School Admin Assistant for the SEND Department

Downland School is a co-educational maintained community special school for pupils aged between 11 and 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Our pupils have varying aptitudes and abilities; we are extremely proud of all their achievements and progress. Our pupils have a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including Autism (ASC); attachment disorders and Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. We seek to ensure that, by the time they leave us, our pupils emerge as self-confident individuals able to manage their own learning; equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to enable them to take the next steps in their lives and achieve success.

We are a friendly, happy and caring school, providing a positive, inclusive and enriching educational experience for our young people. We view each of our pupils as unique and shape our provision to meet their individual needs and accelerate their progress in a variety of areas e.g. personal, social development and academic achievement. Our commitment to supporting the ‘whole’ child and their ‘full’ development is underpinned by our strong pastoral systems and our committed and trained staff. At Downland, we promote inclusion and equality and celebrate diversity.

Our motto is ‘Aspire, Achieve and Thrive’.

 We are now looking for a School Admin Assistant to support our SEND department. Your role will primarily include:

 ·        Undertaking word processing of correspondence, standard letters, reports, publications and other documents.

·        Photocopying and collating documents in preparation for Annual Reviews.

·        Filing documents in accordance with the established systems.

·        Collating and inputting new and updated information on the school’s computerised system for pupil records and ensuring all records are maintained and up to date. Assisting in the production of reports, lists and other information relating to pupils records.

·        Welcoming visitors to the school for meetings, ensuring its procedures are followed, receiving and prioritising incoming telephone calls, dealing with them appropriately including accurately recording messages as required. To liaising with staff, Governors, pupils, parents and outside agencies as directed.

·        Take and distribute minutes for briefings and meetings

·        To support the SEND Lead with Exam Access Arrangements administration including obtaining evidence from teachers and preparing paperwork for submission to the Exam Boards.

·        Opening, sorting and distributing incoming mail to the department in a timely manner. Sending, receiving and distributing emails in a timely manner. Checking the Information Exchange and school e-mails on a daily basis and distribute information as appropriate.

 To succeed in this role, you should be able to demonstrate:

 ·        Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills

·        Meticulous attention to detail

·        Ability to ‘get jobs done’ efficiently and effectively

·        Ability to work under pressure, prioritise and meet deadlines

·        A good telephone manner, polite and professional at all times

·        Ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders

·        ICT/word processing experience

·        Good interpersonal skills

·        Experience of working on your own initiative

Hours of work: 32.5 hours per week – Term time - Including Inset Days

Contract type:  Permanent

Closing date: 9am Friday 16th August 2024

Interview date: w/b 19th August 2024

Commencement date: tbc

 To apply, you should submit a letter addressed to Mrs Keily-Theobald (Headteacher) of no more than 2 sides of A4 with your application form addressing the requirements of the post, as outlined in the Job Description and the Person Specification provided. We are particularly interested in how you would undertake this role at Downland School and about your relevant skills, qualities and experience to date. Applications received without a supporting letter will not be considered and CVs will not be accepted.

Please email completed application forms and your covering letter to Tanya Rhodes, HR, Admin Lead and Deputy Finance & Estate Manager, at tanyarhodes@downland.wilts.sch.uk by 9am Friday 16th August 2024

We welcome visits to the school. Please contact main reception on 01380 724193, if you would like to arrange a visit in advance of applying.

 Find out more and apply:

Further information about this position including the job description, person specification and an application form are available to download from our webpage: https://www.downlandschool.org.uk/ or email: tanyarhodes@downland.wilts.sch.uk

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by e-mail. If you do not hear from us by 19th August 2024, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Downland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young  people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks before appointment is confirmed.