School Meal Supervisory Assistant

We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity to join our OFSTED Outstanding Special School in a period of rapid development. 

Briarwood has a dedicated team of staff, governors and parents/carers who are proud to support 233 children and young people aged 3 to 19 years and are passionate about their progress, happiness and care. 

We are seeking to appoint School Meals Supervisory Assistants to join our special school teams primarily at our new South Site in Knowle.

You will be required to work with a range of pupils who have severe and profound needs and autism. This post is physical in nature and may present emotional and physical demands not common in mainstream schools.

We are looking for SMSA's who:

• Bring energy, confidence and enthusiasm with a commitment to inclusion. 
• Can support pupils who are not independent feeders with their dinner. 
• Can supervise pupils while they have their dinner. 
• Can assist pupils or supervise their hygiene or toileting needs, including personal care. 
• Can prepare pupils for outside play and to supervise them. 

Further training will be provided where required

Why Join Briarwood?

At Briarwood, we believe every child deserves opportunities to enjoy, engage and learn in ways that work for them.

Make a Real Difference - Transform the lives of children and young people with complex SEND needs.

Invest in Your Professional Growth - Benefit from extensive training, career development opportunities and a culture that encourages learning and progression.

Health and wellbeing matters - All Briarwood staff are entitled to a well being day on completion of their probation period. Another well being day can also be granted based on additional twilight training attendance.

Join an Outstanding Team - Work alongside dedicated, highly skilled colleagues in a supportive environment where relationships, inclusion and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do. 

The posts permanent role for are 10 hours per week, 11.45am to 13.45pm, term time only, working 39 weeks, 13 weeks school holidays of which 6.6 weeks paid as annual leave. No entitlement to annual leave during term time.

NB: We are unable to sponsor visas for this role as it does not meet the required criteria for sponsorship

Previous applicants need not apply.

Closing Date: 30th October 2026 (11.59pm)

Interviews: WKB 9th November 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible, dependent on notice period and DBS Check

CV's NOT ACCEPTED 

NB: Briarwood School has 6 sites located in Fishponds, Barton Hill and Knowle. We always do our best to place staff on their preferred site but all staff may be expected to work on other sites when the needs of the school require.