School Secretary (Parkside Community Primary & Preschool)

Job introduction

 

About the role

Parkside Community Primary & Preschool wish to appoint a friendly and professional school secretary. We are a successful school with a close community of families. With the upcoming retirement of our long-standing secretary, we are looking for someone who can continue to support the team and be a friendly face to our community.

Job Summary 

The School Secretary plays a vital role in the smooth operation of the school by providing administrative support to staff, students, and parents. This position requires a highly organised individual who can manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining a welcoming environment. The School Secretary will be responsible for various clerical duties, ensuring that the school's administrative functions run effectively on a day-to-day basis.

Responsibilities 

• Manage the front office, serving as the first point of contact for visitors, students, and parents.
• Answer phone calls and respond to inquiries with excellent phone etiquette.
• Maintain accurate student records and manage data entry tasks.
• Assist in the preparation of school documents and correspondence using Google Suite/Microsoft Suite.
• Organise and schedule appointments, meetings, and events for school staff.
• Ensure that the office environment is tidy and well-organised at all times.

Skills 

• Proficient in office management practices with strong organisational skills.
• Experience with Arbor is advantageous but not essential.
• Excellent administrative skills with attention to detail in data entry tasks.
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Google Suite applications (or similar Microsoft versions).
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time efficiently in a busy environment.
• Familiarity with clerical procedures and office equipment.

This role is essential for fostering a positive educational atmosphere within the school community. The ideal candidate will be proactive, friendly, and capable of handling various responsibilities while supporting the school's vision.

The closing date for applications is 12pm Wednesday 5^th March 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the date advertised. Interviews will be offered to suitable candidates following their application.

Please find attached the job description for this role which candidates should read and refer to as part of their application.

The hours of work could vary depending upon the candidate.  We would be open to agreeing a suitable work pattern for the right candidate.  The total amount of hours per week is also flexible and to be agreed with the successful candidate. The standard hours of work are are 8:30 - 3:30pm, Monday - Friday, term time only.  

Although this role is being advertised as 8:30 - 3:30pm (term-time only), we will also consider applications for part-time (job-share) if suitable candidates apply.

Visits to the school are highly recommended. To apply for the role or arrange a visit, please contact the school office via office@parksideprimary.org or 01435 864577.           

Working pattern: Part-time, Term-time only (working for 40 weeks per year plus 5.05 weeks annual leave, which will increase after 5 years' continuous service)
(As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)
Please note, we do not accept CVs.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.  

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision.  Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.  

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted. 

Additional information

Work Permits: we may be able to obtain a Work Permit for this post but this is subject to meeting the requirements of the UK Border Agency’s Points-based Immigration System.

Due to the restrictions we cannot guarantee that individuals that meet the requirements of the Points-based Immigration System will be issued with clearance to obtain work permits.

 
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.

All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children.  All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.

Company information

East Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. All applications are treated on merit.