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

[Middaysupervisory]

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.

Sounds like you managed really well! Although is it normal as a lunchtime assistant to be in charge of 30 children on your own? Are they short-staffed? I just wonder if you need to say something rather than put up with it.

It sounds likee you did a great job with limited experience.

When you go in today, find a friendly face of someone who has been there a while and just ask for some advice,"Oh Sarah, I had reception on Friday, they were a challenging bunch to get through on time, how do you do it?" Most people like to help and are very happy to share the little tricks and techniques they've honed over the years and it'll help build your relationship with the other staff too.

Hi OP, how did you get on today?

@Coral569

Yep that’s a normal ratio.

@SoapCollector yeah it was absolutely fine . today was chaos because it was indoor play due to the wet weather

You'll be fine OP. YrR are very needy. Toileting and clutching your hands are very typical.
It's really hard as so much of your time involves cutting up children's food and helping them to actually use cutlery!!! Many YrR will have never used cutlery as so many will have been Baby Led Weaned but never told how to move on!

Keep doing what you're doing and it will get easier. Honestly!

How did it go for you if you see this reply.
I start the same role Monday excited but very nervous. Any tips?
Hope your enjoying it now x

Hope you're getting on alright with the job, Op! 👍