Boarding Houseparent

BOARDING HOUSEPARENT

 This is an important middle management position and Houseparents are required to manage all aspects of the House in line with the MIS management expectations. The role is very demanding with wide and far-reaching responsibilities which is difficult to define since it is one where judgements have to be made. To help make these judgements, it is of paramount importance that Houseparents manage their tutor team effectively.

 The main purpose of the Houseparent is to effectively manage the staffing, organisation and resources of the House and provide for the safety, good discipline and pastoral well being of all pupils in the House. The Houseparent is responsible for ensuring that they and their staff carry out the following duties and responsibilities;

 Social and Pastoral Welfare

 Ensuring the safety, happiness and personal development of all pupils by;

• Acting in ‘loco parentis’ by providing advice, support, counsel and encouragement in all areas of School life in a timely, sympathetic and professional manner;
• Ensuring that all students and parents/guardians are aware of the aims and objectives of the House and support the principles on which community life is based;
• Ensuring that students conduct themselves in the House and School appropriately and administering fair and appropriate sanctions as necessary, bringing this to the attention of senior management when required;
• Cultivating and maintaining good channels of communication with pupils’ parents, guardians, senior management, support and academic staff so that all parties are fully informed about the student’s welfare, progress and behaviour (if necessary) and keeping suitable written records;
• Implementing the national minimum standards for Boarding Schools on welfare and pastoral provision and keeping up-to-date on the law as it relates to child protection issues in particular bullying, abuse and discrimination and ensuring that students in their charge are aware of their rights to contact external services at any time;
• Ensuring that the student’s medical needs are catered for in a timely and appropriate manner and encouraging pupils to adopt a healthy lifestyle;
• Ensuring that pupils look after their appearance and belongings appropriately;
• Ensuring that students respect the feelings and belongings of other people and take care of the resources in the House and School;
• Developing a knowledge of each student’s interests, strengths, weaknesses and needs.
• Being part of the team organising a full, varied programme of extra-curricular activities.

 Organisation of the House

 To efficiently manage and organise the House.

 Academic

·      Ensuring that every child has access to guidance on academic matters, either from him/herself or from a designated tutor.

·      Monitoring and developing the quality and effectiveness of tutoring by staff in the House

·      Organising a system that will ensure that each child’s work is monitored and that problems of an academic nature can be dealt with effectively

·      Keeping up to date with the records of pupils’ progress and achievements.

·      Writing House Reports, where appropriate, which will include comment on the academic and social development of their pupils.

Other

·      Developing and maintaining links with Admissions and Marketing

Skills Required

• Develops professional working relations with other people notably pupils, teaching staff and parents commanding respect and support;
• Communicates clearly and effectively with pupils, teaching staff and parents orally and in writing in a timely manner, giving sound advice, listening carefully and responding sensitively to feedback;
• Promotes equal opportunity by treating pupils and staff fairly and consistently;
• Takes responsibility with little need for supervision but seeks guidance when necessary;
• Analyses information, evaluates the options and shows good judgement in a range of situations;
• Raises awareness about issues by giving clear, relevant and up-to-date information;
• Fosters team-building and manages conflict where this arises building a consensus where possible and developing an environment where conflict and problems can be addressed and resolved;
• Manages own time, information and resources effectively
• Follows policies and procedures to ensure safety and well being of pupils at all times
• Represents the School in a professional manner.

This job description may be reviewed at the end of the academic year or earlier if necessary. In addition, it may be amended at any time after consultation with you.

Applications are welcomed from candidates who meet the following requirements:

• A qualified teacher with a UK PGCE or other globally recognised teaching qualification (such as QTS).

• A minimum of 2 years' qualified full-time teaching and boarding experience.

• A reflective practitioner, with a positive, resilient personality and problem-solving skill-set.

• Recent and consistent experience of Co-Curricular Activities

Safeguarding

For MIS, the safeguarding of our students is at the core of all that we do. Before we can consider an appointment we must be in receipt of:

• Acceptable police checks (or equivalent) from the country of origin and from all countries in which you have worked

• Appropriate three references from your current and previous employer, one of whom should be the Director/Head of School/Principal, corroborated by phone calls made to each referee

We welcome applicants with experience of working within boarding schools or applicants with a keen interest to participate, live and work within a boarding community. We appreciate that all applicants may not have such experience at present but we welcome applicants with the right approach to a unique part of the MIS experience.

The initial contract will be for a period of three years.

Merchiston International School (MIS)

MIS is a British Boarding School located in Longhua District, Shenzhen, South of China. We are a thriving community that challenges all staff to push boundaries with their teaching and to be progressive in their own professional learning.

We offer an innovative British independent school curriculum for international students aged 4 – 18, starting in EYFS and culminating in IGCSE and A-level. The campus, imbued with the ethos of its founding school, Merchiston Castle School Edinburgh, is designed to create an innovative learning space in which an effective 21st-century education can flourish and inspire.

All MIS teachers are expected to participate fully in the school’s life beyond the classroom by contributing to the Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) programme and boarding house life. 

If you are interested in joining us, to teach inquisitive and talented children, in a community that seeks to provide professional development opportunities, then please apply…we want to hear from you!

How to apply

Applicants should apply online through the TES careers portal.