Matron - Senior Boys House

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the running of a well-established, vibrant and successful independent school. Strathallan School seeks to appoint a Matron to work as part of the House Team within one of seven boarding houses. The successful applicant will play an integral part in the domestic management and ambience of the house, and will assist in the pastoral care of the boarders. 

The post-holder is expected to uphold the values and ethos of Strathallan School and act as an ambassador for the School.

 Core Purpose

To assist with and contribute to the supervision and care of the pupils, with particular responsibility for the health, safety and security and promoting the development, well-being and protection of the pupils. To promote effective communications for and about the members of the House. To organise and support the domestic staff attached to the House and ensure that they carry out their work effectively and efficiently.

Aims

Pastoral, Health and Medical

• To be responsible for the general health and well-being of those in the Boarding House and to take the initiative, where appropriate, in pastoral matters.
• To hold daily ‘surgeries’ at appropriate times.
• In the case of any doubt or concern and in accordance with protocols, to refer medical matters to the School Health Centre.
• To respond to medical emergencies as well as routine appointments, escorting pupils as needed to the Health Centre (or hospital).
• To report any absences in accordance with School protocols.
• To attend to any sick pupils in bed in the Boarding House.
• To be responsible for the well-being of any day pupils who are unwell, making arrangements for them to be collected by parents as appropriate.
• To ensure that appropriate pupil records are kept up to date and that they are stored securely in accordance with School protocols; to liaise with School medical staff as appropriate, in order to share any health or medical concerns.
• To administer and record any non-prescription medication in accordance with the School’s published Simple Medicines Policy.
• To support young people to express their views and preferences about their development, health and wellbeing.
• To contribute to the protection of young people.

Pupils and their Parents

• To be responsible (with the Houseparent) for the care, supervision, cleanliness and presentation of pupils in the House, co-ordinating and liaising with other non-domestic House staff as necessary.
• To be aware of the School Uniform and clothing requirements of pupils and to ensure that they have all the items they require; to be responsible for the good standard of clothing of pupils, managing (as relevant) the arrangements for clothing to be sent to and returned from the laundry; arranging appropriate repair of clothing, and for the issue of ‘chits’ for the School shop etc. when necessary.
• To liaise with parents of members of the House as necessary, concerning domestic, welfare and medical matters, complementary to and in consultation with the Houseparent and to support individuals to communicate.
• As required, to give some insight into each member of the House and to communicate effectively with relevant parties on difficult, complex and sensitive pupil issues, within the context of the School Policy on Confidentiality. Such communication to be either face to face, by telephone or electronic media as appropriate and recorded accordingly.
• To provide a proactive, organised, motivational yet sympathetic presence in the House, and to be sensitive to those who are having difficulties coping with School life; to liaise closely with other relevant staff concerning the progress, development and welfare of pupils.
• To contribute to the induction arrangements for the new pupils joining the House; to ensure (along with the Houseparent) that any ‘settling in’ problems are resolved.
• To update and maintain records and reports as reasonably required by the nature of your position.
• To assist in the running of the House Tuck Shop as required.

Domestic

• To ensure that standards of cleanliness in the House are high and to deploy and manage domestic staff in order to achieve this goal. This will involve practical cleaning duties as required by a team approach to achieving such high standards.
• Supervise the maintenance and cleaning of pupils’ clothing and bedding and the fabric of the House in conjunction with the Domestic Services Manager and the domestic team.
• After the end of term, to supervise the clearing up and deep cleaning of the House; to advise on replacement or renewal of bedding, fixtures and furnishings.
• To ensure that a minimum twice weekly check of all bedding, furniture, fixtures and fittings is carried out and the, preparing of a list of repairs and maintenance items required for submission to the Domestic Services Manager, Estates Manager or Bursar, with a copy to the Houseparent (unless the Houseparent wishes to take responsibility for the submission of maintenance requests).
• At the end of the holidays (especially if the House has been used for holiday lets), to affect the preparation of dormitories and bedrooms; to carry out a check on furnishings to ensure that all are in good order, repairs carried out and that rooms are clean and presentable.
• At the start of the academic Year, to supervise the handover and documentation regarding pupils taking occupancy of a study bedroom.
• To participate in the instruction and induction of domestic staff allocated to work in the House, following any administrative arrangements made by the Bursar; to advise the Domestic Services Manager and/or Houseparent on domestic requirements and problems involving staff.
• To ensure adequate supplies of cleaning materials and equipment, medical items and other domestic materials, and make adequate provision for their safe storage.

General

• To take part in such staff review arrangements as are in use by the School.
• To take part in appropriate staff cover arrangements for other matrons if needed.
• To attend House staff meetings as required by the Houseparent.
• To be familiar with the School’s code of practice for health and safety, and its policies and procedures for countering bullying, substance misuse and Child Protection.
• To reflect on and act to enhance your practice, and as a minimum maintain your SSSC Registration.
• Show prospective pupils and parents around the Boarding House as required.
• Assist in maintaining the security of the Boarding House
• To carry out such other related duties as may be reasonably required from time to time by the Headmaster or Houseparent, subject only to the provision that such duties fall within the general aim of the post.

This role is term-time only, Monday - Friday 07.30 - 17.00.