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- Tasks: Support the school with admin tasks and ensure a welcoming environment for students and visitors.
- Company: Park Lane Primary School, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, term time only, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in a school setting.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths, plus previous admin or customer service experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for training and development in a friendly, flexible workplace.
20.25 Hours per week – 3 days a week (Wednesday to Friday) - 8.45am to 3.15pm – Term time only - Maternity Cover for 6 months from February 2026. The Governors of the Federation of Moorlands and Park Lane Primary Schools wish to appoint a School Receptionist to cover Maternity leave. The successful applicant may be required to work at all sites within the Federation but will be based at Park Lane Primary School in the Infant Department.
Closing date: Thursday 11th December 2025
Interview date: To be confirmed
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
ResponsibilitiesMain duties include:
- to help ensure the school is maintained to appropriate Health & Safety standards
- administrative tasks associated with the admission of pupils into the school
- undertake a range of administrative tasks and procedures to support the school and Federation
- general admin and school office support
- dealing with pupil attendance, data and communications
- have a good general standard of education – GCSE English and Mathematics (or recognised equivalent)
- previous office based administrative or customer service experience
- previous experience of working with MS Office packages (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- understand the rules of strict confidentiality and safeguarding practices of the federation
- be flexible and adaptable to the wide range of duties undertaken
- willingness to undertake training and learn new systems
- ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative with high levels of accuracy with minimal supervision
Applicants are required to demonstrate the following: please email bursar@parklane.reading.sch.uk or call 0118 937 5515 or visit: https://parklaneprimary.school/ Please do not send a CV. For the purposes of Equal Opportunities, we can only accept Reading Borough Council application forms. Please contact the school for further information. Visits to our school are welcomed.
Safeguarding and DataThis school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be sought from the successful candidate. We will process personal data and sensitive personal data (also known as ‘special categories of personal data’) and criminal records data relating to you in accordance with our Data protection policy and in accordance with data protection laws. As part of our due diligence and safeguarding procedures, pre-employment checks for shortlisted candidates will include online searches for data.
School Receptionist - Park Lane Primary School employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Receptionist - Park Lane Primary School
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Park Lane Primary School. Familiarise yourself with their values and any recent news. This will help you show genuine interest and make a great impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to administrative tasks and safeguarding. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We can even help you with mock interviews if you need it!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look professional and approachable. A smart outfit can boost your confidence and show that you take the role seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace School Receptionist - Park Lane Primary School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and its responsibilities, so highlight any relevant experience you have that matches what they're looking for.
Use the Right Application Form: Remember, we can only accept Reading Borough Council application forms, so don’t send a CV! Make sure you get the right form from the school’s website and fill it out completely. It’s all about following the rules!
Show Off Your Skills: When filling out the application, be sure to showcase your skills and experiences that relate to the role. If you've got experience with MS Office or customer service, let us know! We love seeing how you can contribute to our team.
Keep It Professional but Personal: While we want you to be professional, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits well with our team, so a bit of warmth and authenticity can go a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a School Receptionist. Familiarise yourself with tasks like managing pupil attendance and handling administrative duties. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your experience with MS Office and any previous customer service roles. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've used these skills effectively. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the administrative tasks required in the role.
✨Emphasise Confidentiality
Since safeguarding is a key aspect of this role, be prepared to talk about your understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding practices. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to these principles.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school and its culture. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you. It also gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
