At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential admin support and guidance in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join Oakfield Short Stay School, dedicated to transforming young lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, flexible working options, and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in school administration and a commitment to inclusion required.
- Other info: Opportunities for part-time or full-time work to fit your lifestyle.
The predicted salary is between 22600 - 23600 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council – Oakfield Short Stay School
Work Location: Oakfield MSCIP, Carnegie House, Loughborough, LE11 3DU
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, 41 weeks per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 8th February 2026
Interview Date(s): TBC
About the Role
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
To apply for this post, you must:
- Experience of working in a school environment, carrying out a range of administrative tasks.
- Experience of 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 of 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.
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.
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.
Administrative Assistant - Oakfield School employer: Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
Contact Detail:
Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group 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 Short Stay School and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in candidates, giving you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around administrative tasks and supporting students with SEMH needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Oakfield School.
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 role. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in administration and working within a school environment.
Showcase Your Empathy: Since this role involves working with young people who may have complex needs, it’s important to convey your ability to connect with them. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve demonstrated empathy and support for students facing challenges.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. This will help us quickly see how you meet the criteria we’re looking for.
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 Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Administrative Assistant at Oakfield School. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as managing data systems and providing administrative support. This will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy Skills
Given that the school works with children who have complex SEMH needs, it's crucial to highlight your ability to connect with young people. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported or guided students, especially those facing challenges. This will show that you align with the school's values.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the school's approach to inclusion and how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
As an Administrative Assistant, organisation is key. Be ready to discuss how you manage your workload and meet deadlines. You might want to share specific tools or methods you use to stay organised, which will reassure them of your capability to handle the demands of the role.