Claire Kingston
Whitchurch,United Kingdom
Summary
Previous experience of working within a Primary School environment with Level 3 Early Years qualification.
Excellent interpersonal skills and experience with interactions with children and parents.
Confident telephone manner
Detail-oriented professional with expertise in accounting fundamentals, data entry, and invoicing, complemented by proficiency in Microsoft Office. Adept at calendar and email management, ensuring seamless organisation and communication. Demonstrates strong task flexibility, professional discretion, and telephone etiquette to support efficient operations. Committed to leveraging skills in administrative support to contribute to organisational success.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
11930
11930
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Administrative assistant
The Watership Down Inn
Freefolk, Hampshire
07.2024 - Current
- Oversaw two business mailboxes to ensure prompt communication.
- Facilitated customer reservations for hotel and restaurant using Qbook, Resdiary, and Avinesta.
- Responded to enquiries from Booking.com to enhance customer experience.
- Liaised with on-site staff regarding guest changes, needs, and requests.
- Managed large party bookings, ensuring timely fulfilment of all requests.
- Coordinated bespoke events through client meetings to ascertain requirements.
- Facilitated communication between departments to streamline operational processes.
Director
Kingston Construction Hampshire Ltd
Whitchurch, Hampshire
11.2002 - Current
- Updated accounting software with weekly and monthly invoices.
- Arranged payment for end-of-month bills.
- Liaised with accountants to supply information for quarterly and annual returns.
- Reported Construction Industry Scheme returns to HMRC on a monthly basis.
- Maintained company website and social media platforms for enhanced visibility.
Welfare officer - volountary
Whitchurch United Football Club
Whitchurch, Hampshire
07.2017 - 08.2020
- Managed DBS applications for all youth football club volunteers across various roles.
- Oversaw training records for coaches and team assistants to ensure compliance.
- Documented monthly committee meetings and distributed accurate minutes to members.
- Reported welfare incidents to FA, facilitating timely investigations.
- Participated in Welfare meetings, providing support to Chairman during mediation.
- Engaged with players and parents at training sessions, outlining role and contact methods.
- Co-organised annual charity football match, including advertising and local sponsorship outreach.
- Solely organised monthly fundraising quiz nights to enhance club resources.
Volunteer classroom assistant
Whitchurch C of E Primary School
Whitchurch, Hampshire
09.2014 - 07.2017
- Supported students individually, facilitating comprehension of complex concepts.
- Organised resources and materials for enhanced classroom accessibility.
- Fostered an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging active student participation.
- Maintained academic standards by assisting with homework checking.
- Supervised lunch and break times, ensuring safety of all students.
- Prepared visual aids to enrich educational delivery.
- Mentored students by exemplifying positive behaviour and high standards.
- Provided logistical assistance during field trips for student safety.
- Ran several 8 week lunchtime cookery clubs for KS2
Play worker
Simply Out of School
Whitchurch, Hampshire
03.2014 - 07.2016
- Facilitated engaging play activities to enhance social interaction and teamwork among children.
- Supervised indoor and outdoor play areas, ensuring safety and compliance with guidelines.
- Developed creative play schemes that supported children's physical and cognitive development.
- Communicated with parents and guardians to address concerns and provide regular updates.
- Evaluated children's play behaviours to identify individual needs and deliver tailored support.
- Collaborated with colleagues to foster a positive, inclusive environment for all children.
- Tailored activities to meet individual needs, promoting inclusive participation within the group.
- Assisted in developing conflict resolution skills through role-play techniques.
Preschool assistant
Rising Fives Pre-School
Whitchurch, Hampshire
09.2010 - 06.2015
- Supported children in developing social skills through structured play and interaction following EYFS guidelines.
- Monitored safety and well-being of all children within classroom environment.
- Provided continuous supervision during meals, relaxation, toileting, and play.
- Engaged children in creative activities to foster imagination and expression.
- Facilitated communication between parents and staff regarding individual progress and behaviour.
- Organised classroom resources to create an inviting learning space.
- Promoted positive behaviour through reinforcement techniques and consistent guidance.
- Assisted in setting up displays that showcased students' work, enhancing pride and achievement.
Beaver Leader - Voluntary
Scouting Association
Whitchurch, Hampshire
09.2011 - 03.2014
- Facilitated weekly sessions that combined enjoyment with badge earning.
- Sourced and developed resources aligned with weekly themes.
- Conducted risk assessments for all activities to ensure safety.
- Tailored events to include children with SEND, promoting inclusivity.
Benefits Assesor
Test Valley Borough Council
Andover, Hampshire
05.2002 - 09.2006
- Assessed eligibility for housing and council tax benefits ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Provided guidance and support to claimants navigating benefits applications and processes.
- Resolved client inquiries and concerns regarding benefits with a high level of professionalism.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of assessment criteria and industry standards, ensuring fair evaluations.
- Maintained records of client interactions and benefits assessments in designated systems.
- Assessed Business Rates and kept up to date records of new and existing businesses.
- Identified where fraud may be present and collated all evidential information and followed procedure to ensure the Fraud Team were equipped to move forward with investigation
- Liaised with the collection agency where businesses and individuals were in continual arrears and followed procedure to ensure they were able to accept the case
Shop assistant
Katherine Jane
Odiham, Hampshire
10.2000 - 05.2002
- Assisted customers by providing product information and guidance on purchasing decisions.
- Maintained stock levels by regularly checking inventory and replenishing shelves as needed.
- Handled transactions efficiently at the till, ensuring a smooth checkout experience for customers.
- Responded to customer inquiries and resolved issues to improve overall satisfaction.
- Monitored store cleanliness and organisation, contributing to a welcoming shopping environment.
- Assisted in inventory counts, maintaining accurate records.
- Completed restocking swiftly post delivery arrival to ensure immediate product availability.
- Updated window displays regularly for fresh store appeal.
Hairdresser
Various Salons
Hook, Odiham, Overton, Hampshire
07.1991 - 09.2000
- Provided exceptional customer service by understanding client needs and preferences.
- Developed and implemented customised hair care solutions for diverse clientele.
- Trained and mentored junior staff in advanced cutting and styling techniques.
- Maintained cleanliness and organisation of workstations to ensure a safe environment.
- Utilised a range of hairdressing tools and products to achieve desired results.
- Collaborated with team members to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
- Advised clients on hair care products and maintenance for optimal results.
- Attended ongoing training sessions to stay updated with current trends and techniques.
- Increased repeat business by providing high-quality haircuts.
- Maintained a clean and hygienic work area for optimal health and safety compliance.
- Promoted from junior stylist to senior stylist due to exemplary performance.
- Ensured booking system efficiency for improved customer experience.
- Ensured adherence to industry standards and regulations; promoted safe working environment.
Education
NVQ Level 3 - Early Years
Andover College
Andover, Hampshire 09.2012 - 05.2013
Safeguarding - Safeguarding for Early Education and Child Care Providers
In-Trac
Whitchurch, Hampshire 01.2015 - 01.2015
GCSE - Science
Basingstoke College of Technology
Basingstoke, Hampshire 09.2014 - 06.2015
Safeguarding Workshop
Outcomes UK
Basingstoke, Hampshire 09.2011 - 10.2011
City & Guilds Level 2 - Hair and Beauty
Basingstoke College of Technology
Basingstoke, Hampshire 09.1989 - 06.1991
GCSE - Art & Design (Drawing & Painting)
Robert Mays SChool
Odiham 04.2001 - 06.1989
GCSEs - Art & Design (Graphics)
Robert Mays School
Odiham, HampshireGCSEs - Mathematics
Robert Mays School
Odiham, HampshireGCSEs - Art & Design (Textiles)
Robert Mays School
Odiham, HampshireGCSEs - History
Robert Mays School
Odiham, HampshireGCSEs - English
Robert Mays School
Odiham, HampshireGCSEs - French
Robert Mays School
Odiham, HampshireSkills
- Task flexibility
- Accounting fundamentals
- Calendar management
- Data entry and invoicing
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Telephone etiquette
- Professional discretion
- Email management efficiency
Affiliations
- Gardening
- Reading
- Painting
- Design
- Gym
Timeline
Administrative assistant
The Watership Down Inn
07.2024 - Current
Welfare officer - volountary
Whitchurch United Football Club
07.2017 - 08.2020
Safeguarding - Safeguarding for Early Education and Child Care Providers
In-Trac
01.2015 - 01.2015
Volunteer classroom assistant
Whitchurch C of E Primary School
09.2014 - 07.2017
GCSE - Science
Basingstoke College of Technology
09.2014 - 06.2015
Play worker
Simply Out of School
03.2014 - 07.2016
NVQ Level 3 - Early Years
Andover College
09.2012 - 05.2013
Beaver Leader - Voluntary
Scouting Association
09.2011 - 03.2014
Safeguarding Workshop
Outcomes UK
09.2011 - 10.2011
Preschool assistant
Rising Fives Pre-School
09.2010 - 06.2015
Director
Kingston Construction Hampshire Ltd
11.2002 - Current
Benefits Assesor
Test Valley Borough Council
05.2002 - 09.2006
GCSE - Art & Design (Drawing & Painting)
Robert Mays SChool
04.2001 - 06.1989
Shop assistant
Katherine Jane
10.2000 - 05.2002
Hairdresser
Various Salons
07.1991 - 09.2000
City & Guilds Level 2 - Hair and Beauty
Basingstoke College of Technology
09.1989 - 06.1991
GCSEs - Art & Design (Graphics)
Robert Mays School
GCSEs - Mathematics
Robert Mays School
GCSEs - Art & Design (Textiles)
Robert Mays School
GCSEs - History
Robert Mays School
GCSEs - English
Robert Mays School
GCSEs - French
Robert Mays School