At Longcause Special School, we are deeply committed to our pupils and their families. We strive to be a school that truly delivers on its promises - providing outstanding education and support for pupils with Autism through high-quality, specialist teaching and care.

We are seeking a dedicated and organised Administration Assistant to join our team. This is a varied and rewarding role, providing administrative support primarily to the HR Lead, while also assisting the Business Manager, Family Team Lead, and wider Senior Leadership Team as required. You will also play a key role in supporting the broader administrative team to ensure the smooth running of the school.

What we offer:

• A friendly, supportive and professional working environment where staff are valued and respected

• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing and mental health, including access to support and resources

• Opportunities for professional development and ongoing training, including safeguarding and specialist SEND training

• The chance to work as part of a dedicated team committed to achieving the best outcomes for pupils and families

• A rewarding role where you can make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and their families

• Access to relevant local authority benefits (e.g. pension scheme, employee assistance programme)

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality administrative support to the HR Lead, Senior Leadership Team and wider administration team

• Maintain confidentiality at all times, particularly when handling sensitive matters

• Manage and maintain accurate filing systems (both paper-based and electronic)

• Support the monitoring and accurate recording of staff absence 

• Assist with the digitalisation of records, ensuring data is securely stored, up to date, and easily accessible inline with data retention policies

• Input and maintain data across school systems with a high level of accuracy

• Support the HR Lead with the induction process for new and agency staff, including onboarding administration and compliance checks 

• Handle telephone, email and face-to-face enquiries in a professional and welcoming manner

• Liaise with external providers and partners, including payroll services

• Prepare and submit accurate payroll information (e.g. attendance, absence, and contractual changes) in a timely manner

• Support staff wellbeing, including signposting colleagues to appropriate internal and external support services where needed

• Support general office operations, including the effective use of office equipment and providing reception cover when required

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant field, or demonstrable experience in an administrative role

• Experience of working within a school or office environment

• Strong numeracy, literacy and IT skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Docs

• The ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times

• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail

• The ability to use initiative and sound judgement to resolve routine issues

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional and tactful approach

• Good keyboard skills and experience producing accurate documentation

• Experience of data entry and maintaining digital records

Pre-employment Checks

This post is subject to a range of pre-employment checks in line with statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). These will include an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with children’s barred list information, satisfactory references, verification of identity and qualifications, and a check of the right to work in the UK.

Online searches will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates. Applicants will be required to disclose any relevant criminal history prior to interview.

We are committed to ensuring that all recruitment and selection processes reflect our safeguarding responsibilities and promote the safety and wellbeing of all pupils.

Further information can be found in our Safer Recruitment Policy. 

Further Information

For more details about our school, please visit our website: www.longcausespecialschool.com

We actively encourage and welcome visits to the school. To arrange a visit, please contact Molly Holt on 01752 336881 or via email mholt@longcangcause.plymouth.sch.uk