Matron of Field's House (Girls' Boarding House)

The Matron’s role is one of support to the Housemaster or Housemistress and Tutors in establishing the ethos of the House; to act as a surrogate parent, offering a sympathetic ear when appropriate and advise on personal hygiene. The Matron’s role provides a significant and important contribution to the overall welfare of the pupils in the school. The role also includes being the first point of call if a pupil is feeling unwell, liaising closely with the Health and Wellbeing Hub and the Housemaster or Housemistress. The Matron will manage the housekeeping staff within the House, supervising cleaning and laundry, repairs and maintenance. An appraisal scheme for Matrons is conducted annually.

Responsibilities

Pastoral

• To help and support the Housemaster/Housemistress in the smooth running of the Boarding House
• Be alert to any signs of individual problems and provide a sympathetic, understanding and personal contact with the pupils in the House. 
• Be a person in the House, other than the Housemaster/Housemistress or House Tutor, to whom pupils may turn when problems arise.
• To work closely with the Housemaster/ Housemistress in ensuring and maintaining a happy and secure environment within the House in which all pupils can thrive. 
• To be resident overnight across term time when on duty and to respond as required, with other resident staff, to any occasional overnight emergency (e.g. a fire alarm or a distressed or unwell pupil).

Health

• Provide a watching brief on the health of pupils and maintain working contact with the School Health Centre.
• Follow the protocols for the administration of medication established by the Health Centre.
• Along with other residential staff, transport pupils to such medical appointments or hospital appointments as are deemed necessary and, in an emergency, accompany pupils in an ambulance to hospital.

Housekeeping

• Manage the team of domestic staff within the House and ensure their effective working
• Supervise and maintain pupils’ clothing and bedding.
• Ensure that clothes for dry cleaning are dispatched and returned.
• In conjunction with the Housemaster/Housemistress, ensure standards of tidiness are maintained in bedrooms, day rooms, bathrooms etc. and that hygiene standards are maintained in pupil kitchen areas.
• Ensure standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the House, liaising with and having oversight of designated cleaner(s). 
• Report any defects in the fabric, fittings or furnishings of the House through the appropriate channels, keeping the Housemaster/Housemistress apprised.
• In conjunction with the Housemaster/ Housemistress organise Household Renewals and ensure the good upkeep of the House. 
• Ensure the preparation of the House for such external lettings as may occur during holiday periods.

In Addition

• Work closely with the Housemaster/Housemistress and House Tutors to ensure comprehensive cover of the House.
• Attend regular meetings of House Matrons with the Bursar and half-termly Pastoral Meetings with the Assistant Head Pastoral and Assistant Head Safeguarding.

Specific Duties

• To comply with instructions relating to security and confidentiality.
• To observe and comply with the Health and Safety policy of the College and to ensure housekeeping staff observe COSHH regulations and safe working practices at all times.
• To undertake Fire warden training (as for all staff), to comply with the school’s Health and Safety policy and fire regulations,
• To adhere to the principles and requirements of the school’s Safeguarding Policy, with particular regard to the key pastoral nature of the role.

Special Occasions

• There will be occasions when there are days in the College’s calendar that require a Matron to be on duty e.g. Open Day at the beginning of May and Founder’s Day at the end of May. On such days the Matron is expected to ensure the House is open to College visitors by organising housekeeping staff accordingly and on any occasion to receive College visitors in House.

Person Specification

• Strong interpersonal skills when working with children, colleagues and parents. 
• A self-starter and a good team player; able to work independently and to work within the team of Matrons. 
• Highly motivated, hardworking and passionate about education.
• Innovative and a creative thinker, able to inspire confidence in children and their parents. 
• Warm and positive with a ‘can-do’ mindset. 
• Organisation, discretion, flexibility and attention to detail. 
• Desire to be fully involved in the life of the school.
• The ability to manage and develop a team of Domestic Assistants. 

Qualifications

• A First Aid qualification is desirable but not necessary as training will be given in this field.
• A valid, clean UK Driving License is highly desirable, but not essential.

What we can offer you:

• Rent-free accommodation with no charge for gas, water, or electricity.
• Term-time only working but year-round accommodation.
• Complimentary lunch.
• A range of other meals as part of the celebratory cycle of the year.
• Comprehensive wellbeing support from Lancing’s Employee Assistance Programme which provides employees with a 24/7 support helpline and wellbeing tips including professional advice.
• Free tickets to College musicals, dance and drama performances.
• Access to books, magazines and DVDs from the College library.
• Staff social events, Christmas parties and end of term celebrations.
• Use of gym and swimming pool facilities.
• Free parking at our onsite car parks and access to the cycle to work scheme.  
• Discounted childcare at Little Lancing Nursery and Forest School.

Application Procedure:

Applications should be made using the application form. Candidates are asked to add a covering letter setting out, as succinctly as possible, their reasons for applying for the position at Lancing. 

Application forms are available from the College website www.lancingcollege.org.uk. 

Please send any emails to recruitment@lancing.org.uk 

A full curriculum vitae and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of a minimum of two referees, one of whom should be the candidate’s current or most recent employer should be included with the application. 

Closing date: Friday 9th August 2024

Interviews: TBC

The College reserves the right to call individuals to interview prior to the closing date for applications.