Receptionist/Admin Assistant

Outcomes First Group; Ashford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Discounts

Job summary

Outcomes First Group through Heath Farm SEN school in Ashford is seeking a Receptionist/Administrative Assistant to provide front-of-house and administrative support. You will welcome pupils, families, staff and visitors, handle enquiries, and maintain confidential records in line with safeguarding and GDPR.

The role supports admissions, meetings and general admin, while upholding confidentiality and professional service.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths; NVQ Level 2 in Administration desirable.
• Strong IT skills with Word, Excel and Outlook; good organisational abilities.
• Excellent communication, time-management and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming visitors and managing reception services.
• Handling calls, emails, enquiries, messages, post and deliveries.
• Safeguarding: visitor sign-in processes and confidentiality compliance.
• Provide confidential administrative support and prepare correspondence and reports.
• Maintain pupil records, attendance data and databases.
• Support admissions processes and respond to enquiries.
• Organise meetings, room bookings and refreshments as required.
• Ensure GDPR and safeguarding policies are followed.
• Assist wider school team with admin duties as needed.

Skills

IT Skills

Communication

Organisation

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Education

GCSE English & Maths

NVQ Level 2 in Administration

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

We are seeking a Receptionist / Administrative Assistant to join our dedicated school team. This varied and rewarding role combines front-of-house responsibilities with administrative support, ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the school while providing a professional and welcoming experience for pupils, families, staff, and visitors. As the first point of contact for the school, you will play a key role in creating a positive environment while providing efficient administrative support across the organisation. You'll manage enquiries, maintain accurate records, support admissions and meetings, and ensure all information is handled confidentially and in line with safeguarding and GDPR requirements. What you will be doing

• Welcoming visitors, parents, staff, and professionals and managing reception services.
• Handling telephone calls, emails, enquiries, messages, post, and deliveries.
• Supporting safeguarding procedures, including visitor sign-in processes.
• Providing confidential administrative support, preparing correspondence, reports, and documentation.
• Maintaining accurate pupil records, attendance data, and databases.
• Supporting admissions processes and responding to enquiries.
• Organising meetings, room bookings, and refreshments as required.
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR, confidentiality, and safeguarding policies.
• Supporting the wider school team with additional administrative duties when required.
• Has experience in a reception or administrative role.
• Possesses strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Has excellent communication, organisational, and time-management skills.
• Can prioritise workloads and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Understands the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professionalism.
• Is approachable, reliable, adaptable, and customer-focused.
• Is committed to inclusion and delivering excellent service to all stakeholders.
• Experience within an education or SEND setting
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths, NVQ Level 2 in Administration is desirable.

Heath Farm is an independent SEN school that offers a unique and stimulating environment where every student can make outstanding progress in their personal development and enjoy success in their education. From our nurturing approach for Primary through to Secondary students aged 5 to 16, all students are encouraged to reach high standards in every aspect of their lives.

Our pupils present with a wide range of needs, including social and emotional issues, learning difficulties, mental health problems and associated conditions. However, they are able to enjoy extraordinary outcomes and be happy at school. Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people.

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support