Summary
We are looking for a friendly and organised Receptionist who can support the Senior Receptionist and Senior Team and be the face of HWSF for staff, students and visitors. The Receptionists work an early or late shift: 7.30am-3.30pm or 10.30am-6.30pm, as agreed with their line manager. Please note that some Saturday shifts are required: 7.30am-1.30pm, 15 Saturdays per year, paid as overtime.
About Us
Harris Westminster combines the energy of brilliant young people from across London’s diverse neighbourhoods, the strength of Westminster School in teaching academically able students, and the Harris Federation’s experience and expertise in running outstanding maintained sector schools. It is over-subscribed, academically selective, has 35% of students from a disadvantaged background, and has incredible diversity in its student cohort with no ethnic group exceeding 20%. 65% of HWSF students go on to study at Russell Group universities and we have one of the largest Oxbridge cohorts of any school (state or private). 38 students from the 2022 cohort gained places. We are looking for an outstanding individual to join and support this exciting, scholarly, and vibrant community.
Academy Ethos
Ambition. Perseverance. Legacy. Kindness. Scholarship.
Harris Westminster students expect great things of themselves; they aim high and meet their targets, gaining places on the most competitive university course and apprenticeships, and from those courses into elite careers. They work hard to reach their ambitions and learn that setbacks are reasons to review strategy and try again rather than give up. They understand that they are part of a community where we look after each other and support each other to overcome hardships and to thrive. They aim to make their mark on the world for the long term and learn that they can have a positive and lasting impact. Students from different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles work together and listen to each other to understand more deeply how these differences affect our experiences, to overcome prejudices and create a more equal society. During their time at the school they develop a love of learning and acquire the habits of enquiry, knowledge acquisition, and scholarship.
Main Areas of Responsibility
Organisation
- To represent the Academy in a professional and welcoming manner to all visitors, staff and students, including telephone callers
- Undertake reception duties, answering general telephone and face to face enquiries and signing in visitors
- To complete first day of absence calling for all students who are absent, recording reasons on Bromcom, recording calls in attendance events, checking directly with AWO if there are any concerns.
- Assist with pupil first aid/welfare duties, looking after sick pupils, liaising with parents/staff etc.
- Assist in arrangements for school trips, events etc.
Administration
- Provide general clerical/admin support e.g. photocopying, filing, faxing, e-mailing, completing standard forms, responding to routine correspondence
- Maintain manual and computerised records/management information systems
- Produce lists/information/data as required, e.g. pupils’ data
- Undertake typing, word processing and other IT based tasks
- Sort and distribute mail
- Ensure reprographics requests are fulfilled on time;
- Undertake general administrative procedures
- Maintain and collate pupil reports
Resources
- Operate relevant equipment/ ICT packages (e.g. word, excel, databases, spreadsheets, internet)
- Maintain stock and supplies, cataloguing and distributing as required
- Assist in ordering uniform
- Provide general advice and guidance to staff, pupils and others
- Undertake general financial administration, e.g. processing orders
Qualifications & Experience
Qualifications, Knowledge and Training
- NVQ2 or equivalent qualification or experience in relevant discipline
- Good numeracy/literacy skills
- Minimum of 2 years school office experience
Experience & Knowledge
- General clerical/administrative/financial work
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures for young people
- Experience of Reception duties including dealing with visitors to the Academy
Skills & Abilities
- Appropriate knowledge of first aid
- Effective use of ICT packages
- Use of relevant equipment/resources
- Good keyboard skills
- Ability to relate well to children and adults
- Work constructively as part of a team, understanding of school roles and responsibilities and your own position within these
- The ability to take initiative and work independently
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Good communication skills
- Good organisational and time keeping skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Able to work independently and manage own workload
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 a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan including access to a virtual GP, electric car scheme, 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, 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.
Job Reference: HF03835-HWSF