Supervisory Assistant

Role overview

The Education Authority (Northern Ireland) is looking for a Supervisory Assistant to support the safe supervision and discipline of children on school premises during the midday break, covering the period between the end of the morning session and the start of afternoon classes. The role may be carried out independently or as part of a team and reports to the Principal or Senior Supervisory Assistant.

What the role involves

• Helping to supervise children across the school building and grounds so that health and safety rules are followed and expected standards of behaviour are maintained.
• Working closely with the Principal or Senior Supervisory Assistant on all matters linked to midday supervision.
• Handling minor issues, accidents or illness, and escalating any serious incident immediately.
• Overseeing children at lunchtime, including those eating school meals or packed lunches.
• Supporting movement between classrooms and dining spaces, including any dining location outside the school site.
• Managing queues, seating, and the flow of pupils to and from serving points.
• Monitoring conduct in dining areas and helping children where needed.
• Collecting dinner tickets where required and helping distribute meals when appropriate.
• Carrying out related tasks such as cleaning spills, clearing and wiping tables, and removing litter from all food areas, including spaces used for packed lunches.
• Completing duties connected with cash cafeterias when assigned.
• Following school policies, procedures, health and safety requirements, legal obligations, and relevant codes of practice.
• Working in the normal conditions associated with the role and completing any required paperwork.
• Taking on other suitable duties at the same grade, within competence, as needed.

What the school is looking for

• Experience working with children or supervising them in a formal setting such as a school, nursery, or playgroup.
• Understanding of the responsibilities of a Supervisory Assistant.
• Awareness of child protection and safeguarding expectations relevant to the post.
• Knowledge of health and safety rules relevant to the role.
• Willingness to complete job-related training when required.
• Ability to adapt working style to support safe, caring, child-centred supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work well as part of a team.
• Good planning and organisation skills to complete tasks on time and to the required standard.
• A work approach that reflects the school’s values and ethos.

Application guidance

Applicants must clearly explain on the application form how they meet each criterion, including both essential and desirable requirements where relevant. This evidence must be provided by the closing date unless stated otherwise. Shortlisting will be based first on the essential criteria from Section 1 using the application form, and the panel may choose only those candidates it considers strongest for the role. If there are too many applicants, desirable criteria may also be used at shortlisting, in the order listed, so applicants should address these as well.

Desirable experience

A minimum of six months’ experience of working with, or supervising, children in a formal environment such as a school, nursery, or playgroup is desirable.

Disclosure and safeguarding

This post involves regulated activity with children or young people. If you are recommended for appointment, the Education Authority will need to complete an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. The cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate must be paid by the successful applicant, and payment instructions will be provided at the pre-employment stage.

Applicants can obtain further information from NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

Additional information

The Education Authority is an equal opportunities employer. The post-holder is expected to promote good relations, support equality of opportunity, and have due regard to equality legislation in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The job description may be reviewed if circumstances change, and other similar duties appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

Terms and conditions

Applicants are advised that the summary of terms and conditions for this post is available through the employer’s application materials. Guidance notes for applicants and information about the benefits of joining the Education Authority are also available through the employer’s recruitment information.