JOB DESCRIPTION

Non-Teaching Boarding Houseparent (Weekends)

OLD BUCKENHAM HALLBrettenham Park, Nr. Lavenham,

Suffolk, IP7 7PH 01449 740252

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To act ‘in loco parentis’ for the boarders ensuring

a supportive home from home environment that

promotes the physical and emotional well-being of

pupils.

• To work closely with the Head of Boarding and liaise

with other boarding staff, the medical staff and parents

to ensure high standards of pastoral care.

• Promote and maintain discipline.

• Keep accurate records of disciplinary and pastoral

incidents relating to pupils.

• Ensure that health and safety procedures including fire

precautions are heeded.

• Supervise pupils’ waking, washing and dressing

arrangements, preparation for bed and ‘lights-out’.

• Play an active and leading role in the organisation

of trips and weekend activities for students in the

Boarding House. With the Head of Boarding ensure

that a full and varied programme of extra-curricular

activities is available and encourage pupils to be

involved in a range of activities.

• Oversee all mealtimes.

• Ensure routines for washing and laundry are followed.

• Attend INSET and a boarding meeting at the beginning

of each term.

• Uphold Health and Safety standards in line with the

National Minimum Standards, the School’s Policies

and Statement of Boarding Principles and Practice.

• Oversee the safe storage of pocket money.

• Keep receipts and accurate records of any money

spent on trips and outings.

• Inform the designated person for Child Protection if

there are any concerns regarding Child Protection or

JOB TITLE: Non-Teaching Boarding Houseparent (Weekends)

HOURS: This is a residential term-time only role to cover the weekends.

There are approximately 23 weekends in an academic year.

“Home” weekends: Friday 3.30pm - Sunday 7.00pm;

“In” weekends: Saturday 4.00pm - Sunday 7.00pm.

An onsite flat will be available for the weekends.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Boarding, Deputy Head Teacher, Headmaster

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Weekend Boarding pupils

PURPOSE OF THE JOB: The main focus is on supporting the pupils in leading a full life at school and

providing continuity of care over the weekends.

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the safeguarding of children or anything that would

require further action beyond the remit of the House

staff. The House parent may not keep any matter

confidential that might seriously affect an individual

pupil, other pupils or the reputation of the school. Any

matters of this nature should immediately be brought

to the attention of the Headmaster and DSL.

• Any other duties as may reasonably be required and

that fall within the scope and range of the job.

OTHER ASPECTS:All meals are provided free.

A clean driving license is essential. School transport will be

available for use on weekends as transport for weekend

activities.

House Parents must be keenly aware of their moral position

as guardian of young students in a school community.

This means that personal desires may sometimes give

way to the needs of the institution. All resident staff

are responsible for setting a good example for students

to follow, maintaining strict confidentiality and avoiding

potentially ‘dangerous’ or anti-social types of behavior.

All duties will be carried out within recognised procedure

or guidelines and appropriate training will be given where

necessary. The House Parents will be required to undertake

and / or maintain training / professional development

associated with this position.

The duties and responsibilities of this post may vary

from time to time and post holders may be expected

to undertake other duties of a similar nature, which are

considered appropriate.

We are committed to safeguarding children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful applicants are required to complete Disclosure Application Forms which

means providing criminal conviction information.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

Non-Teaching Boarding Houseparent (Weekends)

1st Issue: August 2008

Non-Teaching Houseparent Person Specification Skills Required:

Ability to provide and facilitate safe and creative play opportunities

Essential

Ability to use language and other communication skills to which children can relate

Essential

Ability to empathise with the needs of children Essential Ability to work effectively with other colleagues and parents Essential

Knowledge Base:

Knowledge of Child Protection issues Essential Understanding of health & safety requirements Essential Knowledge of the use of basic technology i.e. photo-copier, computer, DVD and digital camera

Desirable

Qualifications/Attainment:

Level NVQs/SVQs in Caring for Children and Young People 2 – 4 Desirable CACHE (Council for Awards in Children’s Care and Education) Desirable Diploma in Childcare and Education (formerly NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing)

Desirable

BTEC First Diploma in Caring Desirable Nursing Diploma Desirable Nursing Degree Desirable First Aid qualification or willingness to acquire Desirable

Experience:

Relevant experience in a child care setting Essential Demonstrable evidence of establishing positive relationships with children Essential

Attitude/Approach:

Willingness to adopt a flexible approach Essential Willingness to work as part of a team Essential Empathy with children Essential

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