Midday Supervisors in SEND Schools
The role of a Midday Supervisor in an SEND school is integral to a young person’s experience in school. Consistency during lunch times is important for the pupils to feel safe and secure. Having a regular person for them to see and socialise with is key for their development. It is also important that they are able to eat with someone they are comfortable and happy with. Having the correct nutrition during the school day is essential for brain and healthy body development. If pupils are comfortable and happy during eating times they are more likely to eat healthily and consistently.
Midday supervisors roles are usually part time in a school, working 2 – 3 hours a day. The role is great for caregivers who look for part time work, or for anyone who prefers a role that they can be flexible around.
Midday supervisors have to display a number of skills to fit into a SEND school staffing team.
Midday Supervisor- Key Skills
Consistent and Reliable – being there everyday for the pupils is important so they can get into a comfortable eating routine.
Calm – whenever working with young people, being calm is important to keep the eating environment calm.
Caring – when working with young people it is always important to show a caring and compassionate side so that they feel safe and secure.
Great Communicators – it is important to communicate effectively, firstly with the other staff in the school for important information to be passed on. Also to meet the different communication needs of the pupils.
Understand different SEND – all SEND pupils have different eating habits and eating needs, the midday supervisor has to get to know the pupils specific routines and eating needs.
Some midday supervisors may already have health and hygiene certificates or some may simply learn this and be given training once in the role.
Although the role is just a few hours a day in a school it is an important part of every pupils day! Even I still remember my “dinner lady” from when I was at school!
Thank you all hard working Midday Supervisors!
