Senior School Business Admin

Fern House School and College is part of the iMap Centre group and is set within a beautiful rural Cheshire environment. The school provides high‑quality, inclusive education for young people aged 7 to 19 with Autism, complex learning needs, communication challenges, and sensory integration needs. Operating with a low-arousal, structured learning environment, Fern House delivers a bespoke, person‑centred curriculum tailored to individual needs, preferences and learning profiles.

The school’s ethos is built on three core values: Understand, Empower, Aspire — guiding the curriculum, culture, and daily practice. Staff are trained in evidence‑informed approaches associated with effective autism support, ensuring each learner receives highly personalised provision. The education, health, care, and therapy teams work in partnership, and we pride ourselves on having strong relationships in place with parents, carers and funders. This tried and tested approach ensures every iMap student reaches their optimum level of achievement.

Hours: Full-time, 39 weeks per year (term-time only)

Administration & Systems

• Act as a senior point of contact for administrative operations, including reception and enquiries.

• Maintain accurate pupil and staff records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection requirements.

• Support the preparation of reports, returns, and statutory documentation, including census data.

• Maintain and contribute the development of administrative systems (e.g. SIMS, HRIS) to ensure efficiency and accuracy.

• Assist with admissions processes and school communications.

• Oversee office systems, including reprographics, telephones, and supplies.

• Support the maintenance of the school website and communications in line with compliance requirements.

Finance & Business Support

• Support financial management processes, including budget monitoring, reporting, and record-keeping.

• Process orders, invoices, and payments in line with financial procedures.

• Assist with reconciliation, banking, and collection of school monies.

• Maintain accurate financial records, asset registers, and inventories.

• Support with funding processes such as SEN funding and Pupil Premium administration.

• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, policies and support audit processes.

Human Resources

• Provide administrative support for recruitment, onboarding, and induction processes.

• Ensure all safeguarding and compliance checks are recorded accurately, including the Single Central Register.

• Support payroll administration and staff data management.

• Assist with monitoring workforce data such as absence and staffing changes.

Estates, Health & Safety

• Support the coordination of premises management, maintenance, and repairs.

• Maintain health and safety records and statutory compliance documentation.

• Assist in organising fire drills, alarm testing, and emergency procedures.

• Liaise with contractors and site staff to ensure a safe and compliant school environment.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, confidentiality, and GDPR policies.

• Maintain accurate records of visitor checks, including DBS verification.

• Support monitoring and implementation of school policies and compliance requirements.

• Contribute to ensuring the school meets all statutory and regulatory obligations.

General Duties

• Participate in training, development, and performance review activities.

• Contribute to school events, meetings, and wider school life.

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required by the Principal or School Business Manager.

• Bike to Work Scheme
• Tech Scheme
• Paid Sick Pay
• Long Service Reward Scheme
• Support to Drive Scheme
• Development Pathways
• Comprehensive Training Package
• Christmas Saver Scheme
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Package

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs including English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.

• Relevant administrative or business qualification (desirable).

• Willingness to undertake further professional development.

Experience & Skills

• Experience in administration, finance, HR, or business support (preferably in a school or similar environment).

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Good IT skills, including use of management information systems.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work with minimal supervision.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of compliance requirements including safeguarding and data protection (desirable).

Personal Attributes

• Professional, proactive, and solution-focused approach.

• High level of discretion and confidentiality.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion.