School Office Manager

Are you an organised, proactive and personable professional looking to make a real difference in a thriving school community? We are seeking an exceptional School Office Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our busy school office and provide outstanding administrative support to our pupils, families, staff and visitors. As the first point of contact for the school, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of our administrative functions.

This is a varied and rewarding position that requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a warm, professional approach. Working term time plus two additional weeks, you will be at the heart of school life, supporting leadership, managing administration processes, and helping to create a welcoming and efficient environment for our community.

We are looking for someone who is highly motivated, adaptable and committed to delivering excellent customer service while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. This is an exciting opportunity to join a welcoming school community and contribute to the continued success of our school and nursery. Job Purpose To provide a professional, welcoming and efficient reception service for pupils, parents, staff, visitors and external agencies.

The School Receptionist is the first point of contact for the school and plays a key role in supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the school through effective administration and communication. Key Responsibilities Act as the first point of contact for all visitors, parents, pupils and staff, providing a professional, welcoming and customer-focused reception service. Manage the reception area to ensure a positive, organised and professional environment, maintaining high standards of presentation and visitor experience.

Handle all incoming communications, including telephone calls, emails, messages and enquiries, directing them appropriately and ensuring timely responses. Provide administrative support to the Headteacher, School Leadership Team and School Business Manager, including preparing correspondence, maintaining records and assisting with general office administration. Maintain pupil records and school management systems, ensuring information is accurate, up to date and handled confidentially in accordance with GDPR requirements.

Support attendance, admissions and school operations, including recording pupil absences, following up unexplained absences, maintaining waiting lists, managing diaries, meeting bookings and room reservations. Liaise effectively with pupils, parents and carers, responding to enquiries in person, by telephone and email and supporting smooth pupil arrivals and departures. Provide first aid support, where appropriately trained, maintaining accurate accident and medical records and contacting parents regarding pupil illness or accidents as required.

Maintain and administer the Single Central Register (SCR), ensuring all safer recruitment checks, including DBS, identity, right to work, references and prohibition checks, are accurately recorded, monitored and kept up to date in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) requirements. Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection requirements, including visitor management procedures, secure handling of sensitive information and supporting the school's safeguarding culture.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Competent in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook. Ability to work accurately and maintain confidentiality. Strong organisational and time-management skills. Friendly, professional and approachable manner. Excellent customer service skills. Ability to prioritise a varied workload. Attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Previous experience working in a scho