School receptionist job

[Mummyof32020]

Hi everyone, so I've recently been hired as a school receptionist and I start in September. They haven't said what the dress code is I just know there is no uniform and obviously no low cut clothes. What do school receptionists wear?? I want to buy some new clothes to wear but don't think suits will be suitable think they are too formal but what type of thing do receptionists wear in your kids schools ? Thanks in advance x

Hi OP, congratulations on your new job! I work as a special school administrator and have previously worked as a receptionist in both primary and secondary settings. Bear in mind you will be sitting for much of your working day so make sure you’re comfortable, avoid tight waistbands in particular. Flat but smartish shoes such as ballet pumps or ankle boots are sensible as you may have to carry heavy boxes of paper/files or similar around, or deal with deliveries.
I usually go for a knee length T-shirt dress (they prefer shoulders/tops of arms covered where I work), over leggings or tights, with a cardigan or soft jacket added over the top in the colder months. Or black/navy trousers with a long sleeved top or thin jumper in winter. Nothing low cut definitely! Next and Sainsbury’s are both pretty good for buying work clothes.

Some dresses will probably be a good start along with some smartish trousers and nice tops.
Be comfy and smart but not too formal.

Comfy shoes are important as I imagine you’ll do a fair amount of running around the school.

Thank you both for your replies. Im off shopping this weekend so will try pick up some smart/casual yet comfy stuff. Extremely nervous as have never worked as a school receptionist so I've no clue what to expect haha.

You’ll be sitting and walking around in equal amounts. Comfy shoes and clothes you stretch in. Raincoat for running into playground when electric gate jams or to help teachers carry their stuff to cars etc.

Most wear leggings and long top or mid length skirt with a blouse. So smart for the governors but washable when covered in child’s tears or snot!

I'm a primary school administrator and wear a combo of dresses/leggings and tunics/trousers and tops all with reasonably smart flat shoes or boots. Our school is fine with open toes and flip flops but a lot aren't. No accidental boob or pants flashing! There's a lot of bending down over small children in primary!

Secondary seem to be smarter than primary. Ours (primary) tends to dress similarly to us (the teachers)-fairly smart but comfortable.

Flats, dresses, trousers, fine knits or blouse/shirt and cardi. Couple of nice necklaces if you like. No need for a jacket or heels.

Waterproof coat if you’ll need to walk across the playground to get from one building to another.

Primary or secondary?

Secondary will be more formal in my experience. I wouldn't wear leggings unless you saw others doing it. It wouldn't be ok where I work (secondary).

I'd go with a business dress, or blouse and trousers for the first couple of days and see what everyone else is wearing.

Any school receptionist in my daughter schools were smart, but not formal work attire, so blouses, trousers, nice jumpers that sort of thing. I’ve never seen one in t shirt dresses or casual wear to be honest. I guess it depends on th school.

Thanks everyone. It's primary x

I did all sorts when I was a school receptionist, it was very busy. I tend not to feel so comfortable in dresses so I wore black/navy trousers, jersey tops and cardigans, flat shoes. Which I think I’ve seen described as the uniform of bored admin assistants everywhere. However, it wasn’t a boring job, just sometimes a bit hectic.

Sorry, by T-shirt dress I mean something like this, probably not the right term! A shift dress with short sleeves basically.

I've never worked in secondary but yes, there's a lot more dealing with snot/vomit/blood/general moisture in primary so the clothes tend to reflect that.

I'm a primary teacher and the office staff generally wear similar to us, apart from the business manager who goes full on formal because she has nothing to do with children. The rule that I was told many years ago in teacher training went like this: if you can see up it, down it or through it, don't wear it. Go for smart, comfortable and washable! The school should have a dress code policy and it can vary from school to school. I've taught in schools where leggings were not allowed, no knee high boots, no sleeveless dresses or tops and all sorts of other seemingly silly rules.

Comfy shoes are important as I imagine you’ll do a fair amount of running around the school.

Make sure the footwear you buy gives your feet good support (both soles and heels). Also shoes that come a little way up your instep (so avoiding slipping off) or good fastening (eg Mary-Jane type shoes with a strap across your foot or lace ups/brogues etc) which work well with both skirts and trousers.

When you buy them wear them out and about so your feet are used to them before you start your new job.

Uncomfortable or ill fitting shoes can affect your whole body.

Congratulations on your new job OP! 🌹

Hi. I saw a vacancy at a special school near me as an admin assistant. Not sure if i should apply as I worked as a Teaching Assistant for a very short while with special children and found it very challenging. Your thoughts?

As an admin assistant in a special school you will likely have very little to do with the children most of the time, unless you are based on a reception desk where students are allowed to come to you to ask for photocopying, the key to the art room, for some fruit for snack etc. But they should be accompanied by a TA, MTA or teacher when this happens. Most of the admin staff at the school I work at are involved with admissions/attendance/pupil data, finance, HR, or annual reviews of EHCP. Definitely worth asking about level of direct contact with students if you are concerned.

Thank you for your reply. 😊