House Parent in Cambridge

Founded by school friends and Oxford graduates, Oxford Summer Courses is part of the Summer Discovery Group. We are driven by a singular vision: to inspire and nurture independent thought through world‑class education. As a certified B Corp, we are also committed to making a positive social and environmental impact. Our students aged 9‑24 explore their passions, challenge their thinking, and immerse themselves in academic traditions across multiple prestigious locations in Oxford, Cambridge and top boarding schools. We believe that education should be as unique as the student. That’s why we offer a fully tailored learning experience with no rigid syllabus. Instead, our tutors adapt each course to the specific interests and goals of the students attending.

About the role:

• Champion student safeguarding and wellbeing through proactive problem‑solving, compassion, and empathy.
• Support the wellbeing, safety, and safeguarding of residential students (ages 13‑24, depending on the site).
• Work closely with the Welfare Manager and senior team to foster a safe, inclusive environment.
• Assist with the coordination of the social and cultural programme, ensuring enriching and well‑supervised experiences for all students.

Dates:

• Course dates between the start of July and mid‑August 2026
• £812.51 per week (£725 weekly pay + accrued holiday pay, paid in the final payroll)

Additional benefits:

• Accommodation and selected meals included
• Paid training
• Enhanced DBS provided (if required)

Working pattern:

• Saturday to Saturday, up to 55 hours per week on a shift pattern with overnight duties
• 1 day off per week

Reports to:

• Deputy Centre Director / Safeguarding & Welfare Manager

Safeguarding support:

• Support the pastoral team in implementing and maintaining safeguarding policies, ensuring compliance with UK legislation and internal policies.

Incident management:

• Contribute to the resolution of safeguarding and behavioural concerns, maintaining accurate records and reporting concerns effectively.

Welfare initiatives:

• Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, addressing welfare concerns promptly.

Pastoral care coordination:

• Help coordinate pastoral support on site to address students’ emotional, social, and behavioural needs.

Communication and liaison:

• Maintain clear communication with the Welfare Manager, senior leadership, Activity Coordinators, and Head Office regarding welfare matters and safeguarding concerns.

Activity programme support:

• Assist in the planning, organisation, and supervision of excursions, evening events, and recreational activities, ensuring all activities are safe, engaging, and inclusive.

Residential duties:

• Perform residential duties including morning registrations, meal time supervision, curfew checks and overnight phone duty.

About you:

• You’re an empathetic and approachable professional with a strong commitment to safeguarding and student welfare.
• You can foster a supportive environment, respond sensitively demonstrating sound judgement and decisively to concerns, advocate for students, and collaborate effectively within a fast‑paced, dynamic team.
• Experience of working in a pastoral, welfare, or safeguarding role, preferably within an educational or residential summer school setting.
• Clear evidence of problem‑solving with the ability to take initiative and make informed decisions in emergency situations.
• Proven ability to navigate challenging situations, involving student welfare and safeguarding, offering thoughtful solutions while maintaining high standards of pastoral care and professionalism.
• Excellent communication and organisation skills with the ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
• Right to work in the UK (we cannot sponsor work visas for this role).
• Knowledge of key safeguarding laws and practices and its application to a residential education setting; you may hold a Level 3 (DSL) Safeguarding certificate.
• Experience handling incidents, resolving conflicts, and providing support to individuals with SEN or mental health needs.
• Familiarity with summer school environments and the diverse needs of children and young people.

Oxford Summer Courses is committed to safeguarding and protecting children. All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks, and references are requested and, where appropriate, validated. Only successful applicants will be contacted. This advert does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Candidates are assessed solely on their merits, qualifications, and ability to perform the role. Reasonable adjustment requests, including accessible documents or interview modifications, are welcomed and should be communicated to the recruitment team.