Operations Officer at Birch Hill Primary School and Nursery

This is a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the school and the effective management of the administrative function. The postholder will act as PA to the Headteacher, support senior leaders, oversee day-to-day office systems and help ensure that the school presents a professional and welcoming image to students, families, colleagues and external partners.

The role will involve working closely with school leaders, colleagues, parents and carers, external agencies and central Trust teams. The successful candidate will help to strengthen front-of-house services, communication, admissions, marketing and operational coordination, supporting the reputation and standing of the school in the local community.

As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Provide PA and administrative support to the Headteacher and senior leadership team.
• Manage the day-to-day administration of the school office, including correspondence, reception, reports and confidential documentation.
• Maintain accurate student data, attendance records, admissions and transition administration.
• Manage school calendars and support the operational planning of school events.
• Act as a first point of contact for day-to-day operational queries, resolving or escalating issues as appropriate.
• Support cover arrangements, educational visits, wraparound care provision and school-level Trust initiatives.
• Support effective communication with stakeholders, including newsletters, social media and the school website.
• Ensure statutory website information is accurate and up to date.
• Line manage the administration team, providing support, mentoring and identifying training needs.
• Support finance, HR and compliance processes, including cashless income systems, lettings, staff absence recording, induction administration and local GDPR processes.
• Work with the Site Manager and Operations Manager to support safe, compliant and efficient school operations.
• Support safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, data protection, first aid, incident reporting and site-related compliance procedures.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who has:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
• A First Aid qualification or willingness to undertake training.
• Safer recruitment training or willingness to undertake training.
• Experience of working in a busy and diverse environment.
• Experience of working with internal and external partners.
• Experience in a school or education setting, desirable but not essential.
• Knowledge of school finance, HR or education administration, desirable but not essential.
• Bromcom and/or PS Financials experience, desirable but not essential.
• Exceptional organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• The ability to prioritise, manage conflicting demands and meet deadlines.
• Tact, diplomacy, confidentiality and sensitivity.
• A flexible, reliable and responsible approach to work.
• The ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, carers, visitors, colleagues and external partners.

Birch Hill Primary School (BHP)

Birch Hill Primary School is a two-form entry community school serving the Birch Hill and Hanworth areas of Bracknell Forest. In addition to the main school, we offer a nursery and a Specialist Resource Provision for children with ASD and MLD.

Our motto, Learn, Believe, Achieve Together, underpins our commitment to high standards, strong partnerships with parents and a curriculum that builds confidence and aspiration.

The school offers a calm, purposeful working environment set within spacious grounds, supported by a dedicated and inclusive staff team.

ABOUT MAIDEN ERLEGH TRUST

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by clicking here to visit our website.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including:

Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET

Employee Referral Scheme

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.