School Nurse

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, proactive and caring School Nurse to join our nursing team from September 2023 (or April 2023). The successful candidate will be a qualified registered nurse. Experience working in schools or with children and young adults is desirable, but not essential, for the right candidate.  

The post of School Nurse is a key role in Ruthin School’s provision of pastoral care. You will work collaboratively with pastoral and boarding staff, and liaise with external agencies as required. The post holder must have the ability to manage the medical, welfare and pastoral care of students aged 11 to 18 very effectively, and possess excellent communication and administrative skills. You will be an integral part of our extensive ‘golden network’ of safeguarding, which permeates all that we do at Ruthin School. 

This role can be residential for the right candidate, or non-residential if preferred.    

If residential, then school accommodation would be provided year-round, and the post holder will be required to be resident in this accommodation during term time.  Council tax, water rates and utility bills will be paid by the School, and meals will be available in the School during term time.  Please note that all family members aged 16 and above will need to have enhanced DBS checks prior to taking up residence. 

One of our current nurses leaves in April to return to work in the NHS, and we are therefore taking this opportunity to consider possible alternative staffing models moving forwards, and are open to discussions with potential candidates about possible shift patterns and hours of work.  

The duty rota is negotiable, and the structure of the working day will depend upon whether the successful candidate wishes to be resident, or non-resident.  The role is term-time only - plus a maximum of three days at the beginning and end of each half term to prepare for the arrival and departure of students.  

To give an idea of one possible scenario: We currently we have three nurses who cover the days on a rota basis, and the current opening hours of the medical centre are 8.00am to 8.30pm, 7 days a week. The nurses coordinate the rota between themselves, and it is then agreed with the Deputy Head. At present the current team each work an average of 36 hours a week (3 days each of 8.00am to 8.30pm, with a break for lunch) with overlap on two handover days each week where appointments, immunisations etc. can be scheduled.  

Ruthin School has a strong academic record which is attained through teaching which challenges and supports in equal measure. This is supplemented with first-class pastoral care and a broad range of elective activities which allow students to develop the skills to succeed in their studies and prepare for the world of work.  

The school is located in a beautiful part of the country, set on the edge of the charming, historic town of Ruthin and at the foot of the Clwydian Range (an area of outstanding natural beauty). Whilst we enjoy a rural setting, we are only an hour from Manchester and Liverpool to the East and close to the coast and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park to the West. 

As part of its continuing development, Ruthin School values the positive impact that difference has on our students, and is committed to reflecting that equality and diversity in our staff body. 

We encourage applications from those who are experienced as well as those more recently qualified, who would relish the opportunity to be part of an exciting new chapter in the school and take advantage of living and working in exceptional surroundings. 

The school may also be able to offer short-term en-suite single accommodation to help with relocation, should a non-residential role be preferred.  

Applications should be sent to hr@ruthinschool.co.uk.

Applicants should send a covering letter, detailing suitability for the post, along with a completed application form and self-declaration form.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Tuesday 28 March 2023 

Interviews, at Ruthin School, will take place in the w/c 3 April 2023 

To arrange a confidential discussion with the Head, Deputy Head Pastoral, or one of our current school nurses, or to arrange a visit to the school, please email hr@ruthinschool.co.uk or call 01824 702 543. 

For more information about our school and this superb opportunity, please visit our website: https://www.ruthinschool.co.uk/about-us/vacancies/ 

Ruthin School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all applicants (and any resident family members aged 16+) must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the position, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).