Key Skills

Job Description

We are seeking a Cover & Administration Officer to join our dedicated team at River Academy. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the day-to-day operation of the school, coordinating staff cover arrangements while providing high-quality administrative support to staff, students, parents and visitors. As our Cover & Administration Officer, you will be responsible for ensuring the effective coordination of daily cover arrangements, maintaining accurate records and systems, supporting attendance and operational processes, and providing a welcoming and professional front-facing service. No two days are the same. One moment you could be arranging cover for absent staff, the next supporting attendance processes, producing reports, liaising with external agencies, or welcoming visitors to the school. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys managing a varied workload. As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing [email protected] or calling 0118 929 6020. Key Responsibilities Ensure continuity of teaching and learning by coordinating appropriate cover arrangements for absent classroom-based colleagues. Allocate cover supervisors, teaching colleagues, internal supply colleagues and external supply teachers effectively. Maintain accurate absence, cover and payroll information within EveryHR and other management information systems. Monitor agency expenditure and work with relevant colleagues to limit costs wherever possible. Support compliance with the staff attendance policy through accurate reporting and follow-up administration. Manage room bookings and provide wider administrative and human resources support. Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and risk assessment requirements are followed. Further details of responsibilities and requirements can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification. The Ideal Candidate Has excellent administrative and organisational skills. Can prioritise effectively and work calmly under pressure. Has strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications. Is able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately. Has experience working in an administrative, office or customer-facing environment. Can build positive relationships with staff, students, parents and external partners. Is committed to providing outstanding customer service. Shares our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. About The School River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic excellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will serve students of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resource base for students with moderate learning difficulties. About Maiden Erlegh Trust Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 750 staff and 4,500 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise. We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement. Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference. Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise while playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people. Benefit of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust Staff Wellbeing And Professional Development Are Central To How We Work. Colleagues Benefit From a Wide Range Of Opportunities And Schemes, Including Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service ME Day - One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities Hybrid Working - Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible) Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes Mental Health First Aid Support Recognition and Community - Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET Employee Referral Scheme Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day. Additional Information If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact [email protected] for an informal discussion. If you are organised, compassionate and committed to improving outcomes for young people through strong attendance practice, we welcome your application. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time. Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all other relevant pre-employment checks.

Core Responsibilities

Coordinate daily cover for absent staff, allocating internal and external cover resources while maintaining accurate absence, cover, and payroll records. Support attendance processes, monitor agency expenditure, manage room bookings, provide administrative and HR support, and deliver a welcoming front-facing service while following safeguarding and safety requirements.

Requirements

The ideal candidate has administrative, organisational, and IT skills, including experience with Microsoft Office, and can prioritise calmly in a fast-paced environment. They should handle sensitive information confidentially, build positive relationships, provide excellent customer service, and be committed to safeguarding children and young people.

Benefits

• Pension Scheme
• Generous Annual Leave
• Additional Personal Leave Day
• Professional Development
• Hybrid Working For Eligible Roles
• Employee Discounts And Wellbeing Resources
• Free Flu Vaccinations And Eye Tests Where Eligible
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health First Aid Support
• Employee Recognition
• Employee Referral Scheme