About Us
Liberty Woodland School is an exciting and forward thinking school offering a new type of education for families in London. At Liberty Woodland School, we care for and educate children aged from 4 to 16, following a core curriculum created by us to focus on skills based competencies, incorporating learning in an outdoor environment where free play, fresh air, exposure to the natural world and physical activity are an integral part of learning.
About the Role
We are seeking a high-energy, organised, and detail-oriented professional ready to make a difference in our dynamic school environment. We're looking for a skilled School Office Manager to lead our administrative team, manage HR and recruitment efforts, and keep our office running smoothly. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of our school’s daily operations—overseeing everything from meeting & greeting visitors, supporting the Head of School to new hires and HR admin. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and are passionate about supporting students, staff, and a positive school culture, please do apply.
Location: Based in the school office in Morden, London
Working Pattern: Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm and Fri 8-2pm
Key Responsibilities
Organisation
- To undertake the day-to-day work of the administrative function of the school office
- To contribute towards the planning, development and organisation of the support service systems, procedures and policies
- To manage the school calendar and schedule internal and external meetings as required
- To organise school visits / events, school photographer etc.
- To manage school minibus requests and bookings
- To ensure all visitors receive a warm welcome and in accordance with safeguarding procedures.
- To provide hospitality to visitors, parents etc. as required
- To ensure GDPR compliance
Administration
- To answer phone calls and ensuring customer service is kept to a high standard
- To manage school email inbox ensuring queries are passed to the correct team member
- To undertake word processing, minute taking, IT based tasks and school correspondence
- To provide personal, organisational and administrative support to school staff and The LWS Foundation
- To manage holiday camp bookings, queries and questions
- To maintain pupil records and be responsible for completion and submission of forms, returns etc., including those to outside agencies e.g. census to DfE
- To maintain attendance records and response, maintain records of absence/lateness and highlight any concerns to the senior leadership team
- To reconcile income received online for school trip contributions, uniform, book bags etc. ensuring maintenance of records and ensure any cash on site is stored securely
- To upload receipts for Equals, and provide other support, as required, on financial administration procedures as directed by the Finance department
Recruitment & HR
- In conjunction with the Head Teacher, liaise with HR to ensure appropriate guidance is followed with all staff matters and advice sought and actioned quickly
- Under the direction of the Head Teacher and with guidance from HR, to produce letters and other HR documentation as appropriate
- To coordinate and support the recruitment process on behalf of the Head Teacher and HR, and in line with the school’s safer recruitment processes and policies
- To be proactively involved in managing HR administration and taking ownership for allocated workload
- To assist with HR processes such as sickness absence recording, contract, new starters and payroll administration
- To assist with the administration of the Safeguarding and other required training, ensuring employees complete the online training and proactively chase up where necessary
- To maintain electronic and on site HR filing systems
- To assist in the recording and archiving of paper filing and the creation of systems that will ensure that filling systems are well maintained, leavers filed, and new starter files created
- To maintain the HR intranet site and ensure all information is current and accurate
- To schedule end of probation meetings and create reminders, then filing of relevant documents.
- To assist in the processing and monitoring of appraisal documentation
- To prepare staff surveys
- To support with the organisation of premises repairs or similar
Safeguarding
- Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the students.
- Adhere to any relevant Policies about Keeping Children Safe, ongoing safeguarding, Equal
- Opportunities, Data Protection and Confidentiality
- Advise DSL of any concerns, e.g. over children, parents, the safety of the environment, preserving confidentiality as necessary.
- Read, understand and adhere to all policies and procedures relevant to your role and the safe running of the school.
- Keep completely confidential any information regarding the children, their families or other staff that is acquired as part of the job.
- Ensure good standards of safety, hygiene and cleanliness are maintained at all times.
- Observe learner behaviour and ensure the safety and good conduct of the students.
Qualification and Experience
- Strong administrative experience
- HR/Recruitment support experience desirable
- Highly competent with IT and software programmes
- Experience of working in a primary school setting desirable
Personal Attributes and Skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Positive attitude towards outdoor education
- Passion and creativity
- High-energy, active and resilient
- Excellent communication skills
- Team player
- Approachable and caring
- Reliable and respectful when interacting with parents, colleagues and the community