PA to Headteacher and School Operations

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, highly organised and proactive PA to the Headteacher and School Operations Manager to join our welcoming primary school community.

This is a key leadership support role, providing high-level confidential assistance to the Headteacher whilst overseeing the effective day-to-day operation of the school. The successful candidate will lead administrative and operational support services, including admissions, finance administration, health and safety coordination, premises oversight and HR administration.

Working closely with the Headteacher, Trust colleagues and wider school community, you will play a vital role in ensuring the school operates efficiently, remains compliant with statutory requirements and continues to provide an excellent experience for pupils, families and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide confidential and professional executive support to the Headteacher, including diary management, correspondence and meeting coordination.
• Lead and manage the administration team, driving high standards of customer service and operational efficiency
• Oversee admissions processes, including in-year admissions, pupil transfers and liaison with the Local Authority
• Coordinate HR administration processes including recruitment, onboarding, employee records and attendance monitoring.
• Manage school finance administration, including purchase orders, invoices, ParentPay, nursery fees, breakfast and after-school club income, reconciliations and budget monitoring.
• Act as the school's Health and Safety Coordinator, supporting compliance with legislation, Trust policies and statutory requirements
• Coordinate premises management activities and service level agreements, ensuring the effective delivery of support services.
• Act as a designated key holder and respond to out-of-hours emergencies and site-related issues when required.
• Build effective relationships with staff, parents, governors, Trust colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Support the Headteacher in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the school.

What We Are Looking For

• We are looking for an ambitious and professional individual who:
• Has experience in a senior administrative, operations, office management or PA role.
• Has experience of managing people and coordinating operational services.
• Demonstrates excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills.
• Has experience of financial administration, budget monitoring and income management.
• Understands the importance of compliance, health and safety and safeguarding within a school environment.
• Is confident working independently, managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Can build positive relationships with colleagues, pupils, parents and external partners.
• Has excellent ICT skills and experience of management information, HR or finance systems.
• Experience within an educational setting would be advantageous but is not essential.

What We Offer

• A warm, supportive, and family-oriented primary school environment
• A varied and rewarding role with real impact across the school
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• The chance to work closely with school leadership and contribute to school improvement
• A collaborative and dedicated staff team

Right to Work

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as the Trust does not hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

Safeguarding Statement

Lydiate Learning Trust is strongly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and expect staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS and other relevant checks with statutory bodies.

Posts at the Trust are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and any adult cautions or spent convictions that are not protected or defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) order 2020.

We comply with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) code of practice. Shortlisted candidates are required to declare any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect their suitability to work with children. As a result of amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions order 1975) in 2013 and 2020, some minor offences are now protected (filtered) and should not be disclosed to us, and we cannot take these offences into account.

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