We are looking for a enthusiastic MDSA/Play Worker to join our team. We are a 2-form entry primary school in the centre of Gloucester.
At Widden Primary School, we have built our ethos on a strong set of core values which underpin everything that we do. Our aim is to give students at Widden Primary School a better chance of success than if they attended any other school in the country.
Aspire, believe and succeed run through all aspects of school life.
Working as a member of the lunchtime team, you will ensure that our children have a meaningful lunchtime eating and play experience every day. Duties will include getting children ready for lunchtime, supervising handwashing, setting up tables and chairs for lunch, cleaning up afterwards and helping pupils with their meals. Outside, you will help to create a safe and stimulating outdoor environment that offers social, active and creative play experiences for all, and your emphasis will be to actively support and initiate play among our children.
Main responsibilities:
- Assist children at lunch, i.e., washing hands, with queuing, getting seated, opening packets, spillages, disputes, clearing plates and encourage good eating and social skills. Clean and clear the hall during the lunchtime as required (spillages, clearing food waste, trays and cutlery)
- May also include setting up, clean, pack down and store dining furniture at the end of lunchtime. Sweep the floor ready for use in the afternoon
- Facilitate play opportunities and act as an ambassador for play
- Work with the site team and other lunchtime staff to ensure that all of the children have a safe site for play
- Co-ordinate and communicate between play zones and dining hall to ensure that all children visit the dining hall and eat their lunch
- Assess play areas for risks daily and communicating / implementing any changes required
- Assist with putting out and packing away play equipment
- Record and report incidents of note that occurs during lunchtime, i.e., site issues, behaviour, first aid
- Assess and deliver first aid to pupils (if trained). Assist with first aid reporting
- Offer care, support and advice to children during lunchtime
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children in accordance with the MAT’s child protection and behaviour management policies
- Attend periodic team meetings and/or training for professional development
What’s in it for you:
- Professional development and career progression
- Generous pension scheme
- An Employee Assistance Programme
- Gym Discounts
- Free eye tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to Blue Light Card Scheme
- Being part of a great team and expanding organisation
Please download the recruitment pack for further information.
Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 23rd March 2026 at 11.59pm. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.
We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive.
If you require any support or adjustments to interact with us, please let us know. Greenshaw Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS and barred list check.
Widden Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.