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Original poster

Felt really overwhelmed by my 1st week as a dinnerlady/playground helper

33 replies

Middaysupervisory · 10/09/2023 20:34

I've just joined a primary school as a midday supervisory assistant and did 4 days last week. The 1st 3 days were great and I really enjoyed it, the 4th day I felt really overwhelmed as I was given the new reception class and 30 kids to just me it was a real shock all needing help in the hall. Some needing the toilet them, then getting them out on to the playground within a time limit.
It felt very hectic and I needed eyes everywhere and I don't think I managed very well. Some were obviously scared as its their 1st week so a lot of kids were very hand holding ect .

Im dreading going In tomorrow and ive got this sinking feeling I may get pulled aside about the fact I was letting them take too long or just anything I've done wrong already.

Please tell me the more I get into this role the better ill be at it.

OP posts:
FlamMabel · 10/09/2023 20:40

I don't think anyone would expect you to be brilliant from day week or even month 1. You're on your own with 30 tiny children, hats off to you!?

noblegiraffe · 10/09/2023 20:40

I know a primary teacher with decades of experience with KS2 classes who was asked to cover a reception class the other day and came out of it utterly frazzled.

It sounds like you did a great job!

FloweryName · 10/09/2023 20:41

You were on your own getting 30 4 year olds fed, of course it felt hectic! It would feel hectic to anyone, you haven’t done anything wrong.

It definitely will become easier as time goes on. You’ll get to know all their names better, who eats most slowly so needs their food cutting up first, all their different little habits and that will help you feel more confident. At the same time the children will be becoming more confident and less dependent on you and by Christmas you’ll wonder what you were so worried about.

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Iliketulips · 10/09/2023 20:52

I've been doing this job years, and all of my colleagues say we give it 100% and just do the best we can even though there's plenty of situations you'd want to do more in - to be honest that's all you can do no matter how much experience you have. In time you'll learn to priorise the more urgent situations. The pluses are it goes quick, you come across some lovely characters and in time you'll have your own little fan club you always want to give you a hug, chat to you.

WhisperingHi · 10/09/2023 20:55

It's ok to get constructive criticism when you're new at work. In fact, I'd expect it. If you were perfect from day 1, you'd be an oddity, not the norm.

Hold your head high and try to enjoy it. In time, like anything, it will become easier.

Thanks for doing such a great job, I'm very appreciative of lovely staff helping our young children!

morelippy · 10/09/2023 20:56

I'd be more inclined to give you a medal than a bollocking.

Mull · 10/09/2023 20:56

I’m sure you were fab, I could never do it in a million years!

I think my DS would have moved in with his reception class dinner lady. He certainly loved her waaay more than me 😆

MrsMariaReynolds · 10/09/2023 21:00

I've.been doing the same job for many years and without fail, every year, it still takes a little time to settle into the swing of the term. I was shattered on Friday.

So, don't worry, Sounds like you're doing your best.

Am a bit surprised there is only 1 of you with 30 children. I thought early years had tighter ratios than that. (knowing school budgeting cuts, it wouldn't surprise me if that had changed)

Original poster
Middaysupervisory · 10/09/2023 21:09

Thank you all for your kind words. Im a parent my self of primary school age children so i do find it rewarding.
@morelippy your comment made me laugh!

@MrsMariaReynolds there is 3 members of staff for the 3 classes in ks1 and we all have our own years but the other middays don't go into the hall with them. See thats where I think ive gone wrong and I shouldn't have been in the hall im not sure im going to ask tomorrow I think just to confirm

OP posts:
SoapCollector · 10/09/2023 21:20

Keep going! It will get easier for you and they will get to know the routine. Every day will be different, it's quite a steep learning curve at first dealing with full classes of children. Well done on surviving your first week!

Motheranddaughtertotwo · 10/09/2023 21:26

You sound like you did great. Definitely get some clarity about where you should be at each time but other than that carry on what you’re doing. The more you get to know the kids the easier it will be. Hang in there.

BlueBlubbaWhale · 10/09/2023 21:29

I bet your doing fine op. Reception are very needy so always chaotic.

There are no legal ratios for lunchtime supervision would you believe it,

BMW6 · 10/09/2023 21:30

Honestly OP sounds like you coped and will learn more as you go along! Just like any new job!

toadasoda · 10/09/2023 21:41

I'm in early years OP and the first week is by far the worst of the academic year, every year. I have 3 and 4 yr olds and spend half the time crawling around taking shoes on and off as they need to wear only indoor shoes in the class, and the rest of the time helping to pull underwear up and down in the toilet or helping them wash hands. Everyone demanding attention at the same time with no idea of how to queue or wait their turn. Its unbelievably stressful, I feel like I come home traumatised! Every week improves and by October / November the kids do these things themselves and it starts to become a really enjoyable rewarding job. Don't over analyse week 1!

Bonbon21 · 10/09/2023 21:46

Dont beat yourself up... everything was new for everbody last week!!
And if you get feedback tomorrow, please take it as advice and support not as criticism.
Personally I think you are so brave... caring for other peoples' little people..!!
That would scare the bejeezuz out of me!!

highdaysandholudays · 10/09/2023 21:56

Hi. I did this some years ago and remember feeling like a rabbit caught in the headlights the first few weeks. You'll get to know the children and they'll trust you as you go on. You just build up a relationship with them. I can remember my youngest son saying are you still our mummy when I started working there. I think he meant he wasn't sure what he should call me. He was in year 1 then. I have very very happy memories of doing this job. However it's bloody hard work! I'm sure you're doing a great job. It does get easier.

cloudglazer · 10/09/2023 22:15

I did this job, and everyone in school knows it's very hard. I am sure you won't get into any trouble. This time of year is always hard as the children are adjusting to the new routine.
Well done! I loved doing it, and I hope you do too

Itslosenotloose · 10/09/2023 22:19

I did this job last year with reception. TA and Midday. It was so hard. I’m running back to secondary school…..I find teens sooooo much easier. Well done.

mmmmmchocolate · 10/09/2023 22:25

Reception are a nightmare for at least a few weeks! They can’t line up, don’t understand how things work and are still clingy. I promise by October half term they will have got it and do will you!

ShutTheDoorBabe · 10/09/2023 22:32

Reception, especially at this time of year, are a nightmare. It's like herding cats. They soon get used to the routine though and learn to line up and go wherever they're meant to go. That makes the job so much easier!

HairHeGoesHairHeGoesAgain · 11/09/2023 07:56

mmmmmchocolate · 10/09/2023 22:25

Reception are a nightmare for at least a few weeks! They can’t line up, don’t understand how things work and are still clingy. I promise by October half term they will have got it and do will you!

This. Former reception TA and welfare. You're given 30 small children, with no backstory or context, you don't know their names or personality and you have to make sure they all eat a meal (the correct one, because allergies!) You have to manage their emotions, bumps, bruises and tears whilst also teaching them how to behave in a dinner hall. And make sure you don't lose anyone! It's exhausting

Baneofmyexistence · 11/09/2023 08:22

I’m sure you did well! Reception are tiny and still in their first week too. I taught KS2 for ten years and never would I want to teach reception 😂 Good luck for today, I promise it will get easier when you and the children have all settled in x

lucysmam · 11/09/2023 08:23

I've been a MDSA for 7 years, and nursery/reception for 2...there are still days even now when I'm completely bamboozled by trying to get 30 small children seated, food cut & eaten, & back out the door again for playtime. Especially when you chuck getting coats on & zipped up into the mix later in the year!

It's all new to them, and to you. I'd be willing to bet it wasn't half as bad as you think! Keep going, it gets easier as you all get to know each other & know what comes next.

My very first reception class are now y6 &, as someone said above, I have a little "fan club" of children who always stop to check in, or who I'll sit with for a two minute chat in the dinner hall (well, when I'm there I do).

lucysmam · 11/09/2023 08:24

*nursery/reception TA

Lorrymum · 11/09/2023 08:42

Former TA and lunchtime supervisor here. It is completely overwhelming for the first few weeks. We have had new staff quit after an hour on the job!
I locked myself out on the playground on my first day and couldn't get back in because I forgot the door code. You will soon find your feet and start to relax into it. Its exhausting, badly paid but you will love it.