Human Resources Assistant - #2088247

Abbot’s Lea School is a large, highly successful special school educating nearly 300 students aged 3–19. Our students have Autism and associated complex learning differences, and we provide the highly personalised teaching and specialist multidisciplinary support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

Our vision is to be the International Centre of Excellence for Autism Education, Research and Professional Development.

We are proud of the inclusive, innovative, and supportive culture we have built — and we are looking for talented individuals to grow with us.

The Role

This is an exciting, varied, and genuinely impactful role within our busy School Business Support Team. As HR Assistant, you will be the backbone of our HR operations, providing essential administrative support to the HR Manager across the full employee lifecycle.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

•   Coordinating end-to-end staff recruitment — from advertising vacancies and managing applications to pre-employment checks, issuing contracts, and supporting staff induction

•   Administering monthly payroll activities and maintaining accurate staff pay records

•   Coordinating and documenting low-level absence review and probationary meetings, providing feedback and data to the HR Manager to support informed decision-making

•   Maintaining comprehensive, up-to-date staff records, including absence and probation tracking, in full compliance with the Data Protection Act and GDPR

•   Administering CPD, appraisal, training, and staff performance records

•   Producing and analysing personnel data, including reports for the strategic leadership team and external agencies

•   Using available information to continually review and improve processes, maximising the use of technology to keep the school running efficiently

What We’re Looking For

Essential qualifications and experience:

•   Level 2 Maths and English (or equivalent)

•   CIPD Level 3 Certificate (or working towards)

•   Demonstrable knowledge of HR practices, procedures, and relevant employment legislation

•   Experience providing HR support within a large organisation

•   Exceptional IT skills, including Word, Excel (including formulae), and Outlook, with the ability to adapt quickly to bespoke software

•   Strong analytical and data skills, with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail

•   Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure

•   Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to explain complex HR information clearly and sensitively

•   Experience dealing with difficult and emotive situations with professionalism and discretion

•   A commitment to confidentiality and the highest professional standards

Desirable:

•   CIPD Level 5 (or actively working towards it)

•   Experience of high-volume recruitment and onboarding

•   Experience administering monthly payroll

•   Understanding of Local Government and/or Teachers’ terms and conditions

Why Join Us?

•   Be part of a school with a genuine, values-led mission that makes a real difference to young people’s lives

•   Benefit from full support, mentoring, and structured guidance from an experienced HR Manager

•   Access excellent career development opportunities and continuing professional development

•   Join a collaborative, friendly team in a rewarding and dynamic working environment

•   Enjoy Local Government terms and conditions with a competitive salary

How to Apply

For further information, to request an application pack, or to arrange a pre-application visit to the school, please contact us at:

[email protected]

Full details and the application form are available at:

www.abbotsleaschool.co.uk/vacancies