At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, managing reception and supporting daily admin tasks.
- Company: Rowan Gate Primary School, dedicated to inclusive education for pupils with complex needs.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Permanent role, 37 hours per week, term-time only, with potential site travel.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help create a positive impact on children's lives.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, IT confidence, and a friendly, professional attitude.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 24000 £ per year.
Rowan Gate Primary School is a specialist setting supporting pupils with severe and complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). With sites across Wellingborough and Rushden, our dedicated team is committed to delivering a personalised, inclusive curriculum that supports every pupil to reach their full potential. We work creatively, with patience and flexibility, and in collaboration with external professionals to provide a rich and supportive learning environment.
The Role
We are looking to appoint a professional, organised and approachable Administrative Assistant - Reception to join our busy school office team. This is a key front-facing role, providing a welcoming and efficient reception service while supporting the smooth running of day-to-day administration across the school. The successful candidate will be the first point of contact for parents, visitors and staff, ensuring all enquiries are handled with professionalism and care.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide a friendly and professional reception service (in person, phone and email)
- Act as the first point of contact, ensuring enquiries are directed appropriately
- Support administrative functions, including maintaining records and filing systems
- Use school systems such as SIMS to manage pupil data
- Process payments for trips, meals and activities in line with school procedures
- Manage post and deliveries
- Support catering processes (e.g. recording meal numbers)
- Work collaboratively across school sites when required
What We’re Looking For
- Has strong administrative and organisational skills
- Is confident using IT systems (experience of SIMS is desirable)
- Is professional, friendly and able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people
- Can manage a busy workload and remain calm under pressure
- Has a flexible approach and is willing to work across multiple school sites
- Understands the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding
Why Join Us?
- A supportive and friendly working environment
- Opportunities for professional development
- A rewarding role supporting a specialist education setting
- The chance to make a real difference to children and families
The role is a permanent position working 37 hours per week over 5 days for 39 weeks per year (38 weeks term time plus 5 training days). The hours of work will be as follows: Monday - Thursday 8am - 4pm (inclusive of ½ unpaid lunch break) Friday 8:15am - 3:45pm (inclusive of ½ unpaid lunch break). The role will be predominantly based at our Wellingborough site. Please note: While you will be appointed to work at one site, there may be the requirement to amend your allocated site depending on the needs of the School. Travel between sites may be required on occasion.
Safeguarding
Rowan Gate is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of the pupils in its care and all applicants should hold or be willing to undergo a DBS Enhanced Disclosure. Appointments will also be subject to confirmation of right to work, satisfactory health clearance, 2 satisfactory references from previous employers, in addition to other clearance checks. In addition, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, we are also required to carry out online searches for all successfully shortlisted candidates.
Administrative Assistant - Reception in Wellingborough employer: Rowan Gate Primary School - Four Sites
Rowan Gate Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly working environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of children with complex needs. With opportunities for professional development and a collaborative culture, our team is dedicated to fostering an inclusive atmosphere that values every member's contribution. Located in Wellingborough, this role as an Administrative Assistant - Reception allows you to engage with a diverse community while enjoying a rewarding career in education.
Contact Details:
Rowan Gate Primary School - Four Sites Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Administrative Assistant - Reception in Wellingborough
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure you research Rowan Gate Primary School before your interview. Knowing about their commitment to supporting pupils with complex needs will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the school’s mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As the first point of contact, being friendly and professional is key. Try role-playing with a friend to get comfortable with handling different types of enquiries.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your organisational skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you managed a busy workload or handled multiple tasks at once. This will help demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a big plus for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Administrative Assistant - Reception in Wellingborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how your unique experiences make you a great fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your administrative skills and any experience with IT systems like SIMS. This shows us that you understand what we’re looking for and that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
Keep It Professional:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language, check your spelling and grammar, and ensure your contact details are up-to-date. First impressions count, especially in a front-facing role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our school there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rowan Gate Primary School - Four Sites
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Rowan Gate Primary School and its commitment to supporting pupils with complex needs. Understanding their values and mission will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for, showing that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Administrative Assistant - Reception, organisation is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or maintained records efficiently. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the busy workload mentioned in the job description.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be the first point of contact for parents and visitors, effective communication is crucial. Practice answering common interview questions clearly and confidently. You might even want to role-play with a friend to get comfortable with different scenarios you could face at the reception.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle specific situations, such as dealing with a difficult visitor or managing confidential information. Think of relevant examples from your previous roles that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.