Are You Using Your Staffing Effectively In Your Playground?
Last week, while carrying out a Positive Playtime Award audit, I spent time observing how staff were being allocated around the school during lunchtimes. What I saw reminded me how vital it is, especially when school budgets are tight, to ensure that our staff, who are our most valuable resource, are being utilised as effectively as possible.
Too often, staff tell me, ‘We just don’t have enough adults out there at lunchtime.’ And yet, when I look more closely, it’s not always a case of needing more people, it’s about how we are using the ones we already have.
Spotting Ineffective Staffing Patterns
In one school I visited, there were two members of staff positioned at the dining hall entrance, checking children in. While well-intentioned, this isn’t an effective use of valuable
lunchtime staff. Those two adults could have been outside on the playground, engaging with children, running a Craze of the Week, or leading a simple playground game.
In another school, I found that two lunchtime supervisors were stationed in a first aid room for the entire lunch break. Of course, a warm, cosy space with friendly adults is a huge draw
for children who may not need medical attention at all. It quickly becomes a social spot, taking both staff away from where they are needed most: outdoors, supporting positive play.
Why This Matters
Every staff member in the playground has the power to:
• Encourage friendships and inclusion
• Diffuse potential conflicts before they escalate
• Lead games and activities that enrich play
• Boost wellbeing, confidence, and social skills
When staff are instead stationed inside, whether in the hall or a first aid room,we lose that presence. It’s not just about supervision; it’s about engagement, modelling positive
interactions, and actively creating happier, more harmonious playtimes.
Rethinking First Aid at Lunchtime
One solution I often suggest is mobile first aid. Instead of removing staff to a dedicated room, supervisors can carry a small first aid bum bag on the playground. Most minor
incidents can be dealt with there and then, without losing staff from the playground for long stretches of time.
This keeps the focus on maximising adult presence where it matters most—in the playground, supporting children’s play.
From Supervision to Participation
The most effective lunchtime teams are those who move beyond supervision and step into participation and become Positive Playtime Leaders. When staff actively join in with games, children feel more connected and supported, and the playground atmosphere shifts dramatically. Programmes like Craze of the Week or Game of the Week give staff something fun and structured to lead, building routine and excitement.
Final Thoughts
Our lunchtime supervisors are an incredible asset, and when deployed thoughtfully, they can transform playtimes into enriching experiences that support children’s social,
emotional, and physical wellbeing.
It isn’t about stretching staff thinner or asking more of them, it’s about using our resources wisely and with purpose. With some simple adjustments, schools can move from ‘we don’t
have enough staff’ to ‘we’re making the very best of the staff we’ve got’.
Would you like a Playtime Staff Audit template to help review your school’s lunchtime staffing patterns? Get in touch and I’d be delighted to share this with you.
