Receptionist - Attendance Job Snapshot - Role: Receptionist - Attendance - Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Primary-Secondary Education - Function: Front Desk-Reception - Experience: 1-2 years in a school or customer service environment preferred - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is seeking a motivated and hardworking Receptionist - Attendance to join its Admissions and Administration team in Abu Dhabi. This opportunity is suited to an organised and customer-focused individual with experience in a school or service environment who is interested in developing their career in school administration and admissions. The successful candidate will act as the first point of contact for parents, visitors, and staff, providing professional reception services while ensuring that student attendance information is recorded, monitored, and reported accurately. Working closely with the Admissions, Administration, and Pastoral teams, the Receptionist - Attendance will manage attendance enquiries, follow up on student absences, maintain school records, and support daily administrative operations. The role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, discretion when handling confidential information, and the ability to remain organised in a busy school environment.
- Country: United Arab Emirates
- City: Abu Dhabi
- Industry: Primary-Secondary Education
- Function: Front Desk-Reception
- Salary: Not disclosed
- Gender: No Preference
- Candidate Nationality: Not specified
- Job Type: Full Time
- Work Arrangement: On-site
Key Responsibilities
Student Attendance Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for student attendance enquiries from parents, teachers, administrative staff, and school leadership.
- Monitor, record, and update daily student attendance information using the school 's designated information systems, including iSAMS and Engage.
- Ensure attendance records are accurate, complete, and updated in accordance with school procedures.
- Follow up with parents or guardians regarding unexplained student absences.
- Identify attendance patterns and report relevant concerns or trends to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Heads of Year.
- Maintain student punctuality records and prepare follow-up letters to parents when required.
- Coordinate the registration and recording of late student arrivals and early departures.
- Ensure appropriate sign-in and sign-out procedures are followed for students arriving late or leaving before the end of the school day.
- Prepare and distribute daily absence reports to designated school departments.
- Maintain attendance information in accordance with applicable Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) requirements.
- Coordinate and update student attendance records for school events, educational trips, and examination sessions.
Reception and Parent Communication
- Welcome parents, visitors, students, and staff in a courteous and professional manner.
- Provide a positive first impression of the school through friendly and efficient reception services.
- Respond to telephone calls and email enquiries promptly and in accordance with established school communication procedures.
- Direct visitors and enquiries to the appropriate departments or staff members.
- Provide accurate information regarding attendance procedures and relevant school administrative processes.
- Maintain effective communication with parents concerning student absences, punctuality, and attendance-related requirements.
- Support professional and positive relationships between the school, parents, visitors, and the wider school community.
- Handle sensitive enquiries with discretion and respect for student and family confidentiality.
Safeguarding and Visitor Management
- Support the implementation of school safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- Manage visitor registration and sign-in processes in accordance with school requirements.
- Issue visitor identification badges and ensure visitors follow established access procedures.
- Maintain accurate visitor information and support the safe management of reception activities.
- Follow school policies concerning student safety, confidentiality, and the appropriate handling of personal information.
- Communicate relevant safeguarding or student welfare concerns through established school reporting channels.
School Administration and Team Support
- Assist the wider Administration team with general clerical and organisational responsibilities.
- Support routine school communications, correspondence, filing, photocopying, and printing.
- Maintain accurate and organised administrative records.
- Assist with the preparation and coordination of school events and activities.
- Provide administrative assistance to the Admissions team in matters relating to student enrolment and information management.
- Work collaboratively with teaching, admissions, administrative, and pastoral colleagues to support daily school operations.
- Attend Administration and Pastoral team meetings as required.
- Demonstrate flexibility in responding to changing priorities and supporting the smooth running of school activities.
Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Qualifications
- O Levels, NVQ, High School Diploma, or an equivalent educational qualification.
- Educational certificates must be attested.
Preferred Experience
- One to two years of experience working in a school or customer service environment.
- Previous experience in an educational setting is preferred, particularly where responsibilities involve student information, reception services, or school administration.
Job-Specific Knowledge and Skills
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
- Arabic language proficiency is an advantage.
- Experience using school management information systems such as iSAMS, Engage, or SIMS is preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with parents, students, staff, and visitors.
- Professional telephone manner and the ability to respond appropriately to different types of enquiries.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage administrative responsibilities efficiently.
- Strong attention to detail when recording student attendance and maintaining school information.
- Ability to handle confidential student and family information responsibly.
- Confidence in managing multiple tasks and responding calmly to competing priorities.
- A proactive, adaptable, and cooperative approach to daily responsibilities.
- Willingness to learn, work with experienced school professionals, and contribute positively to the Admissions and Administration teams.
About the Opportunity
This position offers an opportunity to develop practical experience in school administration, student attendance management, admissions support, and parent communication. The successful candidate will work alongside experienced colleagues across Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, contributing to the effective operation of reception services and the accurate management of student attendance information. The role requires an individual who takes pride in providing reliable administrative support, maintaining professional standards, and helping create a welcoming environment for the school community.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff members are expected to comply with the school 's child protection policies and safeguarding procedures. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.