At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the school office, manage staff, and ensure smooth daily operations.
- Company: A unique, independent specialist school focused on personalised education.
- Benefits: Join a supportive community with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child-centred environment that values innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in office management, ideally in education or SEND settings.
- Other info: Convenient location with excellent transport links via the M6.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Leyland, Lancashire (Next to Junction 28, M6)
Setting: Independent SEMH / ASC Special Needs Day School
Contract: Full-Time / Permanent
About the School
We are a unique, independent, and forward-thinking specialist school dedicated to providing a personalised education for young people. Our students have EHC Plans for Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASC), and Specific Learning Difficulties. As a student-led environment, we focus on individual growth and innovation. We are a family-owned provision where the leadership is deeply involved in the daily life of the school, fostering a supportive and close-knit professional community.
The Role
We are looking for an organised, proactive, and leadership-oriented Office Manager to take charge of our main school office. You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth daily operation of the administrative hub and managing two other staff members. This role is the heartbeat of the school, requiring a professional who can balance high-level administration with the empathy and flexibility needed in a specialist SEND setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Team Leadership: Manage and support two administrative staff members, ensuring duties are delegated effectively and the team is well-coordinated.
- Office Operations: Oversee all main office functions, including school admissions, attendance tracking, and front-of-house services.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key point of contact for parents, Local Authorities, and external agencies, maintaining the school's professional and caring reputation.
- Compliance & Records: Ensure all data, including EHC Plan documentation and safeguarding records, is maintained accurately and in line with UK GDPR.
- SLT Support: Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to provide operational support and assist with school-wide projects.
About You
- Proven Experience: You have a strong background in office management or senior administration, ideally within an education or SEND environment.
- Leadership Skills: You are comfortable managing a small team and have a collaborative, "lead-by-example" approach.
- Adaptable & Calm: You can handle the fast-paced nature of an SEMH/ASC setting with a calm and resilient temperament.
- Communication: You have excellent written and verbal English skills and the ability to build rapport with staff, students, and visitors.
Why Join Us?
- The opportunity to work in a truly independent, child-centred environment.
- A role where you are part of a school that values innovation and forward-thinking practices.
- Convenient location with excellent transport links via the M6.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced administrator looking to make a difference in a specialist setting, please submit your CV and a covering letter to.
Office Manager in Leyland employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tradewind Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager in Leyland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience in SEND environments. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and mission. Show us how your experience aligns with their focus on personalised education and student-led growth. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership skills and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your understanding of our unique environment right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager in Leyland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Office Manager role. Highlight your background in office management, especially in education or SEND settings, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about working in a specialist school and how your leadership style aligns with our values. Keep it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since communication is key in this role, ensure your written application is clear and professional. Use proper grammar and structure to demonstrate your excellent English skills, which are essential for building rapport with our community.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the school’s ethos and values. Understand their approach to SEMH and ASC needs, as well as their commitment to personalised education. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Office Manager, you'll be leading a small team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to delegate effectively and support your colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Working in a specialist SEND setting requires flexibility and calmness under pressure. Think of specific situations where you’ve had to adapt quickly or handle challenging circumstances, and be ready to share those stories during your interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be a key point of contact for parents and external agencies, prepare to discuss how you build rapport and maintain professional relationships. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in previous roles.