Do I need experience to be a lunchtime supervisor?

Not always. Many schools take on parents and carers who have good common sense and patience with children. Describe any time you have looked after groups of children, such as volunteering, clubs or sports coaching.

Do I need a DBS check already?

Schools must carry out an enhanced DBS check on new staff, so you do not need one before you apply. If you already hold one, say so.

What should I say about dealing with bad behaviour?

Describe your approach in plain words, such as staying calm, following the school's rules and passing repeated problems to a teacher. Avoid just saying you are strict.

Lunchtime supervisor CV example

A strong lunchtime supervisor CV shows that you can keep children safe and calm at a busy time of day, settle small upsets fairly and pass on concerns properly. Schools like to see a friendly but firm manner, basic first aid and a willingness to have an enhanced DBS check.

Nia Williams

Lunchtime supervisor

nia@example.com · 07700 900134 · Cardiff

Profile

Calm and approachable lunchtime supervisor with three years of experience looking after children in a busy primary school dining hall and playground. Known for settling small upsets quickly and fairly and for spotting problems early. Holds a current basic first aid certificate and an enhanced DBS check.

Experience

Lunchtime Supervisor — a large town-centre primary school

Supervised around 60 children in the dining hall and then on the playground, five days a week

Helped younger children with food, drinks and clearing away, following the school's allergy lists

Settled minor disputes fairly using the school's behaviour approach and passed repeated problems to the class teacher

Gave first aid for minor bumps and grazes and recorded each one in the accident book

Reported any safeguarding worry to the designated safeguarding lead straight away

Breakfast Club Assistant — a primary school breakfast club

Welcomed up to 25 children from 7.45am, served cereal and toast and set out games

Kept a check on who had arrived and told the club leader when a child was missing

Organised simple games and quiet activities so children settled before lessons

Walked younger children to their classrooms and handed them to their teachers

Key skills

Playground supervision

Safeguarding awareness

Behaviour management

Dealing with minor injuries

Basic first aid

Helping children at mealtimes

Allergy awareness

Clear communication

Working with school staff

Staying calm under pressure

Example · fictional candidate · Heritage design · Use this design

Tips for a lunchtime supervisor CV

Give the number of children and the age range you supervised, so the school can see the size of the job
Mention allergy awareness and say that you followed the school's lists
Show safeguarding awareness by saying you know to report concerns, without giving any details about a child
List your DBS check and any first aid training with dates
Explain how you handle disputes calmly, because behaviour at lunchtime is the main part of the role
Give your availability clearly, since lunchtime shifts are short and often fit around other work

Applying with a cover letter? See our lunchtime supervisor cover letter example.