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- Tasks: Provide excellent pastoral care and manage a boarding house for day pupils.
- Company: Loretto School, a leading independent school near Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Term-time role with competitive pay and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: No specific experience required; must be pupil-centred and a team player.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and training.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
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.
- To 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.
- To 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.
- To arrange end/beginning of term transport.
- To attend fortnightly Snr House Manager meetings (chaired by AHP).
- To 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.
Senior House Manager employer: The Independent Schools Council
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior House Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience in boarding schools. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Loretto School and its values. Show us that you understand their commitment to pastoral care and how you can contribute to building positive relationships with pupils.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to managing a boarding house and ensuring compliance with Care Inspectorate standards. We want to see your confidence shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Loretto School.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior House Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pastoral Care: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for providing excellent pastoral care. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your ability to nurture and support students, as this is a key part of the Senior House Manager role.
Be Specific About Your Experience: We want to know about your past experiences, especially if you've worked in a domestic services environment or supervised others. Be specific about your roles and responsibilities, and how they relate to the skills needed for this position.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: As a Senior House Manager, you'll be working closely with a team. Make sure to mention any teamwork experiences you have, and how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment in previous roles.
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 this exciting opportunity at Loretto School.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior House Manager. Familiarise yourself with the Care Inspectorate standards and SSSC Codes of Practice, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your commitment to compliance and quality care.
✨Showcase Your Pastoral Skills
This role is all about nurturing and supporting pupils. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built positive relationships with young people. Highlight any relevant experience in pastoral care or supervision that showcases your ability to connect with students.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Leadership
As a Senior House Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively managed or supervised others in previous roles. Think of examples where you've fostered teamwork and maintained high standards, especially in a domestic services environment.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, the Life Skills programme, and how they support their staff's professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
