Senior House Manager in Musselburgh

Loretto School is one of Britain’s leading independent boarding and day schools located on the outskirts of Edinburgh. We have a temporary opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join our team as House Manager for day pupils in one of our boarding houses in Musselburgh.

Main purpose of the role

To provide excellent pastoral care, support, and effective management within the boarding house during the day. Ensuring compliance with Care Inspectorate standards (SVQ Registered). Postholders must ensure that they observe the SSSC Codes of Practice. This post is for term-time (34 weeks) plus 6 additional days per year. The Senior House Manager is a key member of the pastoral team with a key input in building positive relationships with the children in their care. They are expected to nurture the pupils and support them in developing their confidence and character within the boarding house setting. The Senior House Manager assists and contributes to the supervision and pastoral care of all pupils whilst in house. The Senior House Manager also plays a key role in supporting the wider Life Skills programme for pupils, providing new skills and experiences for them whilst in House. The Senior House Manager is responsible for the cleanliness of their designated areas in House, with responsibility for the clothing and general wellbeing of those in House.

Responsibilities/ duties

• Work with Deputy Head Pastoral to ensure Inspection Compliance.
• Line manage House manager and domestic House staff and maintain hygiene standards (2 domestics assigned to a house).
• Ensure the House is covered between 0800 and 1830, five days a week.
• If an HM / AHM is unavailable due to commitments (e.g. sport on a Saturday), to be prepared to work overtime - a charge sheet, pre-approved by the Housemaster / Housemistress, is to be submitted to payroll.
• Be a present and caring parental figure for all the students in the boarding house.
• The main point of contact for parents, staff, and students when on duty by carrying a House phone.
• Oversee the signing in and out procedure of pupils and contact the parents of any day pupils who have not signed out, to ensure they are safe.
• Be responsible for the overall cleanliness of the house and direct the domestic staff to clean to the standard required by the School.
• Ensure the common rooms, entrance hall, social areas and kitchens are cleaned each day.
• Oversee and audit the medication in House as directed by the Medical Centre staff and in line with School Policy.
• Record concerns on Veracross according to school policy.
• Manage House food provisions.
• Direct pupils to the Health and Wellbeing Centre as needed.
• Complete administrative tasks as requested by the HM.
• Follow the missing pupil procedure in line with School Policy.
• Accompany pupils to medical appointments and, in the event of emergencies, to A & E, provided the House can be covered by another member of staff.
• Ensure that all soft furnishings including carpets, curtains, and bedding are clean and in a good state of repair throughout the term. Where renewal is required, the HM should be advised.
• Have general responsibility to assist the HM in ensuring the tidiness/cleanliness of school uniform.
• Arrange end/beginning of term transport.
• Attend fortnightly Snr House Manager meetings (chaired by AHP).
• Ensure the house is clean and laundry is complete.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

No specific experience is required, however past experience in a domestic services environment would be advantageous. Experience of supervising others may also be an advantage. The post holder will need to be pupil-centred; willing and able to communicate and relate with boys and girls aged 11-18; able to work well within a team. Currently registered, or be capable of registration, with the Scottish Social Services Council and undertake the necessary training and professional development to maintain their registration. Hold, or be willing to undertake, an SVQ qualification which is funded by the School.

Working pattern

Senior Matrons should work 0800 to 1730 five days a week (Mon-Fri) with a one-hour unpaid lunch break and 0830 to 1600 on a Saturday with a 30-minute unpaid break. They are entitled to two days off a week (one week day and a Sunday). On their days off, the House manager will cover the House.