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- Tasks: Join our Parent Association to support school events and communicate with parents.
- Company: Old Swinford Hospital is a leading state boarding school with a rich history and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, build connections, and contribute to a supportive community.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey towards co-education and make a real impact in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Reliability, organisation, politeness, and a team player attitude are essential.
- Other info: This role requires a DBS check to ensure child safety.
Old Swinford Hospital is one of the country’s leading state boarding schools. A large number of the School’s students are boarders who come from a wide range of backgrounds in the UK and also from the EU and overseas. A third of our pupils are day pupils, who usually go home after lessons, unless they are involved in sport or music, CCF or DofE. The School is now on an exciting journey to become fully co-educational by 2025. Girls joined us in September 2021 in Year 7, whilst the Sixth Form has been mixed since 2004.
OSH is a calm place to work. It is inclusive, tolerant and welcoming. The atmosphere is supportive and orderly, and it is also very relaxed because for many of our pupils their school is also their home. Parents, pupils and staff are all on the same side and our pupils want to learn before going out into the wider world and making their own contribution to it.
We have recently had two very favourable Ofsted visits, one for boarding and one for curriculum. You can see these via our website www.oshsch.com. We enjoy a very good academic reputation and regularly feature in the lists of the most academically successful maintained schools. We’re not about league tables, however. We pride ourselves on developing in our pupils a balance of academic achievement, character and resilience and we’ve been doing this now for nearly 360 years.
Our extensive extra-curricular programme contributes to our pupils becoming happy, healthy and interested young people, for whom sport, music, art, drama, and outdoor pursuits feature in their everyday lives. A major building programme has recently been completed which includes a large extension to an already impressive sports centre, an all-weather floodlit sports pitch, a new teaching block with a specialist arts room, a performing arts centre and a new senior boarding house. Other recent developments include a new off-site sports ground and a new food technology centre. From September 2021, university style teaching accommodation has enhanced and extended our campus in a new block, ‘Swinford Court’. In September 2024 we opened our second girls boarding house.
Person Specification
- Reliable and committed
- Organised
- Polite
- Team player
To hold and attend PA meetings, ensuring they are effective and that decisions taken at the meetings are carried out in a manner that reflects the needs and wishes of the representatives of the PA. To ensure the PA business is conducted in an open and transparent way. The Chair and Treasurer to the PA to prepare annual reports. Be welcoming to parents of the PA. To help communicate to parents, wider school and community about meetings, news and events.
Old Swinford Services Ltd welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.
Suitability to Work with Children
Old Swinford Services Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants are required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.
Contact Detail:
Old Swinford Hospital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteers for the Parent Association (PA)
✨Tip Number 1
Get involved in the school community before applying. Attend events or meetings related to the Parent Association to show your commitment and understanding of their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current volunteers or staff members at Old Swinford Hospital. They can provide insights into the role and may even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the school's recent developments and achievements. Being knowledgeable about the school will help you engage more effectively during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your organisational skills by suggesting ideas for improving PA meetings or events. This shows initiative and your ability to contribute positively to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteers for the Parent Association (PA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and expectations of a volunteer for the Parent Association. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children, in community roles, or in team settings. Mention specific examples that demonstrate your reliability, organisation, and ability to work well with others.
Show Your Commitment: Express your commitment to the values of Old Swinford Hospital and the Parent Association. Discuss why you want to be involved and how you can contribute positively to the school community.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Old Swinford Hospital
✨Show Your Commitment
Demonstrate your reliability and commitment to the Parent Association's goals. Share examples of how you've been involved in community or school activities, highlighting your dedication to supporting students and parents alike.
✨Be Organised
Prepare for the interview by organising your thoughts on how you can contribute to the PA. Bring along any relevant documents or notes that showcase your ideas for effective meetings and communication strategies.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
As a team player, it's important to convey your ability to work collaboratively. Discuss past experiences where you've successfully worked with others to achieve common goals, especially in a school or community setting.
✨Communicate Openly
Since transparency is key for the PA, be ready to discuss how you would ensure open communication with parents and the wider school community. Share your thoughts on how to keep everyone informed about meetings, news, and events.
