Job Description

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PA to Head of Service

Salary: (Scale 7 Point 19 - 24 £32,061 FTE + Fringe Allowance £729 FTE), Actual Salary at Point 19:- £18,993 inc fringe
Contract: Part-time, Permanent (remote/flexible working available)
Start Date: 13th April 2026

Are you an organised, proactive individual who thrives on making a difference? Do you have a passion for supporting children and staff in a dynamic, friendly environment? If so, we'd love you to join our team!

We are seeking an exceptional and highly organised Personal Assistant to the Head of Service to join our team. This is a key role, providing comprehensive, confidential and professional administrative support to enable the Head of Service to focus on strategic leadership.

Working Hours 25 hours per week, Term time + 1 week INSET with the option to work from home a possibility

(Monday 10am - 2pm, Tuesday 10am - 5:30pm, Wednesday 8am - 2pm, Thursday 10am - 2pm, Friday 10am - 2pm).

As a valued member of our team, you'll provide vital PA support, ensuring the smooth operation of our Service and making a real impact on the lives of the children we serve.

Why join us?

• Flexible working arrangements - remote and flexible working considered
• Holidays with family - understanding the importance of work-life balance
• Friendly, supportive team environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day

What we're looking for:

• Experience in PA and administration roles (school experience desirable)
• Excellent organisational, communication, and IT skills
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• A proactive, positive, and confidential approach

The successful candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and able to work with discretion at all times. You will manage complex diaries, coordinate communication on behalf of the Headteacher, and uphold excellent standards of professionalism when interacting with staff, parents, governors, external partners, and the wider community.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast paced environment, has outstanding communication and organisational skills, and is committed to the smooth and efficient running of the school.

We offer:

• A supportive and collaborative team
• Opportunities for professional development
• A positive school culture
• A varied role at the heart of school operations

Apply now and join a team where your skills will have a direct and positive impact.

Children's Support Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks.

We are committed to creating a diverse workforce. We'll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Therefore if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Please note that previous applicants need not apply.

Closing Date: Tuesday 3rd March at Mid-day
Interviews: Wednesday 11th March

Information about the School

The Children’s Support Service is a short stay alternative provision in Essex. We educate and support children from KS1 - KS4 as well as providing an outreach service which works to support students, staff and schools in the local area. Our schools are based in Basildon (secondary) and Wickford (primary and secondary).

Our Medical Education Team work across South and West Essex and focus on not only educating children and young people but crucially reintegrating our students back into their mainstream school.

We now offer, in partnership with Essex Local Authority Education Access Team, an education and reintegration programme for students who have been permanently excluded from any part of Essex back to their local mainstream school.

Most of our students are referred to us due to challenges they may have faced in school; many come with additional needs and require academic, emotional and social support. We pride ourselves on overcoming these challenges and ensuring every student is successful.

We offer a wide range of subjects and match a mainstream setting through our core curriculum offer. At the same time, as a 'needs -led' provision we offer extensive enrichment opportunities to our students.

We collaborate with schools and professionals who need our support, and aim to reintegrate students back into mainstream education or prepare them for other lifelong learning opportunities.

Our staff create positive, safe, caring and supportive learning environments, helping to inspire every child to 'be the best they can be.'

CSS staff benefit from flexible working arrangements, our subscription to an Employee Assistance Programme, which provides mental health and well-being support services for all staff, including 24/7 access to advice, support and counselling for our whole team.

Please note that car insurance including "business use" is required.