At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the admin team and engage with children, parents, and staff in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Sunningdale School, a specialist setting for pupils with learning difficulties.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only schedule, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to safeguarding and supporting students.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your administrative skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a similar role or a strong desire to learn and succeed.
The predicted salary is between 22320 - 22353 € per year.
Location: Sunderland City Council, Sunningdale School, Doxford Park Way, Sunderland.
Grade: 2 Point 5 (salary £22,320 - £22,353).
Schedule: Term time only (39 weeks per year), 37 hours per week. Monday–Thursday 8:30–16:30, Friday 8:30–16:00.
Start date: September 2026.
About the School: Sunningdale School is a specialist setting delivering a child‑centred curriculum for pupils with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties, including those with autism.
Role Overview: Support the administration team in a new and exciting phase of the school's development. The role involves working with children, parents, carers, staff and other professionals to deliver a wide range of school administrative duties.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain positive relationships with children, parents, carers, staff and external professionals.
- Prioritise workload and manage time efficiently.
- Provide excellent communication and exceptional customer service.
- Execute general administrative tasks as required.
Qualifications: Relevant experience working in a similar environment or demonstrable evidence of ability to succeed in this role.
Legal and Safeguarding: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The school is committed to safeguarding and protecting its students and staff in accordance with Sunderland Local Safeguarding Board Procedures.
Sunningdale School - Administrative Assistant in Sunderland employer: Sunderland City Council
Sunningdale School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment dedicated to the development of both staff and students. With a focus on professional growth and a commitment to safeguarding, employees can expect to engage in meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of children with special educational needs. Located in Sunderland, the school provides a unique opportunity to be part of a passionate team during an exciting phase of its development, all while enjoying a term-time schedule that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sunningdale School - Administrative Assistant in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Sunningdale School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in an Administrative Assistant.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experience aligns with supporting children with learning difficulties. We want to show that we’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so let’s make sure we look professional yet approachable. A smart outfit can help us feel more confident when we walk into that interview room.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can set us apart from other candidates. It shows our enthusiasm for the role and keeps us fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Sunningdale School - Administrative Assistant in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role at Sunningdale School. We want to see how you can contribute to our child-centred curriculum and support our administrative team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves working closely with children, parents, and staff, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this skill.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've worked in a similar environment before, make sure to mention it! We love seeing relevant experience that shows you can handle the responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant role effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland City Council
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Sunningdale School and its mission. Understanding their child-centred approach and commitment to supporting pupils with learning difficulties will help you align your answers with their values.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Administrative Assistant, excellent communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with parents, staff, or external professionals in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships.
✨Demonstrate Time Management
The role requires efficient workload prioritisation. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or deadlines. Be ready to discuss how you organise your day to ensure everything runs smoothly.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Given the school's commitment to safeguarding, be prepared to discuss your understanding of child protection policies and your role in ensuring a safe environment. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and be ready to share your thoughts on best practices.
