Receptionist & Admin Assistant at Ferndown Middle School

Dorset Council UK; Ferndown; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Ferndown Middle School is seeking a Receptionist & Admin Assistant to be the friendly first point of contact for pupils, families and visitors. You will manage the busy reception, answer calls, and provide high-quality administrative support across attendance, communications and pupil records.

The role is 34.75 hours per week, term-time only, fixed-term for 1 year (maternity cover), with a salary of £26,427 per annum (full-time equivalent) and proportionate pay for part-time hours.

Responsibilities

• welcome pupils, parents, staff and visitors, ensuring everyone receives a professional, friendly and supportive experience
• manage the busy reception area, handling enquiries, telephone calls and visitors in line with school safeguarding and security procedures
• provide high-quality administrative support, maintaining accurate records and supporting key school processes including attendance, communication and pupil information
• assist with the organisation of school events, meetings and activities, helping the wider school community stay connected and informed
• contribute to a calm, organised and efficient environment that enables staff to focus on what matters most: helping children thrive

Job description

Receptionist & Admin Assistant at Ferndown Middle School

£26,427 per annum (full time equivalent); actual salary for part-time, term-time only working: £20,667 per annum

34.75 hours per week, (Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8:15am to 4:30pm, Wednesday & Friday 8:15am to 2:30pm)

Term-time only

Fixed term for 1 year (maternity cover)

Every school has a first hello. It's the warm welcome at the reception desk, the reassuring voice on the phone, the helping hand offered when someone needs support. It's where pupils, families, staff and visitors experience the school's values in action from the moment they walk through the door.

At Ferndown Middle School, we're looking for a Receptionist & Admin Assistant who will play a vital role at the heart of our school community. As the first point of contact for many people, you'll help create a positive, safe and welcoming environment while ensuring the school office runs smoothly and efficiently behind the scenes.

What You'll Do

• welcome pupils, parents, staff and visitors, ensuring everyone receives a professional, friendly and supportive experience
• manage the busy reception area, handling enquiries, telephone calls and visitors in line with school safeguarding and security procedures
• provide high-quality administrative support, maintaining accurate records and supporting key school processes including attendance, communication and pupil information
• assist with the organisation of school events, meetings and activities, helping the wider school community stay connected and informed
• contribute to a calm, organised and efficient environment that enables staff to focus on what matters most: helping children thrive

Who You Are

• kind, approachable and child-centred, with a genuine commitment to helping children, families and colleagues feel welcomed and supported
• calm and organised, able to prioritise competing demands and maintain a positive approach in a busy school environment
• a confident communicator who builds positive relationships with pupils, parents, staff and external partners
• professional, discreet and trustworthy, with the ability to handle confidential information appropriately
• comfortable using ICT systems and administrative software, with excellent attention to detail and a willingness to learn
• flexible, proactive and collaborative, always ready to support the wider team and contribute to the life of the school