Orchard is an independent, outdoors inspired nursery and preschool setting that provides high quality, home from home full day care (8am to 6pm) for babies and children aged 10 months to 5 years. Set on the outskirts of Caversham in beautiful, landscaped gardens, the Orchard is a creative and community focussed space looking for an Administrator to work with the Office Manager to provide the best service to our growing team and hard working families.
All our team are supported and valued to thrive in their roles and beyond. We have a culture of positive mind-set and endless enthusiasm for building skills for life in our team and children. We have a high expectation for achievements and promote growth in all that we do, whether that be progression through roles and responsibilities or depth of knowledge in your current role. We are keen to reflect and adapt to ensure we are being the best we can be for us and our children.
Orchard Day Nursery is seeking an experienced, efficient, highly motivated and reliable individual to join our team You will support the nursery leadership team with administrator tasks to ensure a smooth running of the nursery. The role can be part time but should include at least two days working alongside the Office Manager to ensure adequate training and collaboration can take place and it would be useful to have a supportive point of contact for families on duty at the end of the nursery day.
The successful candidate will share our company values as detailed below.
Key Responsibilities:
v Administrative Support:
o Provide general administrative assistance to the nursery Office Manager, Nursery Manager and Staff inclouding
v Financial Management
o Supporting the Office Manager in issuing invoices, monitoring and collecting outstanding payments, processing payroll information
v Customer Service
o Act as first point of contact for parents, visitors, handling enquiries and maintaining professional relationships and nurturing the reputation of the Nursery
v Record Keeping
o Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of children, parents, staff including attendance and admissions using both paper and electronic systems
v Office Operations
o Order supplies and resources as required by the teaching, caring and domestic teams, maintaining office equipment and manage filing systems and handling post and deliveries
v Compliance
o Ensure the Nursery adheres to all policies and procedures, including Safeguarding and Data Protection Regulations which are in line with Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and guidelines as laid down by OFSTED and the local authority Brighter Futures for Children. To adhere to Health and Safety regulations and take practical steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, staff and visitors on the premises.
v Safeguarding
o To safeguard children and young apprentices. Share disclosures or concerns you have about the welfare of a child or young person without delay to those with lead responsibility for safeguarding and to escalate externally should your concerns not be dealt with properly following the Nursery's whistleblowing procedures.
v Communication
o Write professional correspondence, manage nursery databases and information systems, and coordinate with other staff
Key SKILLS
Some experience of working in education or other Early Years environment will be helpful.
Communication
Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with parents, colleagues and visitors. Excellent typing, reading, spelling and grammar. Work as part of a cohesive team to ensure the smooth running of the day ensuring that important messages are shared appropriately.
Proactivity
Ability to take initiative to manage tasks effectively and demonstrate a firm grasp of business and administrative procedures.
IT Skills
Proficiency with software, databases and Early Years platforms sufficiently to support the introduction of new systems if required and troubleshoot simple technical matters
Organisation
Ability to manage a varied workload, organise paperwork and maintain accurate records in a fast-paced environment and willingness to support a odiverse team withtheir paperwork duties
The job description may be amended at any time after consultation with you.
Please apply in writing to with your up-to-date CV and Cover Letter.
As part of our unwavering commitment to keeping children safe in education and as part of Safer Recruitment duties, this position will require a minumum of two verifibale profesional references, an Enhanced DBS CHeck and you must provide proof of your right to work in the UK.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Temporary, Graduate
Contract length: 6 months
Pay: £14.50-£16.50 per hour
Expected hours: 21 – 40 per week
Benefits:
* Company events
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Caversham RG4 6LJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Education:
* A-Level or equivalent (required)
Experience:
* Administrative: 4 years (preferred)
* Early childhood education: 2 years (preferred)
Language:
* English (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Location:
* Caversham RG4 6LJ (preferred)
Work Location: In person