Summer School Head of Sports and Activites

Contract Type: Temporary, Full-time

Duration: 40 days (Wednesday 25th June to Monday 4th August (inclusive)) 

Salary: £750 per week

Please note: The above dates include set up and orientation training days and a post-course de-brief day, which are paid contracted days and attendance is mandatory for all Summer School staff. 

About Padworth College and Summer School

Padworth College is an independent boarding and day school located in the charming village of Padworth, near Reading in the United Kingdom. The College provides a supportive and nurturing environment for students aged 14-19, offering a range of academic programs designed to prepare students for university and future career opportunities.

Padworth's summer school is unique because it is organized by the school itself. It offers a variety of academic options and modules for students aged 13-17 during the summer months of July and August. The focus is not only on academic development, but also on character building. We aim for everyone in our community, including staff and students, to cultivate five important character virtues: being a team player, being kind, being self-disciplined, being engaged, and being reflective. Our ultimate goal is to encourage creativity, boost confidence and independence, and create lasting memories in a safe and supportive environment.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated and energetic individual to join our team as the Summer School Head of Sports and Activities. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the daily sports, activities, events and festivals of our summer school programme, coordinating sports, activities, and leisure days, and ensuring the welfare and safety of our students. You will also be involved in the Padworth Xperiences part of the timetable. 

The role of Summer School Head of Sports and Activities may also include undertaking some boarding parenting duties to cover for the Head of Boarding and Pastoral on occasions, but this will remain very limited and overall responsibility for this will remain with the Head of Boarding and Pastoral. 

 You will work closely with the Director of Summer School to ensure that the campus functions to the highest standards throughout the summer course. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Sports and Activities: 

o  Remain up to date on new coaching and teaching principles 

o  Along with the Director of Summer School, plan, coordinate, organise and deliver a diverse range of sports sessions and activities for students to promote their physical, social, and intellectual development, including inter-team competitions. 

o  Line manage a team of Activities Assistants 

o  Supervising swimming sessions in the College pool, which is to be attended by a qualified lifeguard at all times 

o  Coaching a maximum of 4 x 1.5 hour periods per week for Padworth Xperiences and ensuring sports and activities between 15:30 and 22:00 each day run as directed by the Director of Summer School. 

o  Liaising with Assistant Director (Operations), ensuring that appropriate risk assessments are in place and have been read and understood for each activity by each sport or activities staff member. 

o  Source external specialists, coaches, and instructors when required, ensuring the highest standards of instruction and supervision. 

o  Evaluate and select appropriate equipment, supplies, and materials necessary for sports, games, and activities. 

Events and Festivals: 

o  Organise, promote and monitor any events and festivals that take place in the evenings ensuring that all Activities Assistants are briefed and kept updated to any changes. 

o  Ensure close monitoring and suitable guidance is given to Activities Assistants with respect to their duties 

o  Liase with Summer School Administrator and Recruitment Coordinator to ensure any equipment or external bookings have been ordered. 

Student Welfare and Safety: 

o  Support the overall welfare and well-being of students throughout their summer school experience, managing student behaviour and promoting good conduct 

o  Implement and enforce health and safety protocols, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. 

o  Respond promptly and effectively to any incidents or emergencies, following established protocols and procedures. 

o  Reporting any students who appear unwell to the Head of Boarding and Pastoral or Assistant Director (Operations). 

Staff Supervision and Training: 

o  Supervise and provide guidance to a team of Activities Assistants and sports staff. 

o  Conduct regular training sessions and workshops to ensure staff have the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality programs. 

o  Foster a fun, positive and collaborative team environment, promoting professional development and effective communication. 

Boarding and pastoral 

o  being familiar with National minimum boarding standards and boarding policies 

o  supporting Head of Boarding and Pastoral where necessary with checking bedrooms each evening (21.30pm – 23:00pm) to ensure all students are accounted for. 

o  Providing assistance and leadership to the Activities Assistants but overall responsibility for boarding will remain with the Head of Boarding and Pastoral 

o  Making time to talk to and, more importantly, to listen to students at room check at the end of each day 

o  Maintaining good communication with the boarding parents and senior management team to ensure the best possible pastoral care of students 

Hours of work 

Variable hours between 7:30am and 11.00pm. Shifts and time off are organised on a rota basis. The Summer School Head of Sports and Activities are also expected to remain in the boarding residence from 10.30pm and sleep in the boarding residence every night that students are present unless specific permission is given by the Director of Summer School. 

Activities Assistants will be given one full 24-hour period off each week as well as one evening – They are not required to stay in the boarding residences during this time. 

 If you are passionate about providing exceptional experiences for international students and have the necessary skills and qualifications, we encourage you to apply for the Summer School Head of Sports and Activities role at Padworth College Summer School by submitting and application form and covering letter. We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our dynamic team. 

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role and responsibilities. It is not an exhaustive list of duties and may be subject to change or modification as required by the needs of the College. .