At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors, manage enquiries, and support school administration tasks.
- Company: Join Ropery Walk, a valued community primary school in Seaham.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience with training opportunities and a supportive network.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring community while developing essential skills for your future.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday with flexible hours and a friendly team environment.
Ropery Walk is a community primary school in the heart of Seaham. Our school is a place where every child is valued, and where being part of our community is something to be proud of. As a Durham County Council school, we have strong links with other schools in the area providing further networking opportunities and support. We also have access to training that can enhance the role.
This role reports directly to the School Office Manager.
Key ResponsibilitiesThe post holder may be requested to undertake any but not necessarily all of the following duties. Duties required will be directed by the School Office Manager, according to the school’s needs.
- Reception: Providing a warm welcome to all. Dealing with telephone and face-to-face enquiries in an efficient and professional manner. Ensuring that all messages are dealt with in a timely and accurate fashion and, where relevant, relayed to colleagues promptly. Dealing with incoming and outgoing post. Maintaining the security and safeguarding of the school by controlling access and ensuring the completion of relevant procedures, i.e., signing in, issuing of identification badges. Providing information and support to other staff members as required. Providing hospitality for visitors. Ensuring that all information is treated confidentially and having absolute discretion at all times, complying with the school’s data protection procedures.
- Administrative: Updating manual and computerised records/management information systems. Checking goods and monitoring paperwork. Updating and distributing communications which may include but is not limited to the school’s website, social media, school noticeboards, newsletters, and other communication with parents, colleagues, and the community. Assisting the School Office Manager in marketing the school. Maintaining the school diary. Producing reports from the Management Information System under the direction of the School Office Manager. Attending, participating, and taking notes at meetings as required. General administrative duties such as photocopying, filing, emailing, and completion of routine forms. This could be directly supporting the Headteacher or School Office Manager.
Apprenticeship will be delivered in the workplace. You will be in the workplace 5 days per week, and will be visited by your assessor once a month.
Working hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 4 pm, Friday 8 am - 3:30 pm.
School Office Apprenticeship employer: Ropery Walk Primary School
Contact Detail:
Ropery Walk Primary School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Office Apprenticeship
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the school and its community. Visit Ropery Walk's website and social media pages to understand their values, recent events, and any specific initiatives they are involved in. This knowledge will help you connect with the school's mission during your interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills, both verbal and written. As a School Office Apprentice, you'll be dealing with various stakeholders, so being able to convey information clearly and professionally is key. Consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff members if possible. They can provide insights into the school culture and what the School Office Manager might be looking for in an apprentice. This could give you an edge in understanding the role better.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for learning and development. Since this is an apprenticeship, showing that you're eager to grow and take on new challenges will resonate well with the hiring team. Be prepared to discuss how you plan to make the most of this opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace School Office Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the School Office Apprenticeship. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for working in a school environment. Mention any relevant experience you have, such as volunteering or previous administrative roles, and explain why you want to join Ropery Walk.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role involves dealing with enquiries and providing support, emphasise your communication skills in your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles or situations.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail, which is crucial for an administrative role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ropery Walk Primary School
✨Show Your Warmth
As the role involves providing a warm welcome to visitors, make sure to demonstrate your friendly and approachable nature during the interview. A smile and positive attitude can go a long way in making a great first impression.
✨Be Prepared for Administrative Questions
Expect questions related to administrative tasks such as managing records and handling communications. Brush up on your organisational skills and be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have in these areas.
✨Understand Data Protection
Since confidentiality and data protection are crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of these topics. Familiarise yourself with basic data protection principles and be ready to explain how you would handle sensitive information.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration with other staff members. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before, highlighting your communication skills and ability to support colleagues.