Deputy Lead Houseparent

ACS International Schools Cobham is urgently seeking a Deputy Lead Houseparent to start in August 2024. The role is based in one of our two onsite boarding houses.

Applicants should preferably have a teaching qualification, and previous boarding house leadership experience with ages 13-19 at a senior level is essential. 

ACS Cobham has a thriving and diverse community with outstanding accommodation and facilities for students aged 12 to 18. Our world-class boarding facilities boast study areas, cinema rooms and landscaped outdoor areas. We offer modern and spacious accommodation, with grade dedicated lounges with games and entertainment zones.

Purpose:

The Deputy Lead Houseparent will work with the Lead Houseparent to ensure a consistently high-quality boarding provision for boarding students.

When the Lead Houseparent is off duty, the Deputy oversees the daily registration of boarders, communication with parents and guardians, lead on out of hours medical care and ensure Health and Safety procedures are followed, including overnight security of the boarding house, and approving off site permissions. They will have excellent knowledge of Inspection and Compliance for boarding schools.

The role will include the management of up to 5 members of staff and approximately 100+ boarding students during a duty shift.

Benefits:

• Working at an international school with diverse and inclusive student and staff bodies
• Free onsite accommodation all year round
• Meals provided during term time.

Working hours/pattern:

On site at ACS Cobham, term time only, 49 hours per week, on a fortnightly rota, working every other weekend (4 days and nights off over the fortnight, and 1 night off every week).

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

General Duties

• Deputy Lead Houseparent is responsible for the day to day running and organisation of the boarding house
• Develop strong team working within the boarding house to support and maintain high standards across the Boarding House
• Ensure the boarding house is compliant with all health and safety procedures, including being secured and alarmed overnight when on duty
• Reside overnight in the house and be on call for emergency situations.

Remaining duties involve pastoral care and wellbeing of students, academic progress and student enrichment, health and safety and administration and communication plus being on overnight call as and when required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree/Bachelor of Education
• Teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent) preferable
• Competent with IT skills
• Experience in leading staff and line management (essential)
• Previous experience of leading a boarding house at a senior level (essential)
• Experience of dealing with student behaviour including managing the issuing of sanctions (essential)
• Able to demonstrate management of complex stakeholder situations with parents/guardians/agents (essential)
• Experience of managing H&S issues and legislation in relation to a residential establishment
• Strong knowledge of the National Minimum Standards for boarding
• Experience in leading and organising activities
• Experience of working pastorally with students aged 13-19 year, ideally in a boarding setting
• Sound interpersonal and supervisory skills
• Demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Flexible and imaginative with a well-developed sense of humour
• Ability to use initiative and think flexibly about possible solutions
• Ability to work without supervision
• Not suitable for families as staff accommodation is a 1 bedroom apartment.

Safeguarding:

ACS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and as an employee of ACS you are expected to share this commitment. The protection of our students’ welfare is the responsibility of all staff within ACS International Schools and individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of our organisation.