Job Introduction
Orchard Junior School have a vacancy for a Library Assistant to work in our library area which is at the heart of the school and a vibrant working area.
We are looking for a versatile person who is willing to be flexible with both working hours and the duties they undertake. You are the type of person who is able to multi task, react to circumstances and demands as they arise. We need someone who will ‘muck in’.
Just imagine you are based in the modern well-resourced library right at the heart of our School. You make sure that the area looks inviting to children and parents. A child comes in and asks for your help. You look forward to steering them in the right direction, helping them to find an author they will like and encouraging others to expand their experience.
The reading challenge you have just organised has really inspired the children and their families. The book clubs you run are over-subscribed! You have arranged a celebration with families and the children chatter about the stories you share with them at lunchtime.
Alongside this you support the teachers in using the library effectively, suggesting library skills and games the children may enjoy. The teachers also know you are on hand to help with finding and sourcing books. You will have been trained by the Hampshire School Library Service to use library software and help troubleshoot basic problems. You may not have done this before, but it doesn’t matter because you have an enthusiasm to learn. You will also go into class to support teachers s required.
You love your job, and you understand how key it is to ensure that all children leave our school with a thirst for reading.
We are looking for a hardworking and enthusiastic person to join who has either already worked with children in a school class-based environment or has experience of working in a library.
You have:
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to work on your own and as part of a team
- An extensive knowledge of books for children of Junior age
- Experience of working successfully with children
- An understanding of child-initiated learning
- Good ICT skills (a knowledge of Arbor, CPOMs, Tucasi, Inventry and library software would be advantageous)
- A muck in and can-do approach
- A positive attitude and sense of humour!
- Are flexible and willing to multi task and react to the needs of the school
- Experience of working in admin and possess the related skills
- A warm, welcoming and friendly disposition and be able to put visitors at ease
- Awareness of the importance of safeguarding in an educational context
- Good communication skills and be able to liaise with different stakeholders
- A good standard of education and possess GCSE (or equivalent) level 4 or able in Maths and English
Application Procedure
To apply please obtain an application pack from the school website www.orchardjunior.com and return it to Ms Angela Symes, School Business Manager, angela.symes@orchardjunior.com by Friday 27/06/2025 at 12.00 noon with shortlisting on Monday 30/06/2025. Interview date Monday 07/07/2025
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
