At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential admin support and guidance in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join Leicestershire County Council at Oakfield Short Stay School.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in school administration and empathy for students with complex needs.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to inclusion and growth.
The predicted salary is between 22600 - 23600 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council - Oakfield Short Stay School.
Work Location: 1 position at Oakfield LNCIP (Shepshed) and 1 position at Oakfield HBEP (Hinkley).
Worker Category: Field-Based Worker.
Salary: Grade 7 £26,832 – £28,146 per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time).
Working Hours: 37 hrs per week.
Contract Type: Permanent.
Closing Date: 16th November 2025.
Interview Date(s): TBC.
About the Role
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference? Do you want a job where no two days are the same?
About Us
Oakfield Short Stay School is Leicestershire's provision for school-aged children who have been permanently excluded or are at risk of permanent exclusion from school. We have expanded the age range of Oakfield School and as a result we are recruiting staff. Our Secondary Inclusion Partnership staff who did put provisions in place for secondary aged children and young people who have been excluded from school, or who are at risk of this, have recently joined the team. Therefore, you will be part of a vital team in an exciting period of development, working with us to meet the needs of children and young people between the ages of 5 and 16 who struggle to manage in mainstream and need a different offer of education to secure their successful next steps.
Role Overview
This role is to ensure the provision of efficient and effective administrative support for the day-to-day operation of the school, providing day‑to‑day support and guidance to junior administration staff, planning and managing your own work in order to meet deadlines both internally and between our partner KS4 schools. The role would suit an experienced and suitably qualified person who has experience of using data systems and reports within an education setting, particularly within the Special Education sector. Many of our young people present with challenging behaviour, and we are looking for someone who can demonstrate strong empathy and ability to intrinsically connect with pupils with complex SEMH needs and lead in delivering a service that enables flexible data systems that capture pupils progress against their starting points.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and Inspire: To maintain office software, carrying out system upgrades and year‑end procedures on information management systems in accordance with published guidance (e.g. from LEAMIS).
- Collaborate with Agencies: To provide a courteous reception and visitor management service, responding directly to the majority of general enquiries, and ensuring that visitors are welcomed and managed in accordance with established health and safety / child protection procedures.
- Accountability: To deal with written correspondence in an effective manner, opening, filtering, sorting and distributing incoming post and e‑mails as appropriate, and dispatching outgoing mail and replying to e‑mails in a timely manner.
- Promote Inclusion: Demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, ensuring all pupils and staff members feel valued and supported.
What We Offer
- Unique Learning Environment: Experience a diverse and dynamic workplace where every day is different.
- Professional Development: Access opportunities for professional growth and bespoke training.
- Supportive Team: Join a highly skilled and supportive team of practitioners.
- Make a Difference: Play a crucial role in transforming the lives of young people.
- Flexibility: Options for part‑time or full‑time work to suit your lifestyle.
A DBS enhanced check for a regulated activity is required for this post.
About You
- Experience of working in a school environment, carrying out a range of administrative tasks.
- Experience in carrying out basic financial procedures, including cash handling, preparation for banking, and informal debt processes.
- Experience of working in a school office.
- Some supervisory experience.
- Experience in using information management systems and finance software.
- Experience using MIS and FMS.
You must also have an understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion. In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability.
Interested in Flexible Working?
We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Therefore, wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual’s personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council.
If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
This may include requests for term‑time working, part‑time hours, compressed hours, flexible start and finish times, home/remote working, etc.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Vicky Edwards - Executive Headteacher Telephone: 07860 611280 Email: Victoria.Edwards@leics.gov.uk
How to Apply
Leicestershire County Council is an inclusive organisation which is on a journey to embed and celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion at every level. We warmly welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, as having a diverse workforce with different perspectives and ideas is fundamental to our values and enriches the services we offer our communities.
We particularly welcome applicants from Ethnically Diverse and LGBTQ+ communities and people with disabilities to create a balanced workforce and one that reflects the communities we serve. Applicants with a disability who meet the criteria listed in the ‘About You’ section above will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme.
To apply for this job, please click on the apply button. You will need to upload a supporting statement as part of your application which explains how you meet the criteria listed in the ‘About You’ section above.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you have any technical issues when trying to apply for this post or you want to request an application pack in an alternative format, please contact our Employee Service Centre by telephoning 0300 3030222 (select option 2) or raising a ticket via our online portal: https://emss.org.uk/support.
By applying for this post, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Administrative Assistant - Oakfield School employer: Leicestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Leicestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Administrative Assistant - Oakfield School
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Oakfield School and understand their mission. This will help you connect your experiences with what they’re looking for, making you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the school culture and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your skills in administration and empathy can contribute to supporting students with complex needs. We want to see your passion!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
We think you need these skills to ace Administrative Assistant - Oakfield School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your experience aligns with the criteria listed in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Empathy: Since this role involves working with young people with complex needs, it’s crucial to demonstrate your empathy and understanding in your application. Share examples of how you've connected with individuals in challenging situations.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and think about how your experience aligns with them. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy Skills
Given the nature of the role at Oakfield School, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to connect with young people, especially those with complex needs. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and understanding, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations related to administrative tasks or interactions with students and staff. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, showcasing your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the school's culture, professional development opportunities, or how they support inclusion. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.