Receptionist and Administrative Assistant

We are looking for a Receptionist Admin Assistant to be the first point of contact for all visitors, staff and students at Harris Academy Chobham. You will assist in the management of the reception area as well as providing administrative support to contribute to the smooth running of the academy.
About Us
Harris Academy Chobham is always on the lookout for inspirational and influential staff. Most of all, we are on the lookout for potential colleagues who like our students and want to help them succeed. We understand that if staff are to give their best to our students over a sustained period of time, then the school needs to provide them with the best deal possible. In order to help our staff have the best possible experience and achieve a proper work- life balance, we have put into place a range of measures to benefit both our teaching and students services colleagues. These include:
An extra week of holiday for all Harris Academy Chobham staff. This takes the form of a two-week half term in October. We work fewer days than most other schools.
Outstanding professional development both at Harris Academy Chobham and through the wider Harris Federation
Excellent promotion opportunities
A constant dialogue about workload and how to manage it most effectively. We have regular workload audits, and frequent campaigns to tackle unnecessary work and identify quick wins
Rapid and effective support with any student behavioural issues arising
A high-quality staff induction programme
Marking protocols devised by departments themselves
Clear communications and manageable deadlines. We only ask staff to do what is necessary and avoid complication and confusion.
Learning walks rather than formal lesson observations. These are not graded
Nursery on site
Flexible and part time working encouraged whenever possible
Additional time for leadership responsibilities
High levels of administrative support for all teachers
Other benefits of working at Harris Academy Chobham:

World-class facilities for learning, leisure and sport. A school which is genuinely at the heart of its local community
The advantages of working for the country’s most successful major Academy group. These include amazing consultant support and a range of high-quality central services.
Generous Harris rewards and benefits package, including £2000 annually for Mainscale/Upper teachers.
We regard staff wellness as being central to the school’s purpose and to its success.  We have several initiatives which we think give Harris Academy Chobham staff one of the best wellness packages to be found anywhere, including:
Access to the Calm mindfulness app
Staff fitness suite and multiple team sports opportunities
Staff social events
Staff discounts at shops and restaurants in the local area
Access to the Harris Federation’s staff counselling service , Dedicated Wellness Hub
Healix Healthcare package
The complete Wellness Strategy can be read at https://www.Chobham.org.uk/1296/working-with-us.
Main Areas of Responsibility
Your responsibilities will include:

Presenting the professional and welcoming face of the Academy to all visitors, staff and students, including telephone callers
Ensuring all visitors are signed in to the academy in accordance with safeguarding procedures
Responding to queries from parents/carers and the general public with exemplary professionalism, ensuring that any messages or complaints are immediately dealt with, forwarded to the appropriate member of staff or escalated as required
Ensuring the overall appearance of the reception area is tidy, professional and presentable at all times
General administrative duties such as typing, photocopying, filing, collation and distribution of post
Contributing to the maintenance of academy information databases and filing systems relating to pupils, ensuring confidentiality is observed at all times and records are accurate and up to date
Assisting academy staff in all aspects of academy life, including contacting parents and pupils where necessary
Providing general support as required, including preparation of documentation, and administrative duties relating to specific areas such as academy calendar maintenance, extra-curricular activities, school trips, school meal arrangements
Qualifications & Experience
We would like to hear from you if you have:

Qualifications to GCSE level or equivalent
Competency in the use of Microsoft Office packages
Proficiency in the use of computers and databases
Previous experience in an administrative or front office/reception role
Demonstrable customer service experience
Good level of interpersonal and communication skills, with a good standard of written and spoken English
Excellent organisational and time management skills
Commitment to delivering excellent level of professional customer service
Ability to remain calm and deal with challenging callers or visitors in an appropriate manner
High level of attention to detail and accuracy of work
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.
Next Steps
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.
Professional Development & Benefits
Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.