Overnight House Assistant in London

Application Closing Date: 20 July 2026. Applications will be screened on submission. The School reserves the right to interview and appoint if a suitable candidate is found before the closing date.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: To provide a safe, reassuring and supportive overnight presence within the boarding environment at White Lodge, ensuring the welfare of boarding students throughout the night. The Overnight House Assistant will be a vital member of the Boarding Team, acting as the first point of contact for overnight pastoral and welfare concerns and supporting effective communication between the Boarding and Healthcare teams.

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE: The successful candidates will provide overnight pastoral and welfare support to boarding students, working under the direction of the Lead House Parents. The postholder will act as the first point of contact for any overnight concerns, responding appropriately to student needs and escalating medical or safeguarding matters in line with School procedures. Suitable training, including safeguarding and diabetes awareness, will be provided. A medical qualification is not required.

CONTRACT TERMS:

• Start Date: September 2026
• Salary: £14.80 per hour, paid via submission of timesheets
• Location: White Lodge, Richmond Park, TW10 5HR
• Hours: The role will be offered to two individuals on one of the following shift patterns: Monday to Thursday or Friday to Sunday. Exact shift times will be agreed in advance in line with the operational needs of the Boarding Department. Flexibility will be required to meet the needs of the School.
• Whilst accommodation is not provided as part of the role, suitable staff facilities will be available during overnight shifts. Subject to shift timings, meals may be provided.

MAIN DUTIES:

• Provide a visible and reassuring overnight presence within the boarding houses
• Act as the first point of contact for students requiring support during overnight hours
• Respond appropriately to pastoral, welfare and safeguarding concerns, escalating matters in accordance with School procedures where necessary
• In the event of a medical emergency, contact NHS 111 or emergency services (999) as appropriate and follow School emergency procedures
• Support students experiencing illness, anxiety or other overnight welfare needs, providing appropriate reassurance and practical assistance
• Maintain accurate written records of incidents, concerns and actions taken during each shift
• Produce a comprehensive written handover at the end of every shift for both the Boarding and Healthcare teams, ensuring continuity of care and effective communication
• Work collaboratively with the Lead House Parents, Boarding Team and Healthcare Team to promote the wellbeing and safety of boarding students
• Able to work independently and manage priorities with minimal supervision
• Undertake all mandatory training, including safeguarding, diabetes awareness and emergency procedures
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times
• Support the School's boarding ethos by contributing positively to a safe, welcoming and caring residential environment.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• Pastoral experience in a 16+, co-educational boarding environment or a previous residential role involving the welfare and wellbeing of young people of this age group
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Calm, professional and able to remain composed when responding to emergencies or challenging situations
• Able to work independently during overnight shifts whilst recognising when to seek support or elevate concerns
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students and colleagues
• Good organisational and record keeping skills with attention to detail
• IT literate with the ability to complete written reports and handovers
• Flexible approach to working patterns and operational requirements
• Willingness to undertake all mandatory training, including diabetes awareness
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• Empathy with the aims and ethos of The Royal Ballet School
• Professional, reliable and approachable
• A strong team player with a positive and proactive attitude.
• Experience of undertaking overnight or shift-based work
• First Aid qualification (or willingness to undertake training).

SAFEGUARDING DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and recognises that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment to children’s safeguarding and to share this child‑centred approach. This approach means that staff must consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child. Additionally, the following is expected of all staff:

• To uphold the School’s policies relating to safeguarding and child protection, behaviour, health and safety and all other relevant policies
• To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and come into contact with
• To report any safeguarding concerns using the relevant channels, such as informing the Designated Safeguarding Lead, in a timely and appropriate manner
• To ensure full compliance with all statutory regulations, particularly the most recent Keeping Children Safe in Education, and to communicate concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, other relevant staff of The Royal Ballet School or local children’s services as appropriate.

This job information cannot be all encompassing. It is inevitable over time that the emphasis of the job will change without changing the general character of the job or the level of duties and responsibilities entailed. Consequently, this information will be periodically reviewed, revised and updated in consultation with the post holder to reflect appropriate changes.

We are committed to creating an environment where all our employees feel part of our team and can flourish, regardless of their background. We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.