South Hornchurch – Lunch Time Cover Level 2 & Level 3

Lunch Cover

📍 Location: South Hornchurch

📑 Reports to: Room Leader / Nursery Manager

👥 Responsible for: Supervising children and supporting the team during the lunch period

About the Role

We are seeking a reliable Lunch Cover Practitioner to join our nursery team. The working hours are 11am to 3pm Monday to Friday, all year round. This role is responsible for supervising children and supporting staff during the busy lunchtime period. You will assist with meal preparation, serving, and clearing, as well as helping children with routines such as handwashing, eating, and preparing for rest time. This is a vital support role that ensures smooth running of the nursery during staff breaks and lunchtime activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Meal & Lunch Support

Assist with lunchtime set-up across rooms.

Help with serving lunch and dessert.

Supervise and support children while they eat, encouraging good manners and healthy eating.

Assist with handwashing and cleaning children before rest or quiet time.

Cleaning & Resetting

Clean tables, chairs, and floors after lunch.

Wash dishes, bibs, and cutlery.

Reset rooms for afternoon activities.

Assist with setting up sleep mats as directed.

Team Support

Provide cover to enable staff to complete paperwork and take lunch breaks.

Be flexible in supporting whichever room requires cover that day.

Work as part of the nursery team, adapting to changing needs.

Carry out any other reasonable duties as directed by the Nursery Manager.

Requirements (Essential)

Current Food Hygiene Certificate.

Good communication skills.

Commitment to equal opportunities.

Commitment to working with young children and families.

Friendly, flexible, and supportive approach to working with staff and children.

Desirable

Current Paediatric First Aid Certificate.

Relevant childcare qualification.

Experience working with young children.

Benefits

Part-time working hours 11am–3pm each day, all year.

Supportive and friendly team environment.

Opportunities for training and professional development.

A rewarding role supporting children’s care and wellbeing during mealtimes.