Office Manager

Hours: 37 hours Per Week – Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 5pm, and Friday: 8.30am – 4.30pm

Mary Hare educates 160 profoundly deaf children at its residential school in Berkshire and we pride ourselves on our pupils’ achievements at GCSE, A Level as well as B Tech and Vocational Courses. We offer the opportunity to teach highly motivated children, in small classes, where we can make a real difference at this national centre of excellence for deaf education.

No knowledge of sign language is required, as we follow an auditory/oral philosophy. The office is a very busy open plan office with a vibrant team of part time and full time staff with different responsibilities. The office is responsible for all administration tasks for the education side of the school, including arranging and preparing Annual Review meetings for over 150 pupils who have EHCPs.

The office is key in supporting all teaching staff.

This is a full‑time, all‑year‑round position. There is no flexibility with working from home. The post‑holder will ensure the efficient and effective running of both the School Office, with responsibility for overseeing a team of administrators, including the Attendance officer and Annual Review Coordinator.

• Line manage the school office staff and ensure work is effectively planned to support the annual school cycle, including staff appraisals, training, managing holidays and cover throughout the year.
• Work with the senior leadership, finance, IT, Data Controller, Admissions, and other stakeholders to maximise the use of technology in improving the efficiency of operations.
• Support the Principal/CEO, their PA, and other senior managers with detailed planning of special events, such as Speech Day.
• Occasional attendance at a small number of school events outside the school day.
• Share in the cover for the absent colleagues in the School Office and School Reception.
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality with regard to issues concerning members of staff and students. Respond positively with tact, sensitivity and awareness to students and parents in relation to duties undertaken.
• Communicate as required with the LA’s, outside agencies, parents and the local community and any other individuals who have business with the school.
• Support senior management with the organisation and scheduling of annual reviews of the EHCPs.
• Census – responsible for completing the census, following up with any errors or queries, amending, meeting with RA to sign off, submit to DfE and answer any queries.
• Admissions form – create a new copy of the form each year, communicate with parents, upload info to SIMS when returned.
• Gateway – add trips and activities, send letters out, set up if consent only, liaise with finance if payment involved.
• LAs – plan visits including putting together schedules and escorting them on the day, liaise with LAs, coordinate completion of forms.
• Involvement with school events – work with Admissions on Transition Days/Week and Y7 Info Day. Support where needed with Options Events, Speech Day, Open Day, Sports Day, etc.
• Annual Reviews – responsible for scheduling, overseeing form (any changes or access issues), checking each form before they are sent out (spelling/grammar, second check that all relates to correct pupil), support with issues, training and troubleshooting for staff.

• General Secondary Education or equivalent (English and Maths essential)

• NVQ level 2 in Business Administration or equivalent qualification in related area or equivalent experience

• Experience of working as an Office Manager or similar administration management role with direct line management.

• Experience of providing high‑level support in a busy, politically sensitive environment.
• Experience of using a wide range of office equipment and ICT software, information systems in an administrative environment.

• Knowledge of and commitment to school policies including Child Protection, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities.

• High level of ICT skills…