Resident Graduate Sports Assistant

September 2023 - July 2024

Walhampton is looking to appoint a Graduate Sports Assistant. The successful candidate will be fully immersed in the day-to-day life within the Sports Department and will have the opportunity to deliver sport and PE sessions, working with and supported by the whole Sports Department. The successful candidate will also be asked to participate in the school’s extensive extra-curricular programme, and will benefit from being a part of a vibrant team.

Sports Assistants are current undergraduates who wish to gain experience of working with young people in a school environment, perhaps as a prelude to a career in teaching. This is a fantastic opportunity to spend a year in an innovative school that highly values sport, working as a Sport Assistant to gain invaluable experience whilst pursuing a passion for sport.

The successful candidate must:

• Hold or be working towards a sport, exercise or coaching related degree

• Be passionate about their sport and play or have played to a high level

• Have high expectations for students’ learning, achievement, and behaviour

• Be passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people

• Be creative, friendly, and approachable

It is hoped that the Sports Department will be able to help the successful candidate in developing and extending their skills and gain valuable experience in a variety of areas. If, for example, an Assistant is passionate about a given sport or area of exercise, then opportunities could be created to accommodate their interests, where this will be beneficial to pupils.

Main Responsibilities: 

• Assist in the delivery of coaching of Games and PE lessons and the sporting co-curricular programme.
• Coaching, scoring, refereeing or umpiring fixtures on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon.
• To assist with promotion of sport.
• Work with the sports scholars to provide mentoring.
• To assist with some routine administrative tasks as required by the Director of Sport.
• Take responsibility for managing and monitoring sports equipment, kit and facilities as directed by the Director of Sport.
• To attend and contribute to departmental meetings.
• To produce displays to create an attractive learning environment in the department.
• Leading a small group of pupils for directed coaching drills.
• To undertake associated pastoral duties and always ensure students’ wellbeing. 
• Work with the scholars in your specialist area to provide mentoring.
• To be involved in the running of annual Inter-House competitions.
• Any other general responsibilities in the School as agreed with the Deputy Heads.

Boarding Responsibilities:

• Assist with pupil supervision both in boarding time.

• Assist in the supervision and coordination of weekend boarder activities.

• Maintain good order, appearance and behaviour in the boarding area and at mealtimes. 

• Assist in emergency evacuations of the boarding house.

• Attend weekly boarding meetings where applicable.

This job description outlines the current duties of this post to indicate the level of responsibilities. It is not a comprehensive or exclusive list and duties may be varied from time to time, where this does not change the general character of the job or the level of responsibility.

Promoting safeguarding and welfare of children and young persons 

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people for whom you are responsible, and with whom you come into contact. 

• Be aware of, and comply with, policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

• Be aware of, support and ensure equal opportunities for all. 

• Contribute to the overall ethos of the School. 

• Appreciate and support the role of other professionals.

• Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.

• Assist with pupil needs as appropriate during the School day.

Additional Responsibilities:

It would be desirable if the successful candidate has a sound understanding of major sports, holds coaching qualifications and is capable of driving a mini bus (over the age of 21 and held a full driving licence for more than 2 years).

Salary and Benefits:

• £12,500 per annum 
• Accommodation
• Three meals during term time when the kitchen is operational
• Bespoke programme of support from the School 
• Professional development opportunities and ongoing internal CPD 
• Healthcare Cashback Plan 
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• 5.6 weeks holiday pay
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free Parking

Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis and therefore we reserve the right to close the role on appointment.

Walhampton School is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check and satisfactory references.

The School is fully committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We have an established and representative Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Action (IDEA) Working Party of staff, parents and governors to help drive forward positive change.

We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of modern Britain. Acknowledging a lack of ethnic diversity within our staff community, we particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates. Appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.