At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of the school and manage enquiries while ensuring safety.
- Company: Join Hatchside Infants Academy, part of a caring and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous pension schemes, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are celebrated; flexible hours available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives every day in a vibrant setting.
- Qualifications: Warm, organised, and proactive individuals with a commitment to safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 14819 - 15467 £ per year.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to actively share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and online searches, in line with Safer Recruitment guidance and the need to maintain a safe culture. It is an offence to apply for a role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity. Our safeguarding culture is underpinned by policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the Trust. On joining you will be required to undergo continuous professional development to maintain safe working practice and to safeguard our children and young people.
Hatchside Infants Academy — part of Astrum Multi Academy Trust, a specialist trust dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people with SEND — is looking for a warm, organised and enthusiastic Administrative Assistant to join our front‑of‑house team. At Hatchside, we are proud of our caring and inclusive ethos, our strong sense of community, and our unwavering commitment to ensuring every child feels a sense of belonging, valued, and empowered to thrive. As part of Astrum MAT, everything we do is guided by our Trust values: Compassion, Belonging, Collaboration, Innovation and Ambition. These values shape our culture, our practice and the experience of everyone who walks through our doors. If you share these values and are looking for a role where your work truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll be doing:
- Be the friendly face of the school — greeting visitors, managing enquiries and ensuring everyone receives a warm, professional welcome
- Act as a gatekeeper for site safety — verifying visitor identities, checking safer‑recruitment clearances (including DBS), issuing badges and ensuring all safeguarding procedures are followed
- Maintain accurate school records and information systems
- Provide administrative support to staff and help co‑ordinate meetings, events and school activities
- Handle a wide range of organisational duties that keep the school running smoothly
What we’re looking for:
- Warm, approachable and professional
- Organised, reliable and proactive
- Confident using IT and digital tools
- Able to prioritise and work calmly under pressure
- Discreet and committed to safeguarding
- A team player who also works well independently
- Experience in a school environment is helpful but not essential — what matters most is the right attitude and a commitment to supporting our children and staff.
Why join us?
- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme
- Generous Pension Schemes
- Family‑friendly working policies
- Extensive support and development opportunities
- Refer a friend scheme
- Free onsite parking
- Free tea and coffee
- Great location close to TfL Elizabeth and Central Lines
- And more
Astrum values diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We celebrate and embrace unique individuality, background and heritage. We are a ‘Disability Confident Employer’ and all our application forms hide your personal information so we can focus solely on your experience, skills and qualities. We believe in fostering a work environment that supports work‑life balance. We are open to flexible working arrangements, including remote work, flexible hours, and part‑time opportunities.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to actively share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches, in line with Safer Recruitment guidance and the need to maintain a safe culture. We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the advert closing date. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Administrative Assistant employer: Hatchside School
Hatchside Infants Academy, part of Astrum Multi Academy Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous employee benefits, and a culture that values compassion and collaboration, you will find meaningful opportunities to grow while making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people. Located in Goodmayes, the academy offers a welcoming atmosphere with convenient access to transport links, ensuring a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Administrative Assistant
✨Get Involved in Local HR Events
Check out local HR networking events or workshops in your area. These are great opportunities to meet industry professionals, learn about the latest trends in human resources, and potentially get leads on part-time roles like the one at Hatchside School.
✨Join HR Communities Online
Platforms like SHRM Connect or HR-specific LinkedIn groups are gold mines for job leads and industry discussions. Engaging in conversations can put your name out there and might just catch the eye of someone from Hatchside School looking for a part-time star!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're studying or have recently graduated, don’t forget about your university's career services. They often have contacts in the HR world that can help you score a part-time gig, plus you can access exclusive job boards!
✨Direct Applications Through Our Website
When you find the part-time role you're excited about, apply directly through our website. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps us streamline the hiring process. Make your application stand out with a tailored approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Administrative Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your People Skills:In human resources, it’s all about connecting with people. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience in recruitment, employee relations, or conflict resolution. If you’ve got any certifications in HR or related fields, don’t forget to flaunt them!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Shine Bright:When applying for a part-time HR role at Hatchside School, your cover letter should reflect your motivation and enthusiasm for the position. Discuss your passion for people management and how you can contribute to their team, even on a part-time basis.
Demonstrate Flexibility and Availability:Since it's a part-time role, be clear in your application about your availability. HR often requires a balance of flexibility and commitment, so outline any existing commitments and how you plan to manage your time effectively.
Include Real-Life Examples:When describing your experience, use specific examples that illustrate your competency in HR tasks. Whether it’s handling employee onboarding or managing records, these anecdotes can make your application stand out to Hatchside School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hatchside School
✨Know Your HR Basics Inside Out
As we're diving into a part-time HR role, let’s brush up on key HR concepts like recruitment processes, employment law, and employee engagement strategies. Prepare to explain how you've handled various HR scenarios in the past or how you'd approach them in the future – this shows you can hit the ground running!
✨Get Creative with Your HR Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio showcasing your HR projects, like recruitment plans or engagement activities you've designed. This isn't just for show; it helps us illustrate our hands-on experience and creativity, making us stand out to Hatchside School. Plus, it’s a tangible way to discuss our achievements!
✨Brush Up on Behavioural Interview Techniques
Expect a mix of traditional and behavioural interview questions. Prepare STAR answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) on how you've resolved conflicts or improved team dynamics. Since HR is all about people, our ability to communicate effectively will be under the spotlight.
✨Show Flexibility and Enthusiasm
In a part-time HR role, demonstrating a flexible approach to working hours and responsibilities can make us more appealing to Hatchside School. Expressing our eagerness to learn and contribute to the team will demonstrate that we're not just filling a position, but genuinely excited to be part of their journey!
