Senior House Matron

We are seeking to appoint a Senior House Matron to play a vital role in the largest Catholic independent boarding and day school in the UK.

Working closely with the Heads of Boarding (HoB), Assistant Heads of Boarding (AHoB), and House Matrons, the Senior House Matron will provide pastoral care to boarders, sharing in the responsibility for their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing.  They will also contribute to establish a ‘home’ environment for boarders through the routines of the boarding houses.

Reporting to the Director of Boarding, the Senior House Matron will also have oversight of the team of House Matrons and will be responsible for ensuring a consistently high standard of cleanliness, presentation and domestic provision across all boarding houses.  This is a hands-on residential role, requiring strong leadership, attention to detail and the ability to support and guide others.  The successful candidate will work closely with House staff to promote a welcoming, safe and well-maintained environment in which boarders thrive.

Leadership and Management

·         to oversee and support the team of House Matrons across all boarding houses

·         to have responsibility for the quality of work provided by the House Matrons, providing guidance where necessary

·         to support the HoB and AHoB in delivering outstanding pastoral care, and maintaining high standards in line with National Minimum Standards for boarding

Spiritual

·         to support the Catholic ethos of the School, including attending Mass and liturgical events, and encouraging opportunities for prayer, reflection, and spiritual development within the boarding houses

·         to support opportunities for spiritual growth and development e.g. prayer, reflection and collective worship together with the House team and members of the Chaplaincy team

Social and Behaviour

·         to assist the HoB and AHoB in establishing a community spirit and family atmosphere

within the Houses, based on care, trust and respect

·         to assist the HoB and AHoB in ensuring that all boarders are aware of the Code of Conduct

and adhere to high standards of behaviour and courtesy at all times

·         to foster a positive and inclusive environment, with good integration between students of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds

·         to promote equality and diversity, challenging inappropriate behaviour and attitudes e.g. racism, sexism

Personal Development & Wellbeing

·         to ensure boarders have a consistently high standard of dress (including polishing shoes) and that there is compliance with uniform expectations

·         to be available for boarders, supporting their routines

·         to make regular inspections of rooms

·         to ensure laundry is done regularly and items are named and in good order, making minor alterations and repairs

·         to eat supper with boarders (when working), encouraging boarders to establish healthy eating patterns

·         to encourage boarders to take responsibility for the security of their own belongings, including the appropriate deposit of money and valuables brought to School

Cleaning

·         to work with Cleaning staff and House Matrons to clean indoor and outdoor areas relating to the House, including bath/shower rooms and toilets

·         to undertake deep cleaning

·         to assist with critical incident response and wet vacuuming

·         to recover lost property and return to agreed point

·         to work with the Boarding staff to ensure the Houses are prepared for the start of terms

·         together with the Porters, to ensure the Houses are prepared for holiday courses, lettings and/or maintenance requirements

Security and Health & Safety

·         to share in the responsibility for the health and wellbeing of each boarder, ensuring correct recording of medical information, liaising with the Health & Wellbeing Centre

·         to complete designated Health & Safety checks and Risk Assessments

·         to assist in maintaining the security of the Houses, i.e. locking and closing windows at the end of the day

·         to be vigilant regarding on-site security and to approach adults without lanyards on site

·         to be familiar with the fire safety procedures of the Houses and to support the Fire Marshal in the event of an alarm or fire

Administration

·         to maintain excellent communication with parents

·         to ensure all paperwork is completed in line with the NMS

·         to assist the HoB and AHoB with keeping records for each House, where appropriate

·         to assist with the updating of noticeboards and displays in each House

·         to assist with travel arrangements, acting as chaperone for medical visits

Person Specification:

·         to have a clear understanding of and commitment to Catholic education

·         to have a genuine interest in supporting the School’s charitable mission and ethos

·         to have knowledge or experience of boarding school environments

·         to have a strong understanding of safeguarding and child welfare

·         to have a genuine professional interest in boarding and pastoral care

·         to have the ability to create a positive, nurturing environment

·         to have the ability to relate to young people with empathy and understanding

·         to have excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills

·         to have the ability to manage behaviour effectively

·         to have good IT skills

·         to have initiative and the ability to work independently

·        to be a practising Catholic (desirable)

·         to hold relevant Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) qualification(s) (desirable)

·         to hold a university degree (desirable)