Administration Assistant / Receptionist

Hours: 36 hours per week, Term time only

Orchard Hill College (the College) and Orchard Hill College Academy Trust (the Trust) together form Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust (OHC&AT), a family of specialist education providers for pupils and students from nursery to further education across London, Surrey and Sussex. As an outstanding provider and Academy sponsor, Orchard Hill College has a strong track record for making a positive impact within the local communities it serves.

Unified Academy (formerly Chart Wood School) is a special school for boys aged 9 to 16 years who have social, emotional and mental health needs. Some pupils also have moderate learning and attachment difficulties. This means that pupils struggle to form strong, healthy and sustainable relationships with others and can present with challenging behaviour. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Class sizes are small with no more than six pupils in each teaching group. Lessons are carefully planned and take into account the needs, interests and abilities of all pupils so that learning is more purposeful and engaging. Additional support in the classroom is provided by way of classroom assistants who work with pupils to build their confidence and self-esteem whilst also supporting their academic, social and developmental needs.  Pupils have access to Trusted Adults and Speech, Language and Communication Therapy. Additionally, the school has a full time Home School Link Worker (HSLW) who supports families in the management of behaviour, improving their child’s attendance at school and facilitating access to other Health and Social Care services.

Unified Academy adopts a therapeutic approach, allied to the nurture principles, to create a safe and supportive environment where pupils can and do achieve. Pupils follow a personalised programme of study, allied to the national curriculum, that takes into account their strengths and passions and presents their learning in a meaningful, accessible and engaging way. The school works in close partnership with families, the local community and wider stake holders to provide pupils with the holistic support they need to achieve. This approach underpins our ethos supporting each other, achieving together. 

The Administrator/Receptionist will promote a consistently helpful, friendly, courteous and appropriate interface between the school and its visitors. To work alongside the administration team and be responsible in all aspects of the smooth and efficient running of the School Office, including administrative support for all teaching and support staff and reception duties.

As well as reception duties, office duties will also include

· At the direction of the Office Manager, undertake office, clerical and administration tasks. These may include ordering and maintaining school resources, answering phones, photocopying, typing letters and other documents, filing and distribution information.

· Supporting the Office Manager in a range of administrative duties including the preparation of necessary documents and school reports which will include dealing with highly confidential and sensitive material.

· Liaising with transport providers to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for all students.

· Manage post (in/out). Distribute incoming post to appropriate staff. Weigh and apply appropriate stamps to outgoing postage.

We can offer:

- a fantastic team committed to supporting each other, pupils and families 

- the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives and outcomes of our pupils 

- the opportunity to develop skills and experience within a family of providers;

- staff and an Executive Board who are highly committed and dedicated to success;

- support and guidance from Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust.

Please apply by completing the application form on the TES website.

Please note that CV only applications will not be considered.

Closing Date:   12 Noon, Monday 5th July 2021 

Interviews to be held: Week Commencing: Monday 12th July 2021

Unified Academy, part of Orchard Hill College Academy Trust, are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.