Receptionist – Specialist SEND School (Autism Provision) – North London

A welcoming and well-resourced specialist SEND school based in North London is seeking a committed and professional Receptionist to join their team on a full-time, long-term basis, with a start date in May 2026.

This Receptionist role will begin with a paid full-day trial, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to experience the setting, team, and expectations of working within a specialist Autism provision.

This highly supportive school specialises in educating pupils with Autism and complex communication needs, delivering a structured and nurturing curriculum designed to support independence, confidence, and life skills. The environment is calm, well-organised, and tailored to meet the needs of pupils who benefit from routine, predictability, and clear communication.

The successful Receptionist will play a key role within the school, acting as the first point of contact for visitors, parents, and professionals, while supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the school office.

The Role

As a Receptionist, your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as the main point of contact as a Receptionist for all visitors, ensuring a welcoming and professional front-of-house presence
• Managing a busy switchboard and handling telephone enquiries confidently and professionally
• Responding to emails and coordinating communication across the school
• Maintaining accurate records, visitor logs, and safeguarding procedures
• Supporting attendance, pupil information systems, and general administrative tasks
• Liaising effectively with staff, parents, and external professionals
• Ensuring all reception duties are carried out in line with school safeguarding and security protocols

The Receptionist will need to remain calm, organised, and professional at all times, particularly within a SEND environment where consistency and clear communication are essential.

The School Environment

This specialist setting supports pupils with:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Communication and interaction needs
• Sensory processing differences
• Social and emotional regulation needs

The Receptionist will be working in an environment that prioritises structure, routine, and a low-stimulation atmosphere, meaning professionalism, patience, and adaptability are key.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a Receptionist who:

• Has experience working as a Receptionist or in a front-of-house/administrative role
• Is confident handling high volumes of telephone and face-to-face communication
• Is organised, proactive, and able to manage a varied workload
• Maintains a calm and professional manner in a busy environment
• Ideally has experience working within education or SEND settings (desirable, not essential)
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and confidentiality

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Receptionist or similar role
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Confidence using IT systems (e.g. Microsoft Office, school systems such as SIMS/Arbor desirable)
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one through Tara)
• 2 years of professional references
• Availability to attend interview/registration with Tara Education prior to start

The Opportunity

This is a full-time, long-term Receptionist role (Monday to Friday) with the opportunity to work within a highly supportive and specialist SEND environment.

The school offers a collaborative team culture, excellent facilities, and a structured setting where the Receptionist plays a vital role in maintaining organisation and communication across the school.

The role will commence in May 2026, subject to a successful paid trial day.

This is a school-based role, paid via PAYE on a weekly arrears basis during term time.