Office Manager - Lilliput CE Infant School

Job Introduction

Lilliput CE Infant School

Office Manager

Lilliput CE Infant School 
Part of Coastal Learning Partnership
 
Start Date: September 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Salary: Grade 5 SCP 10–15 (£27,694 - £30,024 FTE)

Hours: 29 hours per week, term time plus INSETS plus 1 week (40 weeks)
 
Closing Date: Sunday 6th September 2026
Interview: Friday 11th September 2026
 
Lilliput CE Infant School is a four-form entry school, situated in the heart of Lilliput, Poole. 
 
We are a high-achieving, values-led school where every child is nurtured to thrive. Rooted in our Christian ethos and the core values of Love, Respect, and Serve, we are committed to developing the whole child - academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We champion pupil wellbeing through both universal approaches and targeted support, ensuring that every child is known, valued, and supported to reach their full potential.
 
The school is part of Coastal Learning Partnership Multi Academy Trust; a vibrant, collaborative Partnership of twenty schools working together around shared goals, values and aspirations.
 
We are seeking to appoint a dedicated and personable Office Manager  to join our warm, welcoming and highly skilled team as soon as possible. At Lilliput, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive environment, where professionals work collaboratively, encourage one another, and celebrate successes together.
 
The successful candidate will be a highly organised, proactive and personable individual. This is a key leadership role, central to the smooth running of the school. The Office Manager will take responsibility for the development, management and delivery of essential support services, including HR administration, communications and line management of the office and wraparound care staff. Your leadership will provide an outstanding front-of-house experience, ensuring that all pupils, parents, staff and visitors receive a professional, efficient and genuinely warm welcome.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day running of the school office
• Oversee HR administration, including payroll, contracts and record keeping
• Deliver an excellent reception and administrative service
• Manage communications with parents, carers and external stakeholders
• Line-manage and develop administrative and wraparound staff
• Maintain key systems including pupil data, MIS returns and the Single Central Register
• Support admissions, census processes and parental payments
• Contribute to newsletters, website updates and school communications
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety and data protection requirements

About You
 We are looking for someone who:

• Is positive, friendly and approachable, building strong relationships with staff, pupils and parents
• Consistently upholds and reflects the school’s culture and values in all interactions
• Is a committed team player, working collaboratively and supporting colleagues across the school
• Is open to new ideas and innovative ways of working, and embraces change positively
• Has experience in a school or busy administrative environment
• Can lead, support and develop a team effectively
• Is highly organised and able to prioritise competing demands
• Communicates confidently and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders
• Demonstrates integrity, discretion and attention to detail
• Has strong ICT and administrative skills

 Why Join Lilliput CE Infant School?

• A welcoming, supportive and highly motivated staff team
• A school with a strong sense of community and shared purpose
• Opportunities for professional development and collaboration across the Trust
• A rewarding role at the heart of school life

Please visit the school website for further information about the school www.lilliput.poole.sch.uk or email the school office if you have queries regarding the role. 

Please use the following link for candidates to apply: https://ce0218li.webitrent.com/ce0218li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?WVID=412363jAbb&VACANCY_ID=2336911hDD

Closing Date: 6th September 2026 however applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we may close this vacancy early if suitable candidates are identified
 
Interviews: 11th September 2026
 
In accordance with our safer recruitment practices, CVs from external candidates will not be accepted.
 
Coastal Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment.

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate that they meet the essential elements of the person specification and will be subject to pre-employment checks including a health check, and Enhanced DBS check, Child Barred List check and satisfactory references. We will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern. Applicants are advised that it is an offense to apply for the role if they are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
 
CLP is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants who meet the person specification will receive equal consideration for employment.  We value the fact that our schools are very different, as are our colleagues within them. Our culture is one in which colleagues serve and inspire each other in the spirit of professional generosity; colleagues are empowered to be themselves and to be their best.  At CLP, everyone is welcome and encouraged to achieve and be heard.

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