Matron - Part-time

Role Summary

The Matron (alongside the Houseparent) is responsible for the day to day running of the House, ensuring its cleanliness, tidiness, comfort, health and safety. The role is supported by cleaning staff.

The Matron also supports the Houseparent with the welfare, happiness and well-being of the pupils in their care.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Medical and Domestic:

· Alongside the Houseparent, to be responsible for the general health and well-being of those students in the House.

· Be the first port of call for pupils who become unwell or require treatment for illness or injury during the school day. Liaise with parents and other staff as required.

· Attend appointments and escort pupils to hospital as required.

· To store, administer and record any medication in accordance with the school’s published Medical Care Policy. Ensure that the House medical cabinet and first aid kits are kept stocked as appropriate. Also always ensure medication has not expired.

· Alongside the Houseparent, liaise with the Catering Department about students who have specialist eating requirements such as allergies.

· Ensure that House Supplies are collected. Liaise with the Catering Department if there are any concerns with supplies or if quantities need to be adjusted.

· Work with the Houseparent to maintain high standards of tidiness and respect within the House.

· Monitor the boarding environment and report defects to the maintenance department via Parago. As directed by Houseparent, complete House H&S inspection, twice a year. Ensure that any electrical equipment which students bring into the College comply with regulations – and arrange PAT testing if necessary.

· Oversee issuance and collection of student desk and wardrobe keys at the beginning and end of the year. Manage keys for rooms and cupboards – organising replacements if necessary.

· Register pupils as necessary and ensure students are encouraged out of the House in time for lessons/games/chapel/assemblies etc.

· Be present prior to the start of term to ensure that the House is set up and ready for the return of the pupils. In September this is likely to be for two full days before the start of term. For the other two terms it is probably one full day.

· Prepare each room with necessary items and check each room is prepared at start of each new school year.

· Keep laundries supplied with washing powder. Ensure kitchens are fully stocked with coffee, tea, jams etc.

· Unpack grocery deliveries when they arrive.

· Ensure bar is cleaned/washed down once a term and stocked appropriately.

· Conduct end of term procedure – ensure that the whole House is closed down, fridges are empty and rooms left in an appropriate state.

· Ensure house is maintained to high standard, reporting damages, and reviewing H&S regularly as you do rounds of the house. Ensure all H&S signage is always up to date and items are correctly labelled

· Ensure St John’s house-hand book is updated annually with correct house/staff information.

· Ensure laundry signage is up to date and proper use of machines is being maintained

· Ensure the social room is kept neat and tidy and clear of pupil’s items.

Pastoral:

· To work with the Houseparent to provide a high level of pastoral care for individual pupils through direct interest and personal support.

· Establish firm relationships with pupils in your care to pro-actively monitor their wellbeing.

· Ensure a high-profile presence in-house during morning break, lunchtime and at key changeover times in the afternoon to ensure an appropriate level of supervision.

· Have an awareness of adolescent mental health issues and be vigilant to early warning signs. Attend relevant training courses as appropriate.

· To record any concerns or incidents on our in-house pastoral recording system (CPOMS) – and to check CPOMS for any comments added by other staff.

· Work with the Houseparent to be aware of the difficulties and problems of all members of the House and to help develop a culture of mutual respect within the House.

· Alongside the Houseparent, to be a key point of contact for parents and other colleagues. Regularly meet with the Houseparent to discuss the welfare of the students.

· Work with the Houseparent and tutor team to monitor general behaviour at all times, including attendance at lessons, visitors in-house, etc. Also required to track pupils who do not register.

· Monitor day to day welfare of boarders and work with them to ensure high standards of personal hygiene, and bedroom tidiness. Make sure that pupils change their bedding regularly.

· Ensure pupils are appropriately dressed for lessons, dining hall, games etc. As part of this monitor their nails, facial hair and earrings

· Be involved in handing out rewards where appropriate, as well as issuing sanctions when necessary.

· Support students by attending house events, school plays, matches, etc.

· Be prepared to manage the House in the absence of the Houseparent including managing a fire evacuation.

· Be familiar with the school’s code of practice for health and safety, and its policies and procedures for countering bullying, substance misuse and child protection.

· Be present for staff INSET training, attend house meetings and take minutes of house-meeting for house distribution.

· Check and respond to emails and WhatsApp messages as required throughout the day and respond/follow up where necessary.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Educated to A Level standard with GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 or above in Maths and English.

Knowledge & Understanding

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.

First Aid qualification.

Child protection knowledge.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people of all ages

Competent at sewing.

Attributes

Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

A warm, trusting and sympathetic personality, with the ability to be tactful.

The ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.

Empathy with and an understanding of teenage children.

Working hours: The post is for 15 hours per week.

Monday 08:00-17:00 and Friday 08:00 am to 16:00 pm with an hour’s unpaid break, term time only plus additional days as required.

Salary: £14.68 per hour. (£7,978 actual salary for 35 weeks working per year).

Additional benefits: Free lunches during term time, free parking on site.

Membership of the College’s contributory pension scheme with The Pensions

Trust.

Hurstpierpoint College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including an online presence and adverse media review, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.