Housemistress/master
We are looking to appoint a Housemistress/master to work as part of our boarding team.
Tring Park School for the Performing Arts is one of the UK’s leading vocational and academic schools, set in glorious countryside just half an hour from London. With 360 boarding and day pupils aged 7 to 19, you will join a dedicated and supportive staff team that offers the benefit of small classes with talented and committed students, along with strong public examination results.
We offer a wide range of benefits, including free school lunches during term time (while you are working), a cycle-to-work scheme, an employee assistance programme, free onsite parking, and enhanced maternity and paternity schemes. You will also have the option to join one of two pension schemes available (TPS or APTIS).
About the role
The successful candidate will have experience of working with children and an understanding of the needs of children in a boarding environment.
The position is full-time (term time only), with two days off per week. Applications will be reviewed on receipt and we may appoint before the closing date.
Main Duties
Boarding Houses – Liaise with and provide support to the Senior Housemistress/master (SHM) by sharing responsibility for the efficient day-to day running of all aspects of the boarding house in consultation with the Pastoral Coordinator and the Deputy Principal.
Medical – Liaise with the school’s medical staff to ensure the correct care and welfare of the pupils. Basic first aid training is provided unless a qualification is already held.
Pastoral Care – The care of the individual pupil: sympathetic, caring, responsible and patient understanding of the age group.
The Housemistress/master is an integral member of a team of house staff, supporting the Senior Housemistress/master (SHM) in creating a cohesive and harmonious team, leading that team in the SHM’s absence and assisting with a range of house duties or leading them in consultation with the SHM.
Health and Safety – Share responsibility for all aspects of safety as directly related to the boarding house, including assisting with the completion of annual risk assessments.
Parents – Regular contact and foster good relationships with parents, in consultation with the SHM,
Pastoral Coordinator or Deputy Principal.
Extraneous Duties – The undertaking of any reasonable additional duties at the request of the Deputy Principal or Principal.
Duties and Presence:
- Help to maintain a welcoming, tidy and homely atmosphere.
- Monitor behaviour and deal appropriately with any disciplinary issues.
- Uphold standards of dress, general appearance and personal hygiene.
- Ensure that there is an appropriate working atmosphere during prep.
- Maintain an orderly bedtime routine.
- Ensure the pupils are up in time for breakfast, registered and ready for the school day.
- Deal with emergencies of any kind, including escorting pupils to medical appointments where required.
- Assist with the completion of pastoral reports.
- Help to maintain pastoral records of pupils and other relevant administrative house tasks.
- Be ‘ever present’ and a visible presence by regularly moving about all areas of the house.
- Be available to the pupils in the house for both formal and informal contact, maintaining appropriate boundaries at all times.
- Sleep in the house on all duty nights. The HM has two weekdays off per week and may stay away overnight on days off, subject to adequate staffing.
- Cover additional duties as required such as the supervision of meals, prep, extracurricular activities and special occasions, maintaining punctuality.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of working with children and an understanding of the needs of children in a boarding environment.
- Clear commitment to implementing whole school/staff policies relating to the safeguarding of children
- A sound understanding of child protection and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding.
- Proven strong communication skills with both adults and young people.
- A high degree of confidentiality and punctuality.
- Genuine enthusiasm and the ability to work well within a wider team, maintaining effective working relationships.
- The ability to support a manager, and be able to step into that role when required.
- Good organisational and problem solving skills.
- An ability to remain calm under pressure.
- High levels of motivation, patience, diplomacy and creativity.
- A sense of humour.
Desirable
- Previous experience in other boarding or residential environments working with young people.
- First Aid qualification.
- A BSA qualification or an interest in obtaining one.
- Full clean driver’s licence and the ability to drive a minibus or the willingness to learn.
Apply
Step 1. Complete Application Form
Step 2. Apply via email
If you would like to apply for this role, please email us the Application Form along with a cover letter.
Tring Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for a role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a self-declaration form relating to any criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children.
Tring Park School aims to create an inclusive culture that encourages and values diversity within its workforce, building on the differences individuals bring, enabling the School’s ongoing success.
We seek to embrace diversity drawing on a wide range of views and experiences to provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment whilst observing our commitment and responsibility to current legislation.
For information on how we will use your personal information during the recruitment process, please see the Recruitment Privacy Notice.