Matron

Excellent pastoral support is an essential part of Orwell Park School; we are seeking to recruit an additional member of staff to join our excellent boarding support team. 

We seek a dynamic person to join our team; this post is key to ensuring the pupils are fully prepared for their day ahead and are supported fully, thus making it a home from home. Training and supervision will be given. Hours of work are 37 per week, shifts may begin as early as 6.45am and some evening and Saturday work may be required. This is a term time post of 34 weeks per year.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 4th August 2024

Probable dates for interviews: week commencing: 5th August 2024

We reserve the right to interview suitable candidates as they apply and if successful close the interview process early.

For further information including an application form please see our website (www.orwellpark.co.uk)

Orwell Park is committed to safeguarding children and all successful applicants are required to complete Disclosure Application Forms which means providing criminal conviction information.

Job Title:                      Matron

Reports to:                  Head of Boarding

Date:                            Jan 2024

Main Purpose

To work within the boarding environment to ensure excellent care for all boarders and pupils at the school.

Key Areas

·       Assist in maintaining the highest possible quality of pastoral care to continually enhance the reputation of the School and help to increase the numbers of boarders to full capacity.

·       To assist in the provision of the highest standards of safeguarding in the Boarding House.

·       Be positive and proactive in providing assistance to the Boarding staff team and in the care of pupils.

·       To contribute to the success of the school and the best possible experience for the pupils and parents.

General Responsibilities

·      To have responsibility for the health, welfare, safety and conduct of pupils during term-time.

·       To undertake the necessary laundry and cleaning duties to ensure the correct standards of cleanliness are achieved. 

·       To maintain personal professional standards including First Aid, boarding and pastoral development, and trips and visits.

·       Ensure pupils are safe, well-looked after and well-cared for; undertake the general day-to-day physical and emotional care of pupils.

·       Attend regular team meetings and check and respond to school emails on a daily basis.

·       Ensure Boarding supplies are organised and available as needed.

Operational Matters/Liaison

·       Work your contracted hours on school days (including Saturdays) as required by the boarding staff rota.

·       Work with the other Boarding Staff to establish, encourage and, if necessary enforce good standards of discipline and behaviour within the boarding community.

·       Remain up-to-date with the School’s Fire Awareness policy and procedures and take part in fire drills as required.

·       Undertake appropriate First Aid training and ensure that this is kept up-to-date. Maintain full and accurate written records of all incidents where a child requires particular attention.

·       If and when on evening duty, help to provide a complete and accurate list of boarders to the Head of Boarding for use in the event of emergency evacuation.

·       Adhere to Safeguarding policy and arrangements; record any safeguarding/behavioural incidents in writing for the Deputy Head Pastoral, Head of Boarding and Headmaster. 

·       Assist the School Nurse in monitoring physical and emotional care of pupils, both in the boarding community and day pupils whilst they are at School.

·       Work with pupils to build their self-esteem and to encourage them to take responsibility for themselves and have care and respect for each other.

·       Work with pupils to gain their trust and confidence and be alert to any anxieties or worries that might be expressed verbally or by changes in behaviour.  Report any concerns to the Head of Boarding and Deputy Head, Pastoral.

·       Help to maintain standards of discipline and behaviour within the boarding community that support the School’s general discipline policy. 

·       Work to sustain a tidy, homely, family atmosphere in the boarding areas.

·       Supervise and care for boarding pupils during waking up and bedding down times.

·       Minister to pupils at any time that they feel unwell or otherwise upset.

·       Encourage high standards of personal hygiene amongst pupils in the boarding community.

·       Contribute to the wider school life where possible and appropriate.

·       Contribute to boarding diary, maintaining accurate fire lists and finance sheets for boarding numbers.

·       Remain alert to the well-being of pupils and report to the Head of Boarding/Head of Boys’ and Girls’ Boarding accordingly.

Skills/Knowledge/Experience

·       Awareness of how the School operates.

·       Knowledge of pupils and their family background as relevant to their life at school.

·       Effective communication skills with pupils of all ages and abilities and their parents.

·       Experience of young people and their personal social, mental and developmental needs.

·       Experience of health and safety in the work place.

·       Willingness to commit to training and personal development.

·       Sewing experience is desirable