Assistant House Parent

All Assistant House Parents are line-managed by the House Parents, and are responsible for the pastoral care of all boarders in David Game Boarding House. 

1. The Role

All Assistant House Parents must support the House Parents in creating a positive atmosphere within the Boarding House which is supportive of the College as a centre for teaching and learning. They should foster a culture which is based on high standards and expectations, are both caring and demanding and show commitment to the needs of all boarders.

2. Responsibilities

To be responsible for the organisation of a Residential Boarding House by:

i.         Taking direct responsibility for the pastoral care of students in the House and reporting any issues to the House Parents and Head of Boarding as appropriate;

ii.         Attend regular meetings with the house staff and students, encouraging student engagement with their environment through Boarders and Student/Boarders Voice, and inviting input into the management of the House from house representatives;

iii.        Attending weekly House Meetings;

iv.       Support in conducting a regular audit of the facilities and furnishings in the house,   

           reporting any concerns to the Properties Services Manager for any action;

v.        Support in maintaining an overview of Health and Safety issues in the House;

vi.       Assist in contributing to the pastoral reports to the Head of Boarding and contributing to the Colleges Development Plan;

vii.       Having the overview of the welfare and academic achievements of all students in the House.

Overseeing the safety, good discipline, pastoral well-being and academic performance of

boarders by:

i.         Ensuring that the Colleges’ boarding policies on safeguarding and behaviour are fully understood by the students and adhered to;

ii.         Being aware of the implications of the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools and OFSTED Boarding Inspection criteria;

iii.        Assist in ensuring that a full understanding of the circumstances of each boarder in the House, their strengths, weaknesses, aptitudes and abilities are clearly identified and shared with relevant staff so that individual talents and potential are developed and maximised;

iv.       Assist with co-ordinating and contributing to a full and varied programme of enrichment activities and trips ensuring that every student has the opportunity to participate;

v.        Monitor welfare, health and emotional issues through Individual Welfare Plans;

vi.       Ensuring that concerns for a student’s welfare are referred to the appropriate internal staff;

vii.       Ensuring that appropriate travel arrangements for students are in place in advance at the beginning and end of each term and half-term, remaining resident in the building until all students have departed, or make alternative provisions for their welfare and safety.

viii.      Liaising on all medical issues involving students in the House and the administering of medicines;

ix.       Accompanying students to medical appointments when the chaperone is not available.

x.        Ensuring, where appropriate, that teaching staff know of students’ background

circumstances which might affect their academic performance;

xi.       When necessary communicating with parents of students, including responding promptly as a matter of courtesy to all email or phone communications by parents i.e. within 48 hours;

xii.       Encouraging a healthy and positive use of students’ free time;

xiii.      Support the House Parent in overseeing the arrangement of House teams and  

           participation in Inter-House competitions.

xiv.     Assist with recording the students’ achievements, academic mentoring and misconduct in School Base;

xv.      Agreeing and implementing the House’s Academic Mentoring programme with the Head of Boarding.

xvi.     Supporting students in maximising their private study time so that they achieve the best that they can academically and providing guidance, support and advice for progression routes at all levels where able.

xvii.     Supporting International Boarders where possible at Parents’ Consultation and

Information Evenings. 

3. Expectations

Assistant House Parents are expected to take a proactive role in the running of the House by being present as much as possible and having a flexible approach to duties including:

i.             Being on duty on the last two days of each half-term and end of term regardless of time-off.

ii.            Being on duty on the two days before the start of each half-term and end of term regardless of time-off.

iii.           Being present at all major school events including Annual Prize-Giving, GCSE/Sixth Form Dinners, Christmas dinners/discos and any other significant events;

iv.          Being present at least once per week in assembly.

v.           Assistant House Parents must ensure the delivery of practice laid out in the Staff Handbook.

vi.          Assistant House Parents are expected to evidence research informed improvements over a sustained period of time. 

Supervision of the House at all times will be the responsibility of the House Parents who are supported by the Assistant House Parents. 

4. On Call

The Assistant House Parents will be ‘on call’ each night when not on duty.

Other

i    Being responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people for whom he/she is responsible or comes into contact with.

ii.   To undertake any other reasonable duty at the request of the Co-Principal or Head of Boarding.

Iii   To adopt professional dress codes whilst on duty and behave in a professional manner at all times.

iv. Attend college Inset Days as published in the Calendar.

The above job description relates to your core function and is not exhaustive and can be subject to change depending on context and needs. 

David Game College is both a Day and Boarding and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment – applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate screening including a DBS check.