We are seeking to appoint a Resident Matron to support the smooth running of our Boarding House, Archers Lodge. The primary role of the Resident Matron is to support the Boarding staff team within the Boarding House, to ensure pupils thrive in their home-from-home environment. The post-holder will be committed to supporting the personal development of boarders, acting as a role model to pupils through professional conduct, reflecting our expectations of high standards.
We are seeking a confident, resilient, well-rounded individual with good flexibility to be able to adapt to changing circumstances to fulfil the role which will comprise primarily of house duties, administration, and boarding activities.
Purpose and Responsibilities PASTORAL
* To be jointly responsible for the welfare, care and safety of boarders
* Every member of staff has a duty to commit to the safeguarding, happiness and welfare of all pupils at the school, in accordance with the requirements of the Terms and Conditions (Contract), the Staff Handbook, Boarding Handbook, school aims and policies
* Follow procedures as detailed in the school’s Welfare and Safeguarding, Behaviour Management and Health and Safety Policies and advise the Head of Boarding, Housemaster and DSL of any safeguarding issues relating to boarding pupils or matters requiring attention within boarding
* Have high expectations of boarders regarding hygiene, appearance and tidiness
* Assist the boarders, especially younger ones, in ensuring they have all they need and neat uniform in the mornings
ENGAGEMENT
* House duties will include assisting the Housemaster in the day-to-day running of the boarding house, including being the lead duty staff one evening per week and one weekend day per week
* Assist with the delivery of the programme of boarding activities, including driving the school 9-seater for boarding trips or local outings.
* Support any reasonable request by the Head, Head of Boarding, Housemaster and Senior Leadership Team
COMPLIANCE
* To work with the Housemaster and Boarding staff team to ensure the National Minimum Boarding Standards are exceeded
* To assist the Head of Boarding and Housemaster when preparing for Inspection of the boarding provision
* Assist with the Health and Safety in the boarding areas including fire practices as required and alerting the Head of Boarding/Housemaster to any concerns
MEDICAL
* Liaise with Boarding staff and the School Nurse to ensure that sick boarders are cared for either at school or in house when unable to attend lessons, providing meals and updating parents/guardians regarding treatment and status of sick boarders
* Arrange and accompany boarders to medical and/or dental appointments when required
* Administer, record, secure and track controlled and non-controlled medication
DOMESTIC MANAGEMENT
* Liaise with the Housemaster to arrange grocery deliveries and order items as required
* Oversee the smooth running of the house laundry to ensure washing is done in a timely manner, machines are maintained and detergent supplies are readily available to students
* Line manage the cleaner(s)
* Report any maintenance issues to the Facilities team
* Assist in the preparation and delivery of the House pre-term for the arrival of pupils and ensure any maintenance issues or repairs are reported to the Facilities Team at the end of each term
TRAINING
* Attend relevant staff INSET and participate in professional development and performance review procedures
* Attend professional training as required and share good practice with other Boarding colleagues
* Maintain up to date First Aid skills
HOURS OF WORK
* It is not feasible to set fixed working hours to address emergencies, overnight for example, and some periods of work will be busier than others. However, generally, the Residential Matron is expected to be on hand to manage both routine issues and emergencies as they occur.
* Entitled to 2 full days off per week (one guaranteed weekend day) plus one additional evening off.
* Be the boarding duty lead on 1 night a week (includes overnight on call), plus an additional 2 weekend days per half term.
* Work the returning Sunday and attend all relevant INSET days outside of term time.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* First Aid Certificate (Essential - Can be arranged by Sherfield)
* Full UK Driving License (Essential)
Skills and Abilities
* Ability to work effectively both in collaboration with other professionals/teams and also on
own initiative. (Essential)
* Excellent interpersonal skills, time management, ability to prioritise and organise own workload and work to deadlines (Essential)
* Willingness to drive school 9-seater (Essential)
* IT literate: Outlook (Essential); experience with Google Drive (Essential) ISAMS and CPOMS (Desirable)
Experience
* Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality procedures, particularly in relation to children and young people (Essential)
* Experience of caring for sick children (Essential)
* Experience of caring for children in a residential setting (Desirable)
Personal Attributes (all essential)
* Outstanding pastoral care showing warmth, sensitivity and empathy
* Enthusiastic with a good sense of humour
* Patience, calm under pressure and flexible in your approach
* Emotionally resilient
* Work as a valued member of the school team promoting a positive environment
* Ability to build a rapport with young people and take a student-centred approach
* Proactive approach to maintaining a clean, safe and nurturing environment for boarders
* A commitment to Sherfield and its values and ethos as a co-educational day and boarding school
* Highly professional in their approach to all aspects of the role demonstrating integrity, energy, honesty, enthusiasm and high expectations
* Ability to achieve a sensible work-life balance
Benefits:
* Year round Accommodation: 1 bedroom top-floor flat within the boarding house
* Meals available on-site when on duty
How to Apply
The closing date for applications is Monday 2nd June 2025
Early applications are encouraged as interviews will commence on receipt, and we reserve the right to interview outstanding candidates before the closing date.
To apply, please complete the Sherfield School Application Form (available to download from www.sherfieldschool.co.uk) along with a short covering letter or email which sets out your interest in the role.
Please send your application form and cover letter via e-mail to Anna Gray, Head of HR
HR@sherfieldschool.co.uk