supervise children attentively during lunch, play and movement between areas

• help children with lunchtime routines and encourage good manners and independence

• encourage positive play, help children join in and support them to resolve everyday disagreements calmly

• help keep dining and play areas safe, clean and ready for use

• notice and report concerns, accidents or changes in children’s wellbeing promptly

You do not need previous school experience. We will provide induction, training and support. What matters is your approach to children, your reliability and your willingness to learn.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• enjoys working with children and builds positive, respectful relationships

• is patient, calm and fair, with clear and consistent expectations

• is vigilant and responds sensibly to children’s needs and potential hazards

• works well with colleagues and communicates clearly

• is comfortable supporting outdoor play in different weather conditions

• shares our commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and our values: Be kind. Be curious. Be your best.

Why Join Mapperley Plains

• wonderful children who are enthusiastic, caring and full of curiosity

• a welcoming team that supports one another and works closely together

• a school where play, inclusion and children’s wellbeing matter

• training and support to help you feel confident in your role

Safeguarding

Mapperley Plains Primary and Nursery School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding children is a fundamental responsibility of this role.

This post involves regulated activity with children. It is an offence to apply if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check, satisfactory references and all other relevant pre-employment checks. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, subject to the rules protecting certain convictions and cautions. Online searches may be undertaken for shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence.

Read about safeguarding at our school and our school policies.

How to Apply

Application closing date: Monday 2 November 2026 at 12 noon

Shortlisting: Tuesday 3 November 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 4 November 2026

Please complete the school support-staff application form and return it to office@mapperleyplains.notts.sch.uk. Please explain how you meet the person specification. We cannot accept a CV in place of a completed application form.

References will be sought before interview where possible. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a separate self-declaration of relevant criminal history and other suitability information. Please do not include criminal-record details in your supporting statement.

Visits are warmly welcomed but are not required before applying. To arrange a visit, request the application form or discuss the role, please contact the school office on 0115 964 9360.

Please contact the school office if you need an accessible application format or reasonable adjustments during recruitment.