Head of House

Heads of House (previously referred to as Houseparents) are responsible, in a pastoral and practical sense, for all aspects of the running of their House. They are responsible for its smooth and orderly running and for the welfare and wellbeing of the students within it.

In conjunction with colleagues in the Boarding Team, Heads of House are also responsible for overseeing the domestic and health & safety arrangements in the House and for ensuring that students are supervised effectively and appropriately and that the House rules are observed by everyone in the House.

The same ethos and approach prevail in the boarding context as do in all other aspects of life at d’Overbroeck’s.

Our boarding environment is marked with the same relative informality, boundaries that are clear but not overbearing, and an atmosphere which is homely, welcoming, flexible and supportive. Heads of House clearly have a critical part to play in creating and maintaining such an atmosphere in the boarding houses. They are, therefore, an integral part of the school’s pastoral team.

Heads of house (and other house staff) report to the Head of Boarding.

All duties and responsibilities, person specification are detailed in attached candidate brief.

Hours of Work

The hours of work will be set out in the contract of employment. The Head of House will be required to work such hours as are necessary to fulfil all their duties and responsibilities, including pastoral commitments commensurate with their position and role. Please note that the successful candidate will be asked to opt out of the 48-hour working week.

Non-Smoking Policy

As a school, we have a strict no-smoking and no-vaping policy (this is intended to cover all forms of e-cigarettes) in all parts of the school, including gardens and grounds. It is part of the Head of House’s role to ensure that this policy is enforced. It is therefore preferable that applicants to this role are non-smokers, to help lead by example.

Accommodation

For the proper performance of their duties, it is essential that Heads of House occupy the self-contained accommodation, in the form of a flat within the boarding house. The successful candidate will be required to sign a Licence to Occupy before taking up residence. This reflects the position that occupation is granted by way of licence, and that the Head of House does not gain any tenancy rights.

In any case, no adults or other children may live in the accommodation without the prior written consent of the school Principal, and this would only be given subject to child protection considerations and checks. Please note that any adult or child over the age of 16 who is living in the accommodation must enter into a written agreement with the school and undergo an enhanced DBS and barred list check.

Notice

The notice period for this post is a full school term, to end at the end of the term after notice has been given.

Holidays

Heads of House are entitled to the statutory minimum holiday entitlement under the Working Time Regulations 1998, to be taken during the school’s holidays. In addition, and subject always to the requirement to fulfil the obligations of the role, Heads of House will not normally be required to work during the majority of our normal school holidays.

However, please note that Heads of House will need to be available for work for two days after the end of each term (including half-terms) and before the start of the next (including half-terms). At the start of the academic year, they should be available for the week before term starts in order to prepare the house and attend Staff Inset sessions

Further information

If you would like any further information at this stage, please feel free to email Hannah Mungall, Head of Boarding, at Hannah.Mungall@doverbroecks.com

Salary

We expect the salary to be between £23,000 and £26,000 depending on the size of the boarding house.

Staff at d’Overbroeck’s also benefit from

·        free cooked lunches during term-time

·        access to ‘We Care’ medical and counselling services

·        discounted membership rates for a nearby sports and leisure club

·        participation in the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme

·        fee discounts for children of staff attending d’Overbroeck’s School

Applications

Applicants should apply using the link Head of House[Head of House]

The Application Form, full Curriculum Vitae and a covering letter should be emailed to HR@doverbroecks.com and a signed copy sent to:

HR

d'Overbroeck's

333 Banbury Road

Oxford

OX2 7PL

The final date for submission of applications is Monday 19 June 2023.

Please apply as soon as possible. All applications will be processed on receipt.

Short-listed applicants will be notified of the interview arrangements as soon as possible after short-listing. Please note, however, that we reserve the right to shortlist and invite suitable candidates in for interview prior to this date, as we are looking to make a new appointment as quickly as possible.

Nord Anglia Education

In early 2021 d’Overbroeck’s was acquired by Nord Anglia Education, a leading premium international schools organisation. At the start of the 2022-23 academic year, NAE comprised 81 school in 32 countries, employing over 15,000 and teaching over 70,000 students.

You can find out more on their website: nordangliaeducation.com