Receptionist/Admin Assistant

We are looking for a dedicated and detail-orientated individual to join us as a Receptionist.

Working under the instruction and guidance of senior staff to provide general administrative and financial support to the school, you will either have experience in an administrative role or looking to take your first step in an administrative support role within an educational environment. 

About Us

Harris Garrard Academy is an all-through 3–18 academy with approximately 1350 pupils on roll and joined the Harris Federation as a sponsored academy in September 2017. The academy is based in Thamesmead in a purpose built building. We are now on a journey towards “Outstanding”, led by highly experienced executive principals with proven track records of school transformation. Our vision is clear: nothing is impossible and everything is possible, irrespective of personal characteristics or background. Every problem has a solution. We believe we are more robust, resilient and determined as a team than as a group of individuals. We support, challenge and hold each other to account at all levels within the academy to ensure that our students achieve their potential, are motivated, engaged and fully prepared for life beyond our academy.

Why work at Harris Garrard Academy?  

• The opportunity to be involved in the transformation of a school from the very start  
• A stunning working environment, in a purpose-built school designed by Norman Foster and nominated for the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2004  
• A highly motivated team, led by exceptionally experienced and talented senior leaders  
• All the advantages of a successful academy group, with a strong central team of support, teaching and leadership staff  
• Generous Harris rewards and benefits package

About Harris Garrard Academy

Harris Garrard Academy is a new school with drive and ambition. Located in the wider South Thamesmead area, we cater to a vastly vibrant 3-19 aged student community. Accessible by fantastic rail and bus transport links, the academy’s stunning working environment is within a purpose-built school designed by Norman Foster and nominated for the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2004.

Dedicated to moving forward

Our vision is clear: nothing is impossible and everything is possible, irrespective of personal characteristics or background. Every problem has a solution. We believe we are more robust, resilient and determined as a team than as a group of individuals. We support, challenge and hold each other to account at all levels within the academy to ensure that our students achieve their potential, are motivated, engaged and fully prepared for life beyond our academy.

As one of Harris’s successful all-through academies, staff at all levels belong to a strong, cohesive team working with Executive Principal Chris Everett and the wider SLT team. Staff can expect to grow with us as we continue to innovate and evolve as an academy. With ample opportunity to build on CPD, your potential is limitless with us.

Main Areas of Responsibility

Organisation  

• To represent the Academy in a professional and welcoming manner to all visitors, staff and students, including telephone callers  
• Undertake reception duties, answering general telephone and face to face enquiries and signing in visitors  
• To complete first day of absence calling for all students who are absent, recording reasons on Bromcom, recording calls in attendance events, checking directly with AWO if there are any concerns.  
• Assist with pupil first aid/welfare duties, looking after sick pupils, liaising with parents/staff etc.  
• Assist in arrangements for school trips, events etc.

Administration  

• Provide general clerical/admin support e.g. photocopying, filing, faxing, e-mailing, completing standard forms, responding to routine correspondence  
• Maintain manual and computerised records/management information systems  
• Produce lists/information/data as required, e.g. pupils’ data  
• Undertake typing, word processing and other IT based tasks  
• Sort and distribute mail  
• Ensure reprographics requests are fulfilled on time;  
• Undertake general administrative procedures  
• Maintain and collate pupil reports

Resources  

• Operate relevant equipment/ ICT packages (e.g. word, excel, databases, spreadsheets, internet)  
• Maintain stock and supplies, cataloguing and distributing as required  
• Assist in ordering uniform  
• Provide general advice and guidance to staff, pupils and others  
• Undertake general financial administration, e.g. processing orders

Qualifications & Experience  

• NVQ2 or equivalent qualification or experience in relevant discipline  
• Good numeracy/literacy skills  
• Minimum of two years' school office experience  
• General clerical/administrative/financial work  
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures for young people  
• Experience of Reception duties including dealing with visitors to the Academy  
• Appropriate knowledge of first aid  
• Effective use of ICT packages  
• Use of relevant equipment/resources  
• Good keyboard skills  
• Ability to relate well to children and adults  
• Work constructively as part of a team, understanding of school roles and responsibilities and your own position within these  
• The ability to take initiative and work independently  
• Ability to work as part of a team  
• Good communication skills  
• Good organisational and time keeping skills  
• Good interpersonal skills  
• Able to work independently and manage own workload

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.