Receptionist

Durham County Council; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 9,000 - 12,000; Part time

Job summary

Howletch Lane Primary School in Peterlee is seeking a part-time, permanent receptionist to join our front-of-house team. You will welcome visitors, answer phones and manage day-to-day office tasks within a busy school environment.

The role focuses on term-time hours (9am–2pm, Monday–Friday) with allowances for staff leave and holidays. We value organisation, clear communication and a friendly, professional approach to support staff and students.

Qualifications

• Experience as a school receptionist or admin staff is essential.
• Strong organisational and communication abilities.
• Knowledge of school management systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Handle reception duties, phone calls and visitor management.
• Support with daily school office operations.
• Assist with events, scheduling and general admin tasks.
• Assist the senior administrator.

Skills

Reception duties

Organisational skills

Communication skills

School office systems

Customer service

Job description

Permanent Contract - Part Time - 9am – 2pm Monday – Friday

Term Time Only

Required to start as soon as possible.

This is a re-advertisement. Previous applicants need not apply again.

Howletch Lane primary School is a large primary located in Peterlee in the East of County Durham.

We are seeking an organised and personable school receptionist to join our team. You will be the welcoming face of our school, managing day to day office operations, supporting staff and students.

Key responsibilities:

• Reception duties, phone calls and visitor management.
• Support with all aspects of a busy school office.
• Assist with school events, scheduling and general administrative tasks.
• Assist senior administrator

What we’re looking for:

• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Previous experience of school office systems is essential.
• Ability to multitask in a busy environment.
• A friendly, professional approach with excellent attention to detail.
• Knowledge of school management systems

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

In return, the school can offer you wonderful children with a desire to learn, a supportive staff team, parents and governors and the opportunity to help shape the future of Howletch Lane Primary School.

Visits to the school are encouraged and available Wednesday – Friday’s. Please contact the school office to arrange.

Standard term time only pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:

Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service:

38 weeks (term time) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 45 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service:

38 weeks (term time) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 46 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 25th November 2026 – 9:00am

Interview date: TBC

Howletch Lane Primary School

Pennine Drive Peterlee SR8 2NQ

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]