Job Description

Senior House Assistant - Ascot, Berkshire

Start Date:

ASAP

Contract:

Permanent and Full-Time

Responsible to:

Head of Boarding (HoB) & Boarding Housemaster/mistress (BHM)

The SHA is provided accommodation for the better performance of their duties by the School.

They should have good personal inter-active skills with young people and their parents and guardians by being a good listener, having a flexible outlook, being reliable, warm and friendly in their disposition, with enough sensitivity to show tact and diplomacy. A sense of humour and an even temper dealing with all situations in a co-operative and sensitive manner are also fundamental to carrying out this job. The nature of the work requires physical fitness, a good level of stamina and dedication.

The SHA will assist the BHM in the routine operation of the Boarding House and be always responsible for the good order and discipline of the House when on duty. They will take an interest in the welfare and progress of all the students in the house and support the house as appropriate in such things as House activities, House competitions and the like. The SHA shall deputise in the absence of the BHM and ensure their duties are carried out in line with the guidance in the Boarding Staff Handbook, School policies and procedures and in a manner, which conforms to the National Minimum Standards for Boarding.

All employees and volunteers are required to comply with the relevant legislation and guidance in relation to working with and the protection and safeguarding of children and young people. If in the course of carrying out the duties the post-holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school, he/she must report any concern immediately to the School's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), a member of the school's safeguarding team or the Principal.

The job may involve any or all the following specifications. Above all, there is an expectation of a figure who is generous with their time and responsive to the needs of the students. The list is neither definitive nor exclusive and the range of tasks would embrace many incidents and situations which are not stated but require initiative to be applied.

Allocation of Duties

Carry out four weekday duties and every other weekend. Wake up and House cover before school 3 hours a day during the School day completing admin tasks and taking students for medical appointments Breakfast and supper supervision Manage the House when the BHM has their 'day off' Supervision of house during the evening from 16:00 Being an active presence during prep times Cover to free up staff to supervise activities or other boarding related duties as the HoB instructs At the weekends on duty, manage the House and trips Any other times that warrant cover The SHA will be expected to cover any short-term absence along with the BHM and AHM/GBA/RT. It is expected that the SHA will be flexible and will attend to the needs of the House when required. This maybe to deal with issues, talk to parents or dealing with staff etc. The SHA can also take on up to 3 hours of additional employment working in academic or well-being departments. This will be remunerated by an hourly timesheet at an additional hourly rate in agreement with the Principal only.

1. Leadership

1.1 To create a positive atmosphere within the House which is supportive of the school as a centre for teaching and learning, and to develop a culture which is:

1.1.1 Contributing to the school's mission statement through the effective delivery of Pastoral care. 1.1.2 To ensure that the principles of boarding are clear to pupils, staff and parents. 1.1.3 To embody the Aims and Values of the school. 1.1.4 Based on high standards and expectations. 1.1.5 Both caring and demanding. 1.1.6 Shows commitment to the needs of all pupils. 1.1.7 Where pupils show pride and responsibility towards the House which sets the foundation for House discipline, mutual support, and tidiness/care of the House physical environment.
1.2 Take responsibility for the organisation and operation of the House as directed by the BHM and deputise in their absence.
1.3 To ensure a pro-active role in the house by being present as much as possible.
1.4 Participate in the promotion of boarding within the School and elsewhere, including assistance as required with the interviewing of candidates for boarding places, the organisation of House Open Days and Open Evenings and the attendance at marketing events.
1.5 To be in residence 48 hours before and after the commencement and termination of the school term, if required by the BHM, to ensure all preparation and clearing away is completed. Holiday entitlement, apart from above, will be as the published school holidays.
1.6 Other than in exceptional circumstances and with the agreement of the Principal, resides in his/her Boarding House whilst the School is in session.

2. Pastoral Role

2.1 To be responsible for the welfare of all pupils in the House and to know them as individuals.
2.2 Ability to motivate and inspire pupils.
2.3 To provide and implement pupil guidelines for the efficient running of the House in line with school expectations.
2.4 To select, train and support suitable pupils to act as House prefects and those with positions of responsibility.
2.5 To provide advice, guidance and support for pupils.
2.6 To foster an inclusive House identity based on high standard, expectations, and mutual respect.
2.7 To maintain regular communications with parents, staff and other agencies on all matters concerning pupils.
2.8 To ensure House participation in all school events such as the activity programme, trips and any house events.

3. Domestic Role

3.1 To be involved in all aspects of the domestic operation as determined by the BHM.
3.2 To provide a stimulating and pleasant environment which pupils respect and where they feel valued and secure.
3.3 To be responsible for the cleanliness, maintenance and security of pupils' clothing and possessions within the House and to liaise with the House/School Laundry staff.
3.4 To ensure that pupils are escorted by a member of staff to the dining room, Boarders' Assemblies and on other occasions when the House is part of a School event.
3.5 To be responsible for the maintenance of the fabric and display within the House liaise with the BHM and/or HoB on this matter.
3.6 To provide and oversee an equitable and fair structure by which pupils assist in the and cleanliness of their House environment.
3.7 To liaise with the HWC on pupils' health matters and to accompany boarders or make arrangements for a member of staff to accompany them to appointments where necessary.

4. Behaviour and the Learning Environment

4.1 To always ensure sufficient adult presence to support good pupil behaviour House.
4.2 To ensure that prep is supervised by a member of staff and is in accordance with school guidelines so that a good atmosphere and environment supporting quality learning is maintained.
4.3 To monitor and encourage individual pupil's academic progress through the pupil diary, student intervention programme, school assessments and reports and to liaise when necessary with teaching staff.
4.4 Liaise with IHMs to ensure holistic management of students.

5. Administration

5.1 To be responsible for all Health and Safety matters in line with school.
5.2 The ability to present new ideas and initiatives clearly and enthusiastically to colleagues, parents and the wider boarding and school community.
5.3 Strong organisational and administrative skills (including ICT) with an ability to work to a budget.
5.4 To oversee the maintenance of a daily House REACH Duty Report and other administrative tasks linked to the running of the House.
5.5 To administer pupil pocket money and valuables where appropriate.
5.6 In the event of being on duty when the fire alarm is raised, to command the evacuation and to record accordingly; or to support whoever is on duty at the time.

Carry out other key tasks such as may reasonably be assigned by the Principal and Head of Boarding.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 22,880.00-30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Store discount
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday Night shift Weekend availability
Ability to commute/relocate:

Hassocks BN6: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Are you willing to relocate if offered accommodation ? When are you available to start ? Do you have any experience working as a house parent/ House Assistant Do you have a enhanced DBS ? What are your salary expectations?
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: House Assistant