Midday Meals Assistant - Portfield Primary Academy, Chichester

We are looking for a proactive and enthusiastic Midday Meals Assistant (MDA) to join our supportive and collaborative team. You will initiate positive play creating a purposeful and inclusive learning environment, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children is maintained at all times.

Grade 2 pt 3 FTE £24,796 (Estimated Actual £5,154)

9hrs 10 min per week (Mon- Fri 11:25 - 13:15)

Using a calm and caring approach you will be able to demonstrate fantastic meal time manners, encourage healthy eating and be ready to help with balancing those peas or that overflowing cup of water! The Midday Meals Assistant (MDA) plays a crucial role in ensuring our children enjoy safe, sociable and happy lunchtimes and are ready to learn when they return to their classrooms.

Salary: Grade 2 pt 3 FTE £24,796 (Estimated Actual £5,154)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: 9hrs 10 min per week (Mon- Fri 11:25 - 13:15)

Location: Portfield Primary Academy

Interviews: 09/06/2026

It’s not necessarily your experience as a Midday Meals Assistant (MDA) that we’re most interested in, it’s your passion and commitment to our mission, ensuring every child, whatever their background, receives a high quality education.

The ideal Midday Meals Assistant (MDA) will be someone who is:

• A great communicator who develops positive relationships with young children
• Enthusiastic and committed to working as part of a team
• Passionate, resourceful and creative about children learning through play and physical activities
• Able to promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils
• Committed to achieving high standards of service and hygiene

As a Midday Meals Assistant (MDA) we know you’re going to do great things, investing in our employees' wellbeing and career development is a priority for us. We can offer you:

• Excellent ongoing CPD, career development and vast promotion opportunities across the trust
• A comprehensive and supportive induction programme
• Friendly and supportive environment, where everyone is committed to a work life balance
• The opportunity to be part of exciting development and innovative change
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free eye tests
• Employee Assistance Programme - free & confidential advice on a variety of subjects ranging from physical and mental health to financial help

Portfield Primary Academy and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.