Receptionist

Voyage Education Partnership; Widnes; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Raise Academy is seeking a dedicated receptionist to provide comprehensive administrative support. This role is vital for enhancing school operations and ensuring smooth communication with stakeholders. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, a friendly demeanor, and relevant qualifications including GCSEs in Maths and English. Opportunities for professional development are also available to help staff grow within the education sector.

Benefits

A teaching day ending at 3.30pm

Small class sizes

Supportive classroom environment

Access to training and CPD

Flexible and supportive work approach

Free lunch and parking

Private health support

Qualifications

• Experience in a school or front-facing office environment desired.
• High accuracy and friendly demeanor required.
• Ability to learn school IT systems essential.

Responsibilities

• Act as a main point of contact for visitors and staff.
• Support the Headteacher with administrative tasks.
• Manage school lunches and assist with registration procedures.

Skills

Good understanding of administrative procedures

Good literacy skills

Good numeracy skills

Self-motivated

Organized

Ability to interact with children with complex needs

Education

At least 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (grade 5 or above)

Job description

Interview Date: TBC

About us

The Raise Academy is a new school which opened in September 2024, supporting children aged 11-16.

The pupils are engaged in a wide range of vocational and practical subjects to promote personal, social, and academic progress. The curriculum is underpinned by high-quality Maths, English, and Science lessons, taught in small classes of up to 8 pupils, with teachers, learning mentors, and pastoral/teaching assistants.

All staff are committed to delivering excellent educational experiences, encouraging students to dream big and empowering them to lead successful lives in a safe, well-supported environment. Our aim is to reignite a love for learning through inspirational teaching and opportunities.

The Raise Academy offers opportunities for professional development and making a real difference in education.

We invite you to join our team to help shape our school and create an aspirational environment. Please contact us with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you.

Role Purpose

To provide comprehensive reception and administrative support alongside the Office Manager in the main school office.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Act as a main point of contact for visitors, staff, pupils, parents, carers, outside agencies, and stakeholders, providing advice, information, and assistance via email, telephone, or face-to-face. Provide hospitality and implement safeguarding policies.
2. Support the Headteacher and staff with administrative tasks, including maintaining records, correspondence, photocopying, scanning, emails, and phone calls.
3. Assist in arranging supply cover during staff absence.
4. Administer school registration procedures in line with statutory requirements and policies.
5. Manage school lunches, including ordering and collecting payments.
6. Assist with pupil enrolment and leaver procedures, maintain databases, and produce reports as required.
7. Complete statutory census returns and other weekly/monthly reports such as staff variation sheets, sickness, and insurance returns.
8. Support recruitment and interview arrangements.
9. Maintain and monitor staff information, including absences and training.
10. Coordinate pupil transport and liaise with external agencies.
11. Update school prospectuses, home/school agreements, website, displays, and marketing materials.
12. Ensure security procedures are followed in line with safeguarding requirements.
13. Attend relevant training to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
14. Perform other duties as assigned by the Office Manager/Headteacher.
15. Comply with policies on child protection, safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, and data protection.
16. Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Flexible Working

We offer flexible working arrangements, including part-time roles, job-sharing, flexible hours, and hybrid working, to attract and retain high-quality staff. We believe this supports wellbeing, professional growth, and a diverse, motivated team committed to transforming children's lives through education. Candidates are encouraged to discuss flexible working during recruitment, in line with statutory 'day one right' principles and equal opportunity policies.

Benefits include:

• A teaching day ending at 3.30pm
• Small class sizes
• Supportive classroom environment
• Access to training and CPD, including further qualifications
• Specialist training
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible and supportive work approach
• Free lunch and parking (including charging stations)
• Nursery benefits
• Private health support via Education Mutual, including 24/7 GP, counselling, physiotherapy, and prescription services

Person Specification - Receptionist

Desirable Attributes and Requirements

• Experience in a school or front-facing office environment
• Experience with school MIS systems or similar software
• Experience with financial procedures

Assessment through application form, interview, and references.

Essential Attributes and Requirements

• Experience handling inquiries from the public
• Good understanding of administrative procedures
• Reception and general admin experience
• High accuracy
• Good literacy and numeracy skills

Assessment through application form, interview, and references.

Qualifications

• At least 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (grade 5 or above)

Assessment through application form and interview.

Skills and Personal Qualities

• Friendly, patient, approachable
• Ability to learn school IT systems
• Self-motivated, organized, able to work calmly under pressure
• Confidential, tactful, diplomatic
• Committed to high-quality work
• Ability to interact well with children with complex needs
• Willing to seek advice and support when needed

Assessment through application form, interview, and references.