Job description: Receptionist
Are you calm, organised and able to keep smiling when the phone is ringing, a visitor has arrived, a student needs support and three other things are happening at once?
Can you make people feel welcome, supported and listened to from the moment they walk through the door?
Do you understand that working in a secondary school means no two days are ever the same; and sometimes you need patience, resilience and a thick skin as much as organisation skills?
Then Haywood Academy could be the place for you.
About the role:
We are looking for a friendly, reliable and highly organised Receptionist to join our team at Haywood Academy. You will be one of the first people students, families, visitors and staff meet or speak to each day, helping to create a calm, welcoming and professional environment across the academy.
Haywood Academy is a busy and vibrant secondary school where relationships matter and every member of staff plays an important role in supporting young people to succeed. Some of our students can present with challenging behaviour or need additional support to manage emotions, frustrations or difficult situations. This means you will need to remain calm, professional and consistent, even on difficult days.
You must understand the importance of clear boundaries and professional relationships. This role is about being approachable, supportive and kind; whilst remaining professional at all times. At times, you may find yourself dealing with frustration from students or adults. It is important to understand that this is not personal; it is part of working in a busy school environment where emotions can run high.
This is not always an easy role. The environment can be fast-paced, demanding and unpredictable.
However, for the right person, it can also be incredibly rewarding. The support, reassurance and positivity you bring each day can genuinely make a difference to young people and families.
At Haywood Academy, our vision is simple: Dream, Believe, Achieve. Every role within our academy contributes to helping young people do exactly that.
What you will be doing:
- Acting as the first point of contact for visitors, parents, staff and students;
- Answering telephone and email enquiries professionally and efficiently;
- Supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the academy through administrative and organisational tasks;
- Welcoming visitors and ensuring safeguarding and signing-in procedures are followed;
- Supporting attendance and student information processes where needed;
- Communicating effectively with families and external agencies;
- Supporting students calmly and professionally throughout the school day;
- Helping to maintain a positive, organised and welcoming front office environment;
- Working flexibly as part of a supportive and hardworking team.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is organised, professional and able to prioritise effectively;
- Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Can remain calm and positive in a busy secondary school environment;
- Understands the importance of professional boundaries and conduct;
- Is approachable, supportive and able to build positive relationships whilst maintaining professionalism;
- Can deal calmly with challenging situations and not take frustration personally;
- Has strong attention to detail and can manage confidential information appropriately;
- Works well as part of a team and is willing to support others;
- Is resilient, flexible and has a good sense of humour;
- Wants to make a genuine difference to young people and families.
What we offer:
- A supportive and hardworking staff team;
- Clear and supportive leadership at Haywood Academy and across the City Learning Trust;
- A strong focus on staff wellbeing and professional development;
- Access to training and development opportunities;
- Wellbeing support, including counselling and wellbeing initiatives;
- Competitive pension, salary sacrifice and benefit schemes;
- On-site parking and excellent facilities;
- Opportunities to develop within a growing Trust.
Safeguarding:
Haywood Academy and the City Learning Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of
children and young people. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. All staff are expected to act in line with statutory safeguarding guidance at all times.
At Haywood Academy we are committed to helping young people Dream, Believe and Achieve.
Every role in our academy matters and every interaction can make a difference.
Job Type: Permanent
Pay: From £21,585.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
