At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the House Master/Mistress in managing a vibrant boarding house.
- Company: St Leonards, a caring and inclusive boarding school.
- Benefits: Live on-site, gain valuable experience, and develop your skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to student welfare and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for youth development and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
To support and deputise for, if required, the House Master/Mistress (HsM) in the leadership and management of a boarding house in accordance with the current Ofsted Framework, the National Minimum Standards for boarding schools, and Care Inspectorate Standards and SSSC Standards. To be resident in the house and provide outstanding care for the boarders’ welfare and personal development.
Core Duties and Responsibilities (shared with all house staff)
- To be aware of the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools, Care Inspectorate and SSSC Standards, School policies and procedures, and School and house aims and objectives;
- To create an environment in the boarding house that is conducive to study and relaxation;
- To build and maintain positive and constructive relationships with pupils, in order to provide them with the best possible care and support;
- To play an active role in ensuring the pupils’ welfare and personal development;
- To ensure the safety of pupils and staff by maintaining accurate records, dealing appropriately with hazards, and reporting any problems;
- To build and maintain strong relationships with parents and guardians;
- To liaise effectively and professionally with other staff in school;
- To participate fully in extra-curricular activities, and to help organise them as required;
- To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons by adhering to and ensuring compliance with the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy at all times.
Main Duties and Responsibilities (specific to the role)
- To accept responsibility for all aspects of the House in the absence of the House Mistress/House Master (HsM);
- To take part in the daily House duty roster and the duties, including ensuring that pupils are up in the morning: manning the Duty Room during the day; bedtime routines including ‘Lights Out’ and checking that pupils have returned to house;
- To assist in dealing with the general maintenance of the House and sending in maintenance and repair requests;
- To assist in the miscellaneous routine checks in the House throughout the day and evening;
- To assist with the various and numerous administrative tasks and duties involved in the day-to-day running of the House;
- To organise pupils’ files and all records in the House;
- To check on pupils who are ill in the house;
- To be responsible on duty nights for locking up the House, closing windows, checking alarms are functioning, and ensuring that lights and other appliances are turned off;
- To assist with Fire Evacuation Drills and weekly Fire Alarm testing;
- To assist with the preparation of the House before the start of term starts and to ensure that it is left in order after the end of term.
Leadership and Management of Boarding Staff
- To provide support to the HsM in the management of all boarding house staff including cover, staff meetings, sharing of information with teaching staff etc.
Students
- To be responsible for the care and welfare of the boarders in the house and to engender a feeling of respect and trust between boarders and the staff working in the house;
- To liaise, if required, with external agencies/partners to ensure the safety and welfare of all boarders is met;
- To liaise with boarders’ teachers (or a house tutor if necessary) to ensure that every boarder fulfils their academic potential and inform staff of any issues relating to boarders’ performance;
- To be responsible for the care, supervision, cleanliness and presentation of students, coordinating and liaising with other staff as necessary, ensuring readiness for school;
- To act as a tutor to a small group of boarders to support academic progress and personal development;
- To support the weekly and weekend activities programme, including safe supervision and completion of relevant risk assessments;
- To be aware of the school uniform requirements of students, and to ensure that they have all items they require;
- To liaise with parents of boarders as necessary, concerning domestic, welfare and medical matters;
- To support the induction arrangements for new students joining the School and to ensure that any settling problems are resolved;
- To provide a sympathetic presence in the House, and to be sensitive to those who are having difficulties coping with school life;
- To liaise closely with House and other staff concerning the progress and welfare of pupils;
- To liaise with Boarder Travel to organise and take responsibility for the pupils’ travel arrangements;
- To assist in ordering taxis as required by the pupils.
Health and Medical
- To support the HsM in looking after the general health and well-being of those in the House;
- To deal with routine medical appointments, escorting students as needed to the Medical Centre or hospital;
- To attend to any sick boarders;
- To ensure that the drugs, equipment and dressings are in date and re-stocked;
- To liaise with the Medical Centre Team re: the storage and administration of non-prescribed medicine;
- To ensure that appropriate student records are kept up to date and that they are stored securely;
- To liaise with parents as necessary concerning welfare and health and medical matters.
Domestic
- At the end of term, alongside the HsM, to supervise the clearing up and cleaning of the House;
- To carry out a check on all bedding, furniture, fixtures and fittings, preparing a list of repairs and maintenance items required;
- To advise on the replacement or renewal of bedding, fixtures and furnishings;
- To ensure adequate supplies of cleaning materials and equipment, medical items and other domestic materials, and make adequate provision for their safe storage and use.
Person Specification
- Genuine interest in the care and development of children and young people;
- Commitment to the safeguarding of children and young people;
- Able to work both independently and effectively as part of a team;
- Awareness of or willingness to learn about the National Minimum Standards for boarding Care Inspectorate Standards, and SSSC Standards;
- Excellent administrative and communication skills;
- Excellent ICT skills;
- A flexible and positive attitude is essential.
The post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Statement at all times.
Assistant Housemaster / Housemistress in London employer: Scottish Council of Independent Schools
St Leonards offers a nurturing and supportive environment for its staff, particularly in the role of Assistant Housemaster/Housemistress. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to pursue relevant training and certifications while enjoying a collaborative work culture that prioritises the welfare and personal growth of both staff and students. Located in a vibrant community, this position provides unique opportunities to engage with pupils and their families, making a meaningful impact on their educational journey.
Contact Details:
Scottish Council of Independent Schools Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Housemaster / Housemistress in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the school’s values and ethos. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions for roles like Assistant Housemaster/Housemistress, and make sure you can articulate your passion for student welfare and development.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! During the interview, highlight your ability to build relationships with students and parents. Share specific examples of how you've supported young people in the past, as this is key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Housemaster / Housemistress in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Care:When writing your application, let your genuine interest in the care and development of children shine through. We want to see how you can contribute to creating a supportive environment for our boarders.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to include any previous experience you have in similar roles or environments. We love seeing how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Assistant Housemaster/Housemistress position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, as this will help us understand your fit for the role quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Council of Independent Schools
✨Know Your Standards
Familiarise yourself with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools and the Care Inspectorate Standards. Being able to discuss these during your interview shows that you’re serious about the role and understand the framework within which you'll be working.
✨Show Your Passion for Student Welfare
Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past. Whether it’s through mentoring, organising activities, or simply being a listening ear, demonstrating your commitment to their welfare will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
This role requires collaboration with various staff members. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team, especially in a boarding or educational environment. This will illustrate your ability to contribute positively to the house staff dynamic.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as dealing with a homesick student or managing a conflict between boarders. Practising your responses to these scenarios can help you articulate your approach clearly and confidently.
