At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors, manage calls, and support the school office with clerical tasks.
- Company: Downland School, a caring and inclusive community special school.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, opportunity to make a difference, and develop your skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community that celebrates inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape the future of young individuals.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a friendly attitude.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Downland School is a co-educational maintained community special school for pupils aged between 10 and 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Our pupils have varying aptitudes and abilities; we are extremely proud of all their achievements and progress. Our pupils have a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including: Autism (ASC); attachment disorders and Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. We seek to ensure that, by the time they leave us, our pupils emerge as self-confident individuals able to manage their own learning; equipped with the skills and competencies to successfully take the next steps in their lives. We are a friendly, happy and caring school, providing a positive, inclusive and enriching educational experience for our young people. We view each of our pupils as unique and shape our provision to meet their individual needs and accelerate their progress in a variety of areas e.g. personal, social, academic and well-being. Our commitment to supporting the ‘whole’ child and their development is underpinned by our strong pastoral systems and our committed and trained staff. At Downland we promote inclusion and equality and celebrate diversity. Our mission statement is ‘Aspire, Achieve and Thrive’.
All about the role: We are now looking for a Receptionist & Clerical Assistant to join our busy team. Your role will primarily include:
- Welcome visitors to the school, ensuring all relevant procedures are followed.
- Receiving and prioritising incoming telephone calls, dealing with them appropriately.
- Liaise with staff, Governors, pupils, parents and outside agencies as directed.
- Placing orders and processing invoices.
- Dealing with incoming and outgoing post, ensuring incoming deliveries reach the appropriate colleague.
- Undertake general word processing and other IT functions in support of the office, including (but not exclusively) letters.
Receptionist and Clerical Assistant employer: Wiltshire Council
Contact Detail:
Wiltshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist and Clerical Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure you research Downland School and its values before your interview. Knowing about their commitment to inclusion and supporting pupils with SEND will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Receptionist & Clerical Assistant, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors and callers. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with handling different scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions to ask during your interview. This shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more about how you can contribute to the team at Downland School. Think about what you want to know regarding their approach to supporting pupils.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining our friendly and caring school community.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist and Clerical Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. A friendly tone can make a big difference, especially for a role like Receptionist & Clerical Assistant where communication is key.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your experience with special educational needs and how you can contribute to our mission of helping pupils 'Aspire, Achieve and Thrive'. This shows us that you understand our values and are genuinely interested in the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your skills and experiences relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Downland School and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Downland School's mission statement and values. Understanding their commitment to inclusion, equality, and celebrating diversity will help you align your answers with what they stand for.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Receptionist & Clerical Assistant, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with different stakeholders in previous roles. This could include handling difficult phone calls or welcoming visitors, so think about specific situations where you excelled.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
This role involves managing multiple tasks like prioritising calls and processing invoices. Be ready to discuss how you stay organised in a busy environment. You might want to share tools or methods you use to keep track of tasks and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
✨Prepare Questions About SEND
Since the school caters to pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, it’s a good idea to prepare thoughtful questions about their approach to supporting these students. This shows your genuine interest in the role and your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.