At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, managing calls, emails, and visitor sign-ins.
- Company: Join Maidstone and Malling Alternative Provision, a nurturing and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a supportive team focused on pupil wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your organisational skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a calm, professional attitude are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a dynamic school setting.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Maidstone and Malling Alternative Provision is seeking a calm, welcoming and highly organised School Receptionist/ Office administrator to be the first point of contact for our school community. This is a key role within our provision, requiring a professional who understands the importance of creating a safe, supportive and well‑managed environment for pupils who may have experienced barriers to mainstream education.
The role includes:
- Providing a friendly, professional front‑of‑house service to pupils, staff, parents/carers and visitors
- Managing incoming calls, emails and visitor sign‑in procedures in line with safeguarding requirements
- Supporting attendance processes, including daily registers and communication with families
- Carrying out general administrative duties, including record keeping and data entry
- Working closely with senior leaders and support staff to ensure the smooth day‑to‑day running of the school
The successful candidate will:
- Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Remain calm, patient and professional in a busy and sometimes challenging environment
- Be highly organised, with good IT and administrative skills
- Understand the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding
- Ideally have experience working in a school or similar setting (although this is not essential)
Why join us? Maidstone and Malling Alternative Provision is committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where pupils are supported to re‑engage with learning and achieve positive outcomes. You will be part of a dedicated, supportive team who share a strong commitment to pupil wellbeing and safeguarding. An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.
School Reception & Office - 6 Months Maternity Cover - Term Time employer: Sandwich Infant
Contact Detail:
Sandwich Infant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Reception & Office - 6 Months Maternity Cover - Term Time
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to research Maidstone and Malling Alternative Provision before your interview. Understanding their values and the specific challenges they face will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be the first point of contact, it's crucial to convey warmth and professionalism. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to handle challenging situations. This will help you stand out as someone who can thrive in a busy school environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace School Reception & Office - 6 Months Maternity Cover - Term Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for creating a welcoming environment for our school community.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention any relevant experience in schools or similar settings, even if it’s not essential, to show us you understand the environment.
Showcase Your Skills: We’re looking for excellent communication and organisational skills, so be sure to provide examples of how you’ve used these in past roles. Whether it’s managing calls or keeping records, we want to know how you can contribute to our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our supportive team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Maidstone and Malling Alternative Provision. Understand their commitment to creating a nurturing environment for pupils. This will help you align your answers with their values and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a School Receptionist, excellent communication is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated with different stakeholders, like parents or staff. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your skills clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Being highly organised is crucial for this role. Think of specific instances where you've managed multiple tasks or maintained records efficiently. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and ensure everything runs smoothly, especially in a busy environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle challenging situations, such as dealing with upset parents or managing a high volume of calls. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your calmness and professionalism, which are essential traits for this position.