Business Support Officer - Fable House

Kirklees Council; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A special educational needs provision in Huddersfield seeks a Business Support Officer to oversee school operations, including attendance monitoring and examinations coordination. Ideal candidates should possess excellent organisational and IT skills, a strong commitment to safeguarding, and experience in school administration is desirable. The position is term-time only, allowing for work-life balance, with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Work-life balance (term-time only)

Qualifications

• Strong administrative and IT skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and record daily student attendance.
• Plan and manage all internal and external examinations.
• Manage daily staff absence and cover.
• Assist in communication with parents and staff.
• Provide administrative support to the school office.

Skills

Organisational skills

IT skills (including MS Office and MIS systems)

Communication skills

Ability to multitask

Attention to detail

Education

Experience in school administration or a similar role

Job description

Kirklees Council are advertising this role on behalf of Fable House

Are you passionate about supporting a nurturing and inclusive educational environment? Do you have exceptional organisational skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving?

Fable House, an innovative and trauma-informed special provision for students aged 11–21 with complex needs, is looking for a Business Support Officer to join our team.

This is a key role in ensuring the smooth running of our school operations, covering attendance monitoring, examinations coordination, staff cover management, communications, and general administration. The successful candidate will be highly organised, resilient, and committed to our values of Happy, Healthy, Independent – creating a safe and nurturing environment where every student is supported to thrive.

Key Skills & Qualities We’re Looking For:
• Excellent organisational and IT skills (including MS Office and MIS systems).
• Strong communication skills and confidence in liaising with families and external professionals.
• Ability to multitask and prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive and flexible approach with attention to detail.
• Experience in school administration or a similar role (desirable).
• A commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality.

What We Offer:
• A supportive and collaborative team with a strong ethos of care and inclusion.
• A term-time-only contract, allowing for work-life balance.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• The chance to be part of a unique setting that does things differently, focusing on relationships, creativity, and individual growth.

How to Apply:
Please complete our application form (available on request) and return it along with a covering letter.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants should be aware that the DBS certificate will be reviewed as part of the recruitment process.

Job Description – Business Support Officer

Post Title: Business Support Officer
Salary: £22,444 – £25,463 (depending on experience)
Hours: Full-time, Term Time Only
Responsible To: Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team

Role Purpose:
The Business Support Officer will provide comprehensive administrative and operational support across the school, ensuring effective systems are in place to monitor attendance, coordinate examinations, manage staff cover, and maintain communications. The role supports the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and contributes to the smooth day-to-day running of the school.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Attendance Officer Duties
• Monitor and record daily student attendance using the attendance spreadsheet and MIS systems.
• Follow up promptly on unexplained absences and lateness.
• Work with the Attendance Champion to improve attendance and reduce persistent absence.
• Produce regular attendance reports for SLT and the oversight board.
• Liaise with parents/carers and external agencies regarding attendance concerns.
• Develop and implement individual attendance support plans with the Attendance Champion.
• Conduct welfare checks, including phone calls and home visits (where appropriate).

2. Examinations Coordination
• Plan and manage all internal and external examinations.
• Ensure compliance with awarding body requirements and meet deadlines for exam/course entries.
• Prepare exam timetables, rooming plans, and invigilation schedules.
• Act as an in-house invigilator when required.
• Support students with access arrangements, working closely with the SENCO team.
• Oversee the secure storage, distribution, and return of examination materials.
• Manage course and exam entries, registrations, amendments, and liaise with awarding bodies.

3. Staff Cover Coordination
• Manage daily staff absence and cover, logging absences and arranging appropriate cover.
• Liaise with staff and/or supply agencies to ensure effective coverage.
• Maintain accurate records of staff absence and cover assignments.
• Prepare and distribute daily cover rotas.

4. School Communications
• Assist in communication with parents and staff, including letters, texts, emails, and newsletters.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date contact information.
• Support staff bulletins, notices, and internal communication channels.
• Assist in maintaining and updating the school website.
• Support the creation and management of school social media content in line with safeguarding.

5. General Administration
• Provide administrative support to the school office and SLT.
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure compliance with GDPR.
• Support with admissions, leavers, and general pupil data management.
• Assist in planning and supporting school events, trips, and meetings.
• Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection at all times.

Person Specification:
Essential:
• Strong administrative and IT skills.
• Organisational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, and GDPR.

Desirable:
• Previous school or education-based experience.
• Knowledge of exam processes and MIS systems.
• Full UK driving licence.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants should be aware that the DBS certificate will be reviewed as part of the recruitment process.