Job Summary
Abbotsholme is a co-educational, boarding and day school set in a large, beautiful estate on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. We are committed to a holistic philosophy of education, striving to nurture and develop pupils' strengths and abilities through excellence in academic studies, superb pastoral care and a unique and broad-ranging extra-curricular programme.
Houseparent
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Houseparent to work within our growing boarding team, and increased numbers of boarders.
This role would be perfect for a person with a "can do" attitude who may be considering a career in Education and is passionate about quality pastoral care.
The role is covering the boarding house any 5 days out of 7, including weekend cover, working 3 out of 4 weekends, during term time plus 1 week for boarding plus.
Working within the Boarding department, the houseparent will take an active interest in the lives of the pupils in the four boarding houses. They will be responsible for supporting the houseparents' in promoting welfare and safety standards along with planning activities for all the boarding students in their house.
The houseparent role will also include:
Management
* To exhibit a duty of care towards the boarders and to meet regularly to discuss pastoral matters, including minuted staff meetings.
* To liaise regularly with the head of maintenance in relation to fixtures and fittings, security and safety matters.
* To liaise, on a daily basis with the school medical department on the health of boarders.
* To co-ordinate and oversee the start of term, half-term and end of term travel arrangements for all boarders within the house.
* To ensure an adult presence in the house at all times when there are pupils in situ – as required by the Children's Act.
Pupil Support
* To discharge a "duty of care" for all boarders under their care.
* To act as the established point of contact for all boarders on pastoral matters originating in the house. Form tutors normally take this role in academic areas during the school day. The houseparent is expected to liaise closely with pastoral support staff.
* To maintain the requirements of the national minimum standards in boarding within the home – including telephones, hygiene, quiet space and refreshments.
* To have an emergency plan in place if a boarder is suddenly ill at night or at weekends.
* To monitor the academic progress of boarders through a clearly organised structure
* To encourage boarders to participate in house games and activities and to take the initiative for house programmes at weekends and after prep.
* To ensure the good, neat and appropriate appearance of the pupils in the house and adherence to clothing regulations.
* To exercise such discipline as is necessary, within the context of school policies, to ensure the smooth running of the house.
* To have in place an easily recognised 'complaints' system for boarders.
* To help and assist in all matters relating to lost property.
* To ensure pupil's pocket money is handed to the boarding co-ordinators
* To organise trips and visits at weekends.
* To ensure passports are held safely, or if the pupil want to retain ownership, to ensure they have signed for this.
Parental Links
* To be readily available to speak to parents about the affairs of boarders.
* To be available to meet parents as and when requested.
* To routinely liaise with the Headmistress and Boarding Co-Ordinators over any parental complaints regarding boarding.
* To encourage mutually beneficial links between the school and parents of boarders, working in partnership whenever possible.
* To be available at all parent-teacher meetings to discuss boarding house matters.
* To help organise open days/evenings.
* To help organise events such as boarding dinners.
Administration
* To have in place clearly stated house rules.
* To construct and organise the implementation of:
i. Duty 'boarder' rotas (for kitchen, common-room etc.,)
ii. The daily routine
iii. Registers
iv. Prep supervision
v. Signing 'in' and 'out' system
vi. Room lists
vii. Complaints Form
viii. Digital log for incidents/damage/punishments
ix. Settling in report comments
x. Family report comments
xi. Forms for pocket money
xii. Forms for medicine brought to school
* To ensure that at the end of term and half-term the House is left secure and tidy.
This position can be residential (self-contained accommodation provided) or the member of staff could live off-site on the understanding that they will stay in the boarding house during their overnight shifts, in staff duty accommodation, subject to availability.
Experience of working with children in a boarding house environment is essential.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to work in one of the most unique schools in the country.
To apply, please complete the school application form and submit it together with a covering letter outlining your suitability to
Job type: Full-time
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person