Apprentice School Business Administrator

Key responsibilities and duties:

Reception and first contact:

Act as a welcoming first point of contact for parents, visitors and children, following the school’s safeguarding and visitor procedures Sign in visitors, issue visitor badges and ensure safeguarding briefings are given where required Answer incoming calls and emails professionally; take and pass on messages accurately and promptly.

Communication and message dissemination:

Receive, record and promptly disseminate routine messages to staff, parents and children (phone, email, message, face-to-face), using the school’s management information system (MIS) and internal communication channels Support the Office Manager with drafting and sending letters and routine communications to parents Maintain noticeboards with up-to-date information.

Parental contact and child support:

Speak with parents and carers about routine queries (attendance, trips, dinner money, basic pastoral concerns) and escalate safeguarding or complex issues to the DSL or Office Manager immediately Provide calm, age-appropriate support and information to children who attend the office (first aid/welfare incidents must follow school policy and be passed to trained staff)

Administrative systems and record-keeping:

Maintain accurate pupil records on the school MIS (admissions, attendance, contact details, permissions) Record and report pupil attendance and lateness; follow the school’s escalation procedures for unexplained absence Assist with filing (electronic and paper), scanning, photocopying and maintaining resource stocks

Support to Office Manager and wider admin tasks:

Support the Office Manager with day-to-day tasks: ordering supplies, processing payments, preparing registers and paperwork for trips, booking rooms and facilities Assist with admissions administration, joining/leaving paperwork and induction of new pupils as require Help prepare for parents’ evenings, whole-school events and governors’ meetings (room setup, booking, resources).

Data protection, confidentiality and safeguarding:

Work in line with the school’s data protection (GDPR) requirements — keep sensitive information secure and confidential Immediately report any safeguarding concerns or disclosures to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and follow the school’s safeguarding procedures

Development through the apprenticeship:

Attend and complete off-the-job training, assessments and progress reviews required by the apprenticeship programme Achieve the apprenticeship standard (Business Administration) including any relevant functional skills or qualifications

Safeguarding and compliance:

This post involves regulated activity with children. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references are required before appointment All staff are required to read and comply with the school’s Safeguarding Policy, KCSIE requirements and other relevant policies

Training:
In addition to gaining practical experience in the role, you will also attain an NVQ Level 3 Business Administration qualification which will help start your career and give you an insight into the business' processes and procedures Our training is all completed remotely via teams with a development coach who will be available for support 24/7 and will arrange weekly/fortnightly meetings with you You receive 20% off-the-job training during this apprenticeship, which is included in your weekly working hours 

Training Outcome:

This role is offered as a fixed‑term contract for the duration of the apprenticeship. Successful completion of the apprenticeship will give you valuable experience and qualifications and will strengthen your application for any future posts. While the fixed‑term contract does not guarantee ongoing employment, should a suitable vacancy become available within the school, apprentices who have completed the programme will be given supportive consideration during recruitment.

Employer Description:

Dunham-on-Trent Church of England Primary School is a small, rural primary school serving its local community. We are organised across four mixed-age classes and pride ourselves on being an inspirational place where every child belongs and can flourish. Our vision, “Learning for life, together we shine,” underpins everything we do: we nurture resilient, curious learners in a mindful Christian environment built on Community, Respect, Hope and Wisdom.

What we offer: An excellent working environment where colleagues genuinely work together for the benefit of every child. Teamwork here is practical and purposeful — you will be supported, trusted and valued.

Wonderful children who love coming to school. They are polite, enthusiastic and proud of their school.

Strong professional support to help you excel in this role and prepare for your next career step. We invest in staff’ development through targeted coaching, mentoring and career conversations.

The chance to join a supportive, driven staff team. Staff wellbeing is important to us and we foster a culture of mutual respect, collaboration and encouragement.

A varied, stimulating job where no two days are the same. Working in a small rural school gives scope to build deep relationships with children and families.

Working Hours :
*Term Time Only* Monday to Friday, 08.30 - 1600, 45 Minute lunch break.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Team working,Initiative,Reliable