At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, welcoming visitors and providing essential admin support.
- Company: Join a caring and dedicated team at Arboretum Primary School.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Part-time role during term time with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a vibrant school community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and IT proficiency; school office experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 32243 - 39408 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details:
- Job reference: 000012624
- Date posted: 30/10/2026
- Application closing date: 23/11/2026
- Working Pattern: Part time
- Salary: Support Staff Grade B, pt 4
- Salary: £26,016 FTE. Actual Starting Salary: £9,112 a year
- Contractual hours: 15
- Basis: Term-time part time permanent
- Job category/type: School Support
Location: Arboretum Primary School - DDA
Hours: 15 hours a week (8:00am- 4:00pm Thursday & Friday)
Contract type: Permanent, 39 weeks a year, Term-Time
Start date: As soon as possible
We are looking to recruit a receptionist and administration assistant to work as part of our busy, friendly and dedicated school office team. The successful candidate will be the first point of contact for parents, visitors and others, both in person and over the telephone, as well as providing general administrative support within the office. You will demonstrate that you are a team player, whose excellent communication skills effectively support our lively office team in helping staff, parents and other visitors to our large, modern school. You will also need to be highly flexible and adaptable to respond to our school’s daily routines, and be resilient in the face of pressure as we aim for the highest professional standards.
The successful candidate will have excellent office and IT skills and will demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in their work. Experience of working in a school office, or in a customer-facing receptionist position would be beneficial.
We are a large 625 place primary (which includes 20 children in our 2 year old unit and 60 in our 3 year old nursery), with a rich ethnic mix of delightful and well-behaved children. Our modern school has been refurbished and extensively extended and sits in large attractive grounds. We pride ourselves in our caring ethos and the value we place in our dedicated and friendly staff teams. We are a popular school, and have a waiting list for most year groups.
DDAT welcomes a diverse population of both children and staff and is committed to promoting and developing equality of opportunity in all its functions. DDAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, online checks, completion of a probationary period, pre-employment and Disclosure Barring Service checks. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020). Please note that all candidates must have a right to work in the UK in order to be able to work at our Trust. Unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship for international job applicants.
We warmly invite prospective candidates to visit the school to find out more about us and the role.
Receptionist & Administration Assistant employer: DERBY CITY COUNCIL
Derby City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while making a significant impact on the community. With generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to equality and inclusion, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance. The council also offers extensive learning and development opportunities, ensuring that every team member can grow their career in a collaborative and ambitious environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist & Administration Assistant
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like DERBY CITY COUNCIL and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at DERBY CITY COUNCIL and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist & Administration Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and DERBY CITY COUNCIL.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about DERBY CITY COUNCIL and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at DERBY CITY COUNCIL
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress DERBY CITY COUNCIL.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which DERBY CITY COUNCIL will surely appreciate.
