Lunchtime supervisor

[hhsa]

I've just been offered a lunchtime supervisor role, after a very nervous interview. Been stay at home mum for 20 years. Naturally I'm very nervous about starting work. I want to ask any lunchtime supervisors on mumsnet, about any do's and dont's in my job. Thank you

Dont have any tips but just wanted to say congratulations on your new job!

Mega Congratulations, well done!

Find out how you need to speak to the children if you want them to stop doing something they shouldn't be doing.

Congrats!

Well done. My tips would be, remember you are the adult and you're in charge! Smile and be yourself. Be firm but fair. Sometimes some children just don't want to eat. All you can do in that situation is try your best to get them to eat something as we can't force it. Also don't be afraid to ask for help when needed especially if any safeguarding concerns. Good luck.

Congratulations 🥳

I entered back into work after 10 years off as a lunchtime supervisor, it's a great way to ease yourself in.

I take it it's a primary school? If so, Y6 always try push their luck as the oldest in the school. Try not to take things they say to heart.

Also, learning names is easy if you start with the reception children.

Primary or Secondary?
Quite different roles.

Congratulations! Be experience with that particular role, but for any new job - smile, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re not sure what’s expected/what’s going on, and remember that no-one expects you to know everything when you start! They obviously liked you and thought you could do a good job, and they’ll know what they’re looking for

It's a primary school. Thank you for all your replies.

I've been doing it for 2.5 years and I love it! It fits in perfectly with school pick up and drop offs.

Congratulations!
Clap your hands to get their attention, never shout.
Windy days make them hyper!
So do non uniform days!
Have fun.

@Bonnyem yes windy days! Why is that I wonder?

I do this job too and I love it. Never a dull
moment!
I was a bit sceptical of the windy day thing when I started but it's so true. Kids are weird!

Congratulations! I used to do it whilst mine were at primary school, had to give up after 5 or 6 years as the table putting up and down took its toll on my back and knees eventually. Do you need to do that as part of your role?

Best thing is seeing the kids now 10 years later, all grown up, driving cars, saying "hello Mrs b.." in the street, and they still stop doing what they are doing when you give "the look"...

cultivate "the look"... raising an eyebrow with "the look" can make even tough kids apologise...

I dont know about the tables yet. Its 1 and half hour per day. I am worried about the windy cold weather to be honest, for myself. I suppose I will go with the flow. Take 1 day at a time and learn on the go. I think I was more chosen for this role as I have just completed teaching assistant level 2 course last year.

Do you get paid for extra days like staff inset training days.

Always, always ask for back up if needed. I have y6 & this week alone had two square up to each other, and one need removing altogether from a situation. I couldn't have dealt with either situation effectively if there was no other grown up available.

The classroom staff are always available to me though, which helps when several are in a mood to do as they please.

Be confident - even if you're not, fake it! The kids don't know you're not. You're in charge, not them, & if pitched right they'll do as you ask without anyone getting grumpy.

Grow several extra sets of eyes and hands. Not really, but it feels like it sometimes!

Haha yes to the look! Mine is reminiscent of Frazer from Dad's Army .
Someone will flag up the kids with allergies for you, which is always my concern. You'll learn their names and the mischievous children quickly.
Don't put up with poor manners. Pleases and thank yous are not negotiable.

I don't make children finish their plate or eat things they don't like, but some will push their luck in the hurry to move onto pudding or out to play!

You might also notice some children that are always hungry, if there's seconds I always see if they'd like extra first.

Some very helpful advice. Really appreciate this also its nice to hear that you are all enjoying lunchtime supervisor role. I hope i will feel like this also.

I'm in the same position, thank you op for asking this..!

I'm a TA. My way of getting them to say thank you is just to hold on to whatever you are giving them. Firmly enough that they can't just grab it. Then I wait. Eventually they realise and take it and then I give them a big grin. If it's one of the little ones I would then say 'What lovely manners'. If it's one of the Year 6's I might joke with them about it. Gets the point across without any snappy "What do you say?"
Also, find out what the positive reward system is and use it. Much more effective to say "I like the way that Fred is sitting so nicely - Fred can have a housepoint/star/whatever it is" than to get annoyed with someone not complying. Phrased differently for different age children - older ones don't need all the "I like that way". Just "A housepoint for Jim - thanks for waiting so patiently Jim, I appreciate that."

Didn't proof read. Manners are non-negotiable as someone upthread said. When someone has said thank you, then I 'release' their item.

Windy/cold days, get a decent long waterproof coat, scarf and a woolly hat. I had an Asda £20 parka that was perfect, doesn't need to be expensive. And gloves! Little ones like to hold your hand whatever the weather.

@Utterlyexhausted

I'm in the same position, thank you op for asking this..!

Have you recently got the job and waiting to start or have you already started the job? This was my 2nd application and first interview