Administrative Assistant

Forward Education Trust is an established MAT of seven Special schools based in the West Midlands, covering areas in Sandwell, Birmingham and Solihull.

The Heights Academy opened in September 2023 in a brand-new build, and this is a unique and exciting opportunity to be part of the next stage of the journey. Initially we are open to 48 pupils in Key Stage 2 and Year 7, but over time, will grow to cater for 116 pupils across Key Stage 2, 3 and 4. All of our pupils have an EHCP with a diagnosis of Autism with possible associated SEMH.

The successful candidate will be professional, able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. They will be able to multitask and manage a varied workload prioritising in a fast-paced environment. They will have strong ICT, literacy and communication skills.

Working with our small friendly office team offers and exciting range of challenges, you are at the entre of the efficient working of our school liaising directly with our most important stakeholders – our children and young people, their families and our staff team. You will have a direct impact on helping to ensure our school remains successful in the care and education of our children.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing an efficient and effective administrative service to the school
• Providing excellent reception and switchboard support to the school
• Administration of pupil records including pupil attendance and dinners
• School meals administration
• Supporting attendance requirement
• Supporting with financial administration including raising purchase orders and administering online parent payments

We can offer you:

• A commitment to support you in developing new skills through a wide range of professional development opportunities and experiences.
• The opportunity to make a huge contribution to the education and lives of children who respond very positively to high quality teaching and support.
• A friendly and inclusive working environment.

   You will offer us:

• Your considerable skill as an outstanding teacher who has experience of working with children with special needs.
• Your commitment to engaging and inspiring our pupils, and the ability to make a real difference to their learning and general well-being.
• Your flexibility, commitment, and excellent interpersonal skills.

Forward Education Trust is committed to recruiting and retaining the highest quality staff. To do this, we have an Employee Value Proposition offering a range of benefits to help our staff on a personal and professional level, which includes:

-Teacher Pension or Support Staff Local Government Pension – Employer Contribution

-FET HUB – information all in one place, access to a range of benefits

-Paid for Health Cash Plan – employee and dependent children benefit – option to add partner

-Employee Questionnaire – Consultation with staff on a range of issues and ideas

-Salary sacrifice scheme – Cycle to Work Scheme

-Access to the NHS approved Thrive App – to support mental health & well-being

-Comprehensive induction and probation support and an ongoing performance management & appraisal system

-Easy purchase scheme (salary deduction) – Smart Tech in association with Currys

-Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme – free, totally confidential advice, with face-to-face consultations

-Personal & professional learning & development – including FLICK online learning and other resources

-Access to discounts and offers from Reward Gateway and MyPerks

-Occupational Health Service – accessible to support the needs of individual staff

-Staff recognition – e-cards to celebrate success among colleagues

-Mental Health First Aiders

-Policies being developed to support positive health & well-being:Family Friendly Working, Special ----Leave of Absence, Flexible Working, Menopause

-Staff recognition – awards throughout the year, in line with Trust behaviours and values

-A commitment to develop new ideas to show we really value what you do for our children

 Interviews: Week Commencing 18/3/24

APPLICATIONS

The Trust may review applications upon receipt and may call applicants for interview prior to the advert closing date. Therefore, you are encouraged to make an early application for this role and we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date.

Please note that only fully completed Forward Education Trust Application forms will be accepted; we will not read accompanying Curriculum Vitae (CV) or accept them in place of an application form.

If you do not hear from the school within 14 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted. The successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to relevant pre-employment checks.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020

This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.

 Forward Education Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate must promote this ethos.