Administrative Assistant

Coombe House School; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Aurora Academies Advantage

Professional development opportunities

Multi-academy trust membership

Job summary

Heron Park Primary Academy is seeking an Administrative Assistant on a permanent, part-time basis. The role involves welcoming visitors and delivering efficient reception services, while handling safeguarding administration and coordinating school communications.

The successful candidate will have GCSEs in Maths/English, NVQ level 2/3 or willingness to pursue, and strong organisational and communication skills in a busy school setting.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English grade 4-9 (A-C) essential.
• NVQ level 2/3 or equivalent in relevant discipline or willingness to work towards desirable.
• Ability to communicate clearly with pupils, parents and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide an efficient and welcoming reception service.
• Safeguarding administration of visitors.
• Be first point of contact with school community.
• Support safeguarding and administrative tasks as part of the team.
• Maintain orderly reception and administrative records.

Skills

Reception experience

Warm and friendly manner

Organisational skills

Excellent communication

Team player

Education

GCSE Maths and English (4-9)

NVQ level 2/3 or equivalent (or willing to work towards)

Tools

School MIS systems

Job description

Heron Park Primary Academy is looking to recruit an enthusiastic and committed Administrative Assistant on a permanent, part-time basis.

As the first point of contact with the school community, this role provides an efficient and welcoming reception service and ensures appropriate safeguarding administration of visitors.

We would love to hear from you if:

• you have previous experience of reception work
• you have a warm, friendly, and professional manner
• you have strong organisational skills and can manage multiple tasks in a busy school environment
• you have excellent communication skills, both verbal, and written, and can build positive relationships with school users
• you are enthusiastic and committed to working as part of a team

In return for your passion and commitment, we offer:

• A supportive team who place our values of Respect, Curiosity, Independence, Resilience, and Aspiration at the centre of all that we do with a commitment to raising pupil achievement and aspirations
• Extensive professional development opportunities, including Aurora Trust-wide CPD
• A spacious well‑equipped and well‑resourced learning environment
• A skilled and committed SLT who are devoted to improving outcomes for all children and staff
• The opportunity to be part of a multi‑academy trust that has collaboration at its heart and will support you every step of the way
• Enhanced paternity leave, in excess of the Green and Burgundy Books
• Aurora Academies Advantage scheme - this includes access to free and confidential advice on a range of topics via the Employee Assistance Programme, online GP service, cycle to work scheme, discounts to high‑street shops and health and well‑being support

If you are interested in finding out more, we strongly suggest that you arrange a tour of the school - please contact Yvonne Streeter, Office Manager on [e-mail] or 01323 502525.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive suitable applications. Therefore, we recommend submitting you application as soon as possible.

Qualifications

GCSE Maths and English grade 4-9 (A-C) or equivalent essential

NVQ level 2/3 or equivalent in relevant discipline or willingness to work towards desirable

Abilities, Skills and Knowledge

Ability to use language and other communication skills that pupils can understand and relate to essential

Excellent numerical skills, to undertake a variety of tasks, e.g. collecting monies and maintaining accounts for school activities essential

Ability to remain calm and patient under pressure, whilst working to deadlines essential

Ability to work effectively and supportively as a member of the school team essential

Ability to demonstrate active listening skills essential

Ability to utilise ICT effectively and efficiently in your work essential

Ability to communicate effectively with parents, carers and other professionals, both verbally, and in writing essential

Keen eye for detail, with an ability to produce work of a high standard of quality and accuracy essential

Ability to work in an organised and methodical manner essential

Ability to create and maintain an appropriate environment which ensures the safety of all users of the school essential

Working knowledge of school management information systems

Experience

Previous experience of reception work essential

Previous experience of undertaking a range of administrative duties essential

Experience of working in a school environment

Experience of establishing positive relationships with young people and families in diverse communities

Experience of working in a team

Experience of working successfully as part of a team essential

Experience/Knowledge

Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the legal and organisational requirements for maintaining health, safety, and security of yourself and others essential

Personal Attributes

Warm, friendly, and professional manner essential

Display a commitment to, and an ability to contribute to, the protection and safeguarding of children and young people essential

A commitment to giving pupils and families the opportunity to reach their full potential essential

A passion for working with and supporting children and/or young people essential

Model behaviour, attitudes, and dress that set the best possible example to pupils essential

Willingness to participate in further training and development opportunities offered by the school, Aurora Academies Trust and the county essential

Flexibility in the approach to work and the demands of the post and to be adaptable to the changing circumstances of the school essential

A commitment to the school's vision, values, and ethos essential

A commitment to Aurora Academies Trust vision, values, and ethos essential

Heron Park Primary Academy is a vibrant and dynamic two‑form entry primary school with a nursery, serving children aged 2–11 in the heart of the Eastbourne community. We are proud to be rated a ‘Good’ provider by Ofsted, and we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional educational experiences for every child in our care.

At Heron Park, we believe that children flourish in a happy, supportive, safe, and purposeful learning environment. Our warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere ensures that all members of our community feel a strong sense of belonging—truly part of the Heron Park family.

Our inspirational curriculum is thoughtfully designed to both challenge and excite our pupils, providing them with the tools they need to thrive in an ever‑changing world. Every aspect of school life is underpinned by our five core values:

• Respect
• Resilience
• Aspiration

These values guide our pupils as they grow into confident, capable individuals who demonstrate Quality, Excellence, and Passion in everything they do.

Our vision is clear: to empower every child to reach their full potential. Through a rich and engaging educational journey, we aim to equip our pupils with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need for a successful and fulfilling future.

‘It’s really fun to do work at our school. I really like the challenges and our school trips! Our values make our school a safe place to learn. We follow them and have been taught about integrity which we show every day.

Having worked at Heron Park for just over a year now, the thing that has really stood out for me is the incredibly strong ethic of teamwork that is evident throughout all aspects school life. All members of the school community work hard to support each other to achieve the best for the pupils in our care both in terms of fostering academic progress, but also in supporting them socially and emotionally. I have also found the clear pedagogical approaches and engaging curriculum to be a real strength of the school, and this is supported by an exciting range of trips, experiences and events across the year. CPD, both within our own school but also as part of the wider Aurora Academy Trust, is always responsive to the emerging needs of our pupils and staff, and as a result, I really feel that I have developed as a teacher over the course of the year that I have worked at Heron Park. All staff at Heron Park are dedicated, friendly and passionate about their roles, whatever they may be, and that has made being part of the team here a real pleasure.

Lee, Y5 teacher

‘Working at Heron Park Primary Academy is honestly such a joy. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and part of a team that genuinely cares—not just about the children, but about each other too. There’s a real sense of community here, and that makes a huge difference day to day.

One of the things I love most is how our school values are lived out in everything we do. Our children are encouraged to be respectful, curious, independent, resilient, and aspirational, and it’s amazing to see them grow into those qualities. It makes teaching here feel really meaningful.

We also have a broad and balanced curriculum that’s built around helping every child reach their full potential. The focus on Quality, Excellence, and Passion isn’t just for the pupils—it’s something we all strive for as staff too.

Plus, being part of Aurora Academies Trust means there are great opportunities to develop and progress in your career. There’s always support, encouragement, and the chance to take on new challenges across the trust.

Aurora Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. Online searches will also be carried out on shortlisted candidates.

Aurora Academies Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.