Receptionist & Administrative Assistant
TAO Independent School
Job Description
Purpose of the Role
The Receptionist & Administrative Assistant plays a vital role within TAO Independent School and is often the first person that pupils, families, professionals, commissioners, social workers, local authority representatives, Ofsted inspectors and visitors will encounter.
The successful candidate will help create a warm, welcoming, professional and highly organised environment whilst supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the school.
This role combines front-of-house responsibilities with administrative support and plays an important role in safeguarding, communication, attendance monitoring, record keeping and visitor management.
Key Responsibilities
- Welcome visitors, parents, pupils and professionals to the school
- Manage telephone, email and face-to-face enquiries professionally and efficiently
- Maintain visitor sign-in procedures and safeguarding protocols
- Support attendance monitoring and reporting processes
- Maintain pupil records, files and administrative systems
- Assist with school correspondence, letters and communications
- Support the leadership team with administrative tasks
- Maintain confidentiality and data protection requirements at all times
- Assist with arranging meetings, appointments and visitor schedules
- Support the organisation of school events and activities
- Ensure reception and visitor areas remain welcoming, organised and professional
- Support the wider operational needs of the school as required
- Transport pupils where authorised and in accordance with school policies, insurance requirements and risk assessments
Essential Requirements
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness and ability to transport pupils in accordance with school policies, insurance requirements and risk assessments
- Strong computer and digital administration skills
- Confidence using Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams and cloud-based systems
- Ability to learn and utilise school management, monitoring and record-keeping systems
- Experience of managing confidential information accurately and securely
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
- Ability to obtain an Enhanced DBS Certificate
- Good attendance, punctuality and reliability
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Professional presentation and conduct
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Reception or administrative experience
- Experience working within education, SEND, health or social care settings
- First Aid qualification
- Safeguarding training
- Experience of attendance monitoring systems
- Knowledge of SEND and SEMH provision
- Experience using school management information systems
- Customer service qualification or experience
- Experience supporting senior leaders with administration
- Knowledge of data protection and information management procedures
Personal Qualities
The Receptionist is often the first person that pupils, families, professionals and visitors will meet when contacting or visiting the school. As such, we are seeking somebody who naturally creates a warm, welcoming and professional first impression.
The successful candidate will be:
- Friendly, approachable and professional
- Warm and welcoming towards pupils, families and visitors
- Calm and reassuring when dealing with anxious or distressed individuals
- An excellent communicator both in person and on the telephone
- Able to maintain professional boundaries whilst remaining approachable
- Highly organised and dependable
- Discreet and able to maintain confidentiality
- Solution-focused and willing to help
- Able to remain calm and professional under pressure
- Committed to providing excellent customer service
- Able to represent the values and ethos of the school positively at all times
- Comfortable working within a small team where flexibility and teamwork are essential
Many of our pupils and families may have had difficult experiences within education previously. The successful candidate will therefore be able to communicate with empathy, understanding and professionalism whilst helping to create a welcoming, supportive and non-judgemental environment.
Important Information
TAO Independent School is a small specialist school and therefore all staff play an active role in supporting the wider life of the school.
The successful candidate should expect a role that is varied, flexible and people-focused. No two days will look exactly the same and the ability to adapt to changing priorities is important.
This role will particularly suit individuals who enjoy working with people, building positive relationships and contributing to a supportive school culture where children, families and professionals feel valued and respected.
TAO Independent School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to Enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, online searches and safer recruitment checks.
Pay: £17,500.00-£21,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
