Any dinner ladies here?

[SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc]

Starting new job next week.Any tips? It's my first job in a school ,kids age around 7-11 thanks.Im confident person but used to younger kids or adults tbh

It's chaotic but good fun if it's a nice school. You'll always get little sods of course but most kids are lovely. We start off in the hall helping the younger ones (we start at reception) to cut up food, pour water, keep an eye on what they're eating etc. By the time year 3/4 comes in we're mostly outside in the playground. We all have zones and it's just a matter of making sure they don't injure themselves or each other!

Chances are you'll end up with a gaggle of children around you every lunchtime. I feel like a cross between the Pied Piper and Mary Poppins most days!

Just be firm but friendly. There's not a lot else to it. You will find your shouty voice gets louder though! When I first did it I'd quietly ask individual groups to stop doing something, now my voice carries the length of the playground, I can shout at them all at the same time . Kids love a good dinner lady though, you can form a lovely bond with them without the stress of classroom work.

It's also a really good way in if school is your thing and you want to work with children. This year I've begun work as a teaching assistant too and I'm really enjoying that.

I've also just written that whole post on the assumption that you mean midday supervisor and not the people that actually cook the food. I'm probably wrong, if so ignore me!

Make sure you're familiar with the behaviour management policies and use them consistently. They soon work out if you're a soft touch or unsure of yourself! Learn names. Write the details of any incidents down as soon as possible after dealing with them so you can refer back if there are any queries later.

Thanks for replying! Yes i mean lunchtime supervisor,the other women who do the job refer to themselves as dinner lady so I'm getting used to the term lol

Yes there'll be procedures for behaviour and accidents etc but they'll take you through all of that and I'm sure the others will help you. I'm part of a really good team, have made some great friends. Good luck!

It'll take you a while to get used to the routine but would just shadow as much as you can. It will be chaotic and and crazy and it'll take a while to get used to it, but I bet you'll love it!
I started my job as a midday supervisor at the beginning of the January term last year (5-7) and I love it!! Good luck with your new job op

Can I ask a question about being a dinner lady please?

How often is there sick incidents? I have a real phobia but really want to get back to work to fit in with school hours. Thanks

Three sick incidents in three years for me and someone else has always been happy to deal with it on seeing me go green.

Learn your behaviour policy inside out and ask for support if you need it. Be firm and fair. Also be aware of your safeguarding policy and who the safeguarding leads are.

You'll learn the names of the characters quickly but it definitely makes life easier to learn as many names as possible.

I agree with writing things down - it's always useful to be able to refer back if needed.

No two days are ever the same and some are completely bonkers but I love my job and the children are ace. Be prepared for anything and everything you can imagine and more.

Good luck!