Receptionist-Maternity Cover in Accrington

Receptionist (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover) Location: Accrington Salary: £25,896.00 (FTE), United Learning Support Staff Pay Scale Job Family: Administration and Business Management. Pay Band 2 (Vocational)-inclusive of cost-of-living increase for 2026-2027. Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm Contract: Full Year, Fixed-Term Maternity Leave Cover Closing date: 27th September 2026 Start Date: ASAP-Following satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks We are seeking to appoint a highly organised, professional and welcoming Receptionist to join our dedicated support staff team at Accrington Academy. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who enjoys working with people and takes pride in providing excellent customer service. As the Academy's main receptionist, you will be the first point of contact for students, parents, staff and visitors, creating a positive first impression while supporting the smooth and efficient running of the school. Working as part of the school office team, you will provide high-quality reception and administrative support, ensuring enquiries and communications are handled professionally and efficiently. You will play an important role in maintaining safeguarding procedures, supporting pupils and visitors, and contributing to a positive and welcoming school environment. Main duties will include:

• Acting as the first point of contact for telephone, email and face-to-face enquiries.
• Welcoming and assisting students, parents, visitors and external agencies.
• Managing the Academy reception area and visitor sign-in procedures.
• Supporting safeguarding processes for visitors and contractors.
• Handling incoming and outgoing post, deliveries and communications.
• Responding to enquiries and directing information to the appropriate staff members.
• Providing support to pupils who are unwell and liaising with parents/carers where required.
• Maintaining accurate records and electronic systems.
• Undertaking a range of general administrative tasks to support the Academy.
• Promoting safeguarding, health and safety, and the Academy's values and ethos.
• The successful candidate will:
• Have excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Be calm, professional and able to work effectively in a busy environment.
• Have strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Be confident using Microsoft Office and other IT systems.
• Demonstrate discretion and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Be proactive, flexible and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Be committed to delivering a high standard of support to students, staff and visitors.
• Be willing to undertake First Aid training if required.
• Consistently demonstrate and promote our #TEAMAA values.
• We are looking for:
• A candidate with GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
• Someone with previous administrative or receptionist experience in a busy office environment.
• An individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong ICT skills and confidence using office software and databases.
• A professional who understands the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding.
• A friendly, approachable and motivated individual who enjoys working with people.
• A team player who is committed to the Academy's vision, values and culture, helping us to continue "Building Character, Creating Learners, Transforming Lives."
• We can offer you: More pay:
• As part of United Learning, we pay an average of 5% above national scales - the best rates of pay in the sector.
• We offer access to a health cash plan which gives you money back on essential healthcare, from opticians to physiotherapy, and guarantees you 24/7 access to an online GP.
• Access to 250 employee benefits through Westfield Rewards, saving you money on supermarket shopping, gym memberships, holidays, breakdown cover, car leasing, cycle schemes and more.
• More time:
• All our academies start every term with an additional INSET day set aside for your own planning (in addition to the usual five INSET days - giving you eight in total);
• At least one guaranteed paid personal day each year, to use as you want; and we offer opportunities for flexible working.
• More support:
• We provide high-quality training and development for every stage in your career;
• Every staff member benefits from a personal development plan to support your progression and aspirations;
• We give you access to a high-quality curriculum with excellent resources and provide support from expert subject advisers;
• We offer access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme, providing support from legal and financial to family and housing and access to free counselling and other wellbeing support.