PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The School Receptionist is the first point of contact for pupils, parents, carers, visitors, and external agencies. Working within a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) specialist primary school, this role requires a calm, empathetic, and trauma-informed approach. The postholder will provide efficient, professional administrative support and play a key role in creating a safe, welcoming environment for a vulnerable pupil population.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Reception & Front of House
Manage the main reception area, greeting all visitors, pupils, and parents/carers in a warm, professional, and sensitive manner.
Operate and monitor the visitor management system, ensuring all visitors sign in/out and wear appropriate identification.
Handle incoming telephone calls and emails, responding or directing as appropriate in a timely manner.
Maintain a calm, organised reception environment that reflects the school's therapeutic ethos.
Sensitively manage distressed pupils or adults presenting at reception, applying knowledge of trauma-informed approaches.
2. Pupil Welfare & Safeguarding
Monitor and record pupil attendance accurately, following up on unexplained absences in accordance with school policy.
Support the administration of first aid to pupils and staff, maintaining accurate records of incidents and treatments.
Administer prescribed medication to pupils in accordance with the school's medication policy and Individual Healthcare Plans.
Maintain confidential, up-to-date records of pupils' medical, dietary, and emergency contact information.
Uphold and actively support the school's safeguarding and child protection procedures at all times, reporting concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
3. Administration & Clerical Support
Carry out general administrative duties including data entry, filing, photocopying, laminating, and managing incoming and outgoing post.
Maintain the school's management information system (MIS), such as SIMS, Arbor, or equivalent, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
Support the preparation of letters, reports, newsletters, and other school communications as directed.
Manage room bookings and staff meeting calendars as required.
Order, receive, and distribute stationery and supplies, maintaining appropriate stock levels.
Assist with the coordination of school trips, events, and parent/carer appointments.
4. Finance Administration
Collect and accurately record monies received for school activities (trips, lunches, clubs, etc.) in line with the school's financial procedures.
Issue receipts and maintain relevant financial records, passing information to the School Business Manager as required.
Assist with processing purchase orders and invoices under the direction of the School Business Manager.
5. Communication & Liaison
Act as a sensitive and professional point of contact for parents, carers, and families, many of whom may themselves be experiencing significant difficulties.
Liaise effectively with external agencies including health professionals, local authority staff, and specialist services.
Support communication between families and school, including translation or interpretation referrals where needed.
Maintain positive relationships with multi-agency partners in support of pupils' holistic needs.
6. Site & Premises Support
Assist with signing in and managing contractors and maintenance personnel in line with safeguarding protocols.
Maintain awareness of site security, reporting concerns to the Headteacher or designated staff promptly.
Support the management of the car park and visitor access during drop-off and collection times as required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Qualifications & Experience
GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
Demonstrable experience in an administrative or customer-facing role.
Experience of working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database systems.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
Experience working in a school or educational setting.
Familiarity with a school MIS system (e.g. SIMS, Arbor, Bromcom).
First Aid at Work qualification (or willingness to obtain).
Knowledge of SEMH needs and trauma-informed practice.
Skills & Personal Attributes
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
High level of empathy, patience, and emotional resilience.
Ability to remain calm under pressure, particularly when supporting distressed individuals.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise a varied workload.
Discretion and a thorough understanding of confidentiality requirements.
A committed safeguarding mindset, understanding the importance of keeping children safe.
A warm, inclusive, and non-judgemental approach consistent with the school's therapeutic ethos.…PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The School Receptionist is the first point of contact for pupils, parents, carers, visitors, and external agencies. Working within a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) specialist primary school, this role requires a calm, empathetic, and trauma-informed approach. The postholder will provide efficient, professional administrative support and play a key role in creating a safe, welcoming environment for a vulnerable pupil population.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Reception & Front of House
Manage the main reception area, greeting all visitors, pupils, and parents/carers in a warm, professional, and sensitive manner.
Operate and monitor the visitor management system, ensuring all visitors sign in/out and wear appropriate identification.
Handle incoming telephone calls and emails, responding or directing as appropriate in a timely manner.
Maintain a calm, organised reception environment that reflects the school's therapeutic ethos.
Sensitively manage distressed pupils or adults presenting at reception, applying knowledge of trauma-informed approaches.
2. Pupil Welfare & Safeguarding
Monitor and record pupil attendance accurately, following up on unexplained absences in accordance with school policy.
Support the administration of first aid to pupils and staff, maintaining accurate records of incidents and treatments.
Administer prescribed medication to pupils in accordance with the school's medication policy and Individual Healthcare Plans.
Maintain confidential, up-to-date records of pupils' medical, dietary, and emergency contact information.
Uphold and actively support the school's safeguarding and child protection procedures at all times, reporting concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
3. Administration & Clerical Support
Carry out general administrative duties including data entry, filing, photocopying, laminating, and managing incoming and outgoing post.
Maintain the school's management information system (MIS), such as SIMS, Arbor, or equivalent, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
Support the preparation of letters, reports, newsletters, and other school communications as directed.
Manage room bookings and staff meeting calendars as required.
Order, receive, and distribute stationery and supplies, maintaining appropriate stock levels.
Assist with the coordination of school trips, events, and parent/carer appointments.
4. Finance Administration
Collect and accurately record monies received for school activities (trips, lunches, clubs, etc.) in line with the school's financial procedures.
Issue receipts and maintain relevant financial records, passing information to the School Business Manager as required.
Assist with processing purchase orders and invoices under the direction of the School Business Manager.
5. Communication & Liaison
Act as a sensitive and professional point of contact for parents, carers, and families, many of whom may themselves be experiencing significant difficulties.
Liaise effectively with external agencies including health professionals, local authority staff, and specialist services.
Support communication between families and school, including translation or interpretation referrals where needed.
Maintain positive relationships with multi-agency partners in support of pupils' holistic needs.
6. Site & Premises Support
Assist with signing in and managing contractors and maintenance personnel in line with safeguarding protocols.
Maintain awareness of site security, reporting concerns to the Headteacher or designated staff promptly.
Support the management of the car park and visitor access during drop-off and collection times as required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Qualifications & Experience
GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
Demonstrable experience in an administrative or customer-facing role.
Experience of working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database systems.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
Experience working in a school or educational setting.
Familiarity with a school MIS system (e.g. SIMS, Arbor, Bromcom).
First Aid at Work qualification (or willingness to obtain).
Knowledge of SEMH needs and trauma-informed practice.
Skills & Personal Attributes
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
High level of empathy, patience, and emotional resilience.
Ability to remain calm under pressure, particularly when supporting distressed individuals.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise a varied workload.
Discretion and a thorough understanding of confidentiality requirements.
A committed safeguarding mindset, understanding the importance of keeping children safe.
A warm, inclusive, and non-judgemental approach consistent with the school's therapeutic ethos.WWWWW…