Reception and Administration Assistant

DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation

Receptionist & Clerical Assistant, Part time, term time plus Inset days – 37 hours per week, Grade D £25,185 - £25,989 pro rata (actual salary £21,662 - £22,354) Pay award pending

Downland School is a co-educational maintained community special school for pupils aged between 11 and 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Our pupils have varying aptitudes and abilities; we are extremely proud of all their achievements and progress. Our pupils have a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including Autism (ASC); attachment disorders and Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. We seek to ensure that, by the time they leave us, our pupils emerge as self-confident individuals able to manage their own learning; equipped with the skills and competencies to successfully take the next steps in their lives.

We are a friendly, happy and caring school, providing a positive, inclusive and enriching educational experience for our young people. We view each of our pupils as unique and shape our provision to meet their individual needs and accelerate their progress in a variety of areas e.g. personal, social, and academic and well-being. Our commitment to supporting the ‘whole’ child and their development is underpinned by our strong pastoral systems and our committed and trained staff. At Downland we promote inclusion and equality and celebrate diversity.

Our mission statement is ‘Aspire, Achieve and Thrive’.

We are now looking for a Receptionist & Clerical Assistant to join our busy team. Your role will primarily include:

•Welcome visitors to the school, ensuring all relevant procedures are followed.

• Receiving and prioritising incoming telephone calls, dealing with them appropriately. Liaise with staff, Governors, pupils, parents and outside agencies as directed.

• Placing orders and processing invoices.

• Dealing with incoming and outgoing post, ensuring incoming deliveries reach the appropriate colleague.

• Undertake general word processing and other IT functions in support of the office, including (but not exclusively) letters, school documentation and school website.

• Organising school transport for pupils

• Assist the Office Manager and the Bursar with uniform and school lunch recording and associated payments

To succeed in this role, you should be able to demonstrate:

• A good telephone manner, polite and professional at all times

• Ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders

• ICT/word processing experience

• An eye for detail and accuracy

• Good interpersonal skills

• Experience of working on your own initiative

Communication is key to this role, therefore your skills in this area will be exceptional.

Hours of work: 37 hours per week - 8.00am to 4.00pm daily – Term time - Including Inset Days

Contract type: Permanent

Closing date: 9.00am Monday 18th May 2026

Interview date: as soon as possible

Commencement date: as soon as possible

To apply, you should submit a letter of no more than 2 sides of A4 with your application form addressing the requirements of the post, as outlined in the Job Description and the Person Specification provided. We are particularly interested in how you would undertake this role at Downland School and about your relevant skills, qualities and experience to date. Applications received without a supporting letter will not be considered and CVs will not be accepted.

We welcome visits to the school. Please contact Tanya Rhodes if you would like to arrange a visit in advance of applying.

Applications must be received by 9:00am on Monday 18th May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by e-mail. If you do not hear from us by Friday 22nd May 2026, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. Interviews will be shortly after.

Start date: as soon as possible

Downland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks before appointment is confirmed.

Safeguarding Statement

Downland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks before appointment is confirmed.