Head of House - Oxford, United Kingdom - NordAnglia

NordAnglia

Verified Company

Oxford, United Kingdom

2 days ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

We are seeking to appoint Head of House for our boarding accommodation to join us in September 2023. This is an exciting opportunity to join our boarding team at a time of growth and development.

Role overview

Heads of House (previously referred to as Houseparents) are responsible, in a pastoral and practical sense, for all aspects of the running of their House.

They are responsible for its smooth and orderly running and for the welfare and wellbeing of the students within it.

In conjunction with colleagues in the Boarding Team, Heads of House are also responsible for overseeing the domestic and health & safety arrangements in the House and for ensuring that students are supervised effectively and appropriately and that the House rules are observed by everyone in the House.

The same ethos and approach prevail in the boarding context as do in all other aspects of life at d'Overbroeck's.

Our boarding environment is marked with the same relative informality, boundaries that are clear but not overbearing, and an atmosphere which is homely, welcoming, flexible and supportive.

Heads of House clearly have a critical part to play in creating and maintaining such an atmosphere in the boarding houses.

They are, therefore, an integral part of the school's pastoral team.

Heads of house (and other house staff) report to the Head of Boarding.

Principle duties and responsibilities
By their nature, the responsibilities of this role are fairly open-ended.

Please note, therefore, that this job description can only give an indicative outline of the main duties and responsibilities of the role.

It should not be read as an exhaustive statement.

Heads of House at d'Overbroeck's are expected to:

Running the House

Create and maintain a happy, safe, warm and homely environment which is conducive to the students feeling at ease and being able to live and work happily in the House;
Lead in the creation of suitable standards of behaviour for the students in their care;
Be responsible for the smooth, orderly and effective running of the House and for the welfare, safety and wellbeing of the boarders in it;
Make sure that students (boarders and visitors) are appropriately and effectively supervised.
Foster a sense of House identity and spirit by encouraging students to participate actively inHouse activities and by supporting such events as a figurehead for the House;
Ensure that the House rules are being followed at all times and address any infringements that may occur. Also ensure that students are always back in the House by the prescribed time;
Ensure that students treat the belongings of others and the fabric and furnishings of the House appropriately and with respect;
Foster a positive atmosphere in the House and aim always to be fair and consistent in daily interactions with students, not least in the way that school and House rules are applied and any infringements dealt with;
Be open to sensible requests and suggestions from students for ways in which the running of, and the provision in, the House may be improved, and discuss these with the Head of Boarding;
Meet prospective students and parents and show them around the House as and when asked to do so by the Head of Boarding or another senior member of staff.
Maintain regular contact with the colleagues in the Boarding Team and with other teaching and admin colleagues as appropriate.
Conduct weekly House meetings.
Organise and run weekend activities for students in the House that complement the school programme;
Build and maintain open, cordial and constructive relationships with the parents and guardians of boarders and respond promptly and helpfully to any communications and requests from them;
Be sensitive to, and promote good relations with, neighbours and other members of the local community;
Be responsible for mentoring the Boarding Assistant and overseeing the boardingrelated aspects of their work; and
Respond promptly and deal with any emergencies or unexpected situations that may occur at any time.

Pastoral

Build and maintain positive and constructive relationships with the students, get to know each of them individually and be aware of their particular circumstances, needs, strengths and possible vulnerabilities, and provide them with the best possible care and support at all times;
Be alert to any signs of unhappiness or indications that a student may be experiencing difficulties; be available to listen, talk and support students with any emotional or social issues they may have; and liaise with other relevant staff (such as the School's Designated Safeguarding Lead, the student's DoS or Form Teacher, the School Counsellor, the Head of Boarding) as appropriate;
Be alert to any tensions or signs of bullying, including cyberbullying, and, in the event that these issues should arise, deal with them promptly in line with the school's antibullying and behaviour policies;
Facilitate c