Head of Boarding House Oxford, England
Job description
Job Title: Head of House
Reports to: Director of Boarding
Liaises with: Facilities Manager; Vice Principal & DSL, Senior Tutors; College Matron; Director of Admissions; Catering Contractor
Line Manages: House Parents, Assistant House Parents
Job Purpose
The Head of House is responsible to the Director of Boarding and pastoral care of all boarding students and, in particular, ensuring that both directly and through effective management of the House Parents, that all boarding staff provide a happy and welcoming environment in which students can enjoy their boarding experience.
The Head of House will perform a key role in the College’s student boarding provision through their management of the College’s boarding houses and line management of House parents and will work closely with the Director of Boarding and Facilities Manager to ensure the that is fully compliant with the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for boarding schools.
Key Duties
· To support the Principal, Vice Principal and Director of Boarding in the development of boarding at the College
· Monitor, oversee and maintain the welfare, safety, discipline, and pastoral well-being of all members of the boarding house.
· Ensure the implementation and maintenance of National Minimum Standards within the boarding house practices and processes.
· Assist the Director of Boarding in the planning and preparation for and overseeing boarding inspections.
· Be part of the safeguarding team, be aware of all aspects of safeguarding and attend relevant training; make appropriate referrals to the College’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
· Organising the boarding routines with the cooperation and support of the boarding staff to ensure the security, safety, and well-being of all boarders, appropriate to the age of the boarders. Support and share day to day tasks with the boarding staff where necessary.
· Communicating regularly and effectively with the Director of Boarding and senior tutors on issues relating to the general welfare of boarders, in particular matters causing concern
· To set, supervise and monitor houseparent duty rotas to ensure there is adequate and appropriate supervision in the boarding house.
· Establish and maintain appropriate standards for boarders of discipline and behaviour
· Plan in advance weekend activities for boarders within agreed cost limits agreed and ensuring that the relevant staff on duty are fully briefed to carry out the planned activity.
· Being present, before and after each term to ensure that arrangements and facilities for boarders returning or leaving are in place or properly closed down.
· Assist the Director of Admissions with the allocation of boarders to boarding houses and rooms within each boarding house
· Meeting formally with senior tutors to review all matters affecting the welfare of boarders
· Be a presence daily within the boarding houses to allow boarders to give their thoughts and feelings regarding their boarding experience
· Ensure students’ medical needs are fully met by the boarding team.
· Appraise House parents in line with the College’s performance review system
· Assist the Facilities Manager to ensure the implementation of Health and Safety recommendations as detailed within the College’s health and safety and educational visits policies
· Be abreast and keep updated on all boarding legislation
· To act in loco parentis and as an appropriate role model for all the boarders
· To be available in term time and during half terms to meet with prospective boarding students and their parents
· To assist the Director of Boarding to create a comprehensive induction programme for all new boarders
· To work with the catering contractor to ensure that the food is of excellent quality and variety
· Ensure that health & safety in the boarding house is adhered to meticulously
· Hold a full set of keys for the boarding house for emergencies
· Liaise with Facilities Manager to ensure effective provision of cleaning services in the boarding houses
· To liaise and work with the other Head of House to ensure parity and the sharing of good practice
· To be on call outside of normal working hours as per an agreed schedule
Key Duties – Administration
· To ensure the completion of Health and Safety paperwork in coordination with the Facilities Manager and the College’s health and safety and educational visits policies
· To ensure regular recording within the maintenance logbook
· To ensure the maintenance of accurate medical records in liaison with the College Matron
· To ensure that accurate and detailed records of those students provided with first aid are kept in liaison with the College Matron
· To ensure the maintenance of an inventory of supplies for first aid kits to ensure there are sufficient supplies at all times in liaison with the College Matron
· To maintain detailed records of departures and arrivals of students
· To maintain an accurate and detailed central record of boarding complaints and concerns
· Retain, maintain and distribute as required an accurate record of students living in the College’s boarding houses
· To ensure that a comprehensive set of induction material is available to be sent out to new boarders before their arrival at the College
· To ensure that evidence of NMS compliance is readily available for inspection in liaison with the Facilities Manager and Director of Boarding
Additional Duties
· Actively promote and market the College and present a positive image of the College and its activities both within and outside the College environment
· To participate in student recruitment activities, such as agent familiarisation trips, prospective student/parent visits
· To attend relevant professional development courses and external meetings as representative of the College
· To carry out any duties at all times in accordance with the College’s policies including Data Protection, Health and Safety, Child Protection and Safeguarding Policies
· To ensure Data Protection policies are adhered to at all times.
To undertake any other responsibilities commensurate with the grade of the post, which the Principal or their senior management representative may from time to time require
Personal Specification
Essential Qualifications
Good standard of spoken and written English
Desirable Qualifications
A degree
First Aid
A second language
A BSA or equivalent boarding qualification
Safeguarding advanced level
Prevent Duty training
Activity leader or sports instructor
Knowledge and experience
Essential
A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a boarding role
Have high expectations of yourself and your team
Be able to understand the balance & demands of everyday boarding life
An understanding of National Minimum Boarding Standards
Experience of organizing and managing student activities, trips and events
Skills
The ability to communicate effectively with staff, students and visitors; present ideas and information clearly, concisely and accurately both verbally and in writing
Interpersonal skills - the ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships with staff & students
Computer literate; ability to use Microsoft suite and databases
Good administrative skills - a methodical approach; attention to detail and, accurate recording of information
Previous management of staff
The ability to analyses data accurately and present your findings logically
Personal qualities and attributes
Ability to prioritise and organise effectively
Have a warm, enthusiastic and positive outlook
Strong teamwork ethos and ability to work independently
Be able to maintain confidentiality
Committed to excellence and strive for continuous improvement
Be flexible and approachable
Ability to stay calm and maintain a professional demeanour at all times
Ability to challenge staff appropriately
The ability to reflect on ones actions and learn from mistakes
Having the resilience needed to manage the demands of the role and frequent changing landscape
We reserve the right to introduce changes in line with technological developments which may impact upon the job duties or methods of working
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: From £39,462.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Oxford, OX1 4HT: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Boarding: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
