We have an exciting opportunity to appoint a Relief Matron in a boarding house, starting as soon as possible.

Description

About the role

The Housekeeper Matron is resident in the Boarding House and in conjunction with the Housemaster, is responsible for the pastoral care and wellbeing of approximately 65 pupils aged 13-18, including supporting them in their extra-curricular activities.

The Housekeeper Matron is also responsible for the management of the House and its domestic staff, the ordering of supplies, and the keeping of accounts.

The Relief Matron is accountable to the Housemaster but works under the direction of the Housekeeper/Matron. This role covers for the Housekeeper/Matron to allow them to have time off and is required to sleep overnight in the Boarding House. The Relief Matron is not required to remain in the house for the duration of their shift, although is required to be ‘on call’ through a mobile phone in case of an emergency.

The College is looking for a Relief Matron to cover one boarding house.

The College has a fully staffed Health and Wellbeing Centre and doctors conduct a surgery there on a daily basis. Therefore, the Relief Matron will not be required to have any formal medical or nursing qualifications. However, all Relief Matrons are required to undertake a one day first aid course. Relief Matrons are encouraged to attend House events and to become involved in the life of the pupils in the House. This could include attending sports matches, plays, art competitions and music recitals.

Main Responsibilities

The Relief Matron’s duties will be similar to those of the Matron, albeit providing a more limited service. The Relief Matron provides cover during the Matron’s 30 hours off each week during term time. There are 31 occasions each academic year when the duty is required, for each house. The list below outlines the Relief Matron’s main duties:

Pupil Welfare

• The Relief Matron is expected to assist the Housemaster in providing a high level of pastoral care for the pupils.
• To run the morning, lunch, tea and evening House surgery, dealing with minor ailments and injuries and to transfer/accompany sick/injured pupils to the Health and Wellbeing Centre as soon as possible. If necessary, escort pupils to appointments at hospital etc. and always report back to the Health and Wellbeing Centre afterwards.
• To issue prescribed medicine, in accordance with current regulations, as required.
• To maintain a record of pupils’ illnesses and their treatment.
• To escort pupils to routine appointments by prior arrangement.

General

• To attend lunch and tea when on duty.
• Answer parent emails, following the guidance of the Housemaster.
• To be on call when not physically required in the house, and to carry the House mobile phone at all times when on duty.
• To respond to emergencies at any time during the day or night.
• To complete the SIMS register for the period on duty, to record medical status and authorised absences.
• To report any safeguarding concerns on the relevant system.
• To supervise exam isolation when necessary, liaising with the Housemaster to provide meals and overnight accommodation.
• To ensure a clear handover takes place with the Matron covering all aspects of the time on duty.
• In the Housekeeper/Matron’s absence, to liaise with boarding house staff regarding any absences, and inform the Housekeeper/Matron in the handover.
• As required, to contact Human Resources about any concerns on staffing, including Domestics provision.
• To assist the Housemaster on occasion with certain duties.
• The Relief Matron must be aware of the sensitive nature of the information they deal with and respect confidentiality at all times.
• It is desirable that the Relief Matron has their own car available for use if taking pupils to appointments or in an emergency. The College insurance covers this use.

Health and Safety

The Relief Matron will assist the Housemaster in meeting Health and Safety standards in the House for both pupils and staff.

This includes:

• Attending central College safety training.
• Maintaining an Emergency First Aid at Work Certificate.
• Following all the boarding house fire procedures as per the Fire Risk Assessment.
• If on duty, ensuring House and pupils' electrical equipment is available for PAT testing when scheduled.
• Work with the Matron to ensure First Aid boxes are fully equipped in accordance with current guidance.
• Maintaining the accident records as and when required.
• Reporting any safety failings to either the Housemaster, Matron or the Works Department.
• To hold a current Food Hygiene Certificate (organised by the College).

Person Specification and Key Qualities

Experience and skills

The successful candidate will have/be:

• Able to multi-task and be a team-player.
• Proactive and will take initiative to resolve issues.
• A flexible and adaptable approach to duties undertaken.
• Ability to prioritise work effectively and manage a fluctuating workload.

Key Qualities

The successful candidate will be/have:

• Self-motivated, efficient and dedicated, with a positive can-do attitude.
• Commitment to the values of the school.
• A welcoming and friendly demeanour.
• High levels of energy, enthusiasm and reliability.
• Be committed to the safety and welfare of children is essential, as well as equality of opportunity.

Terms and Conditions, Benefits and Application

Start date

This role will commence as soon as possible.

Salary

The salary for this term-time position will be £5,591.76 (gross) per annum.

Salary is paid monthly, in arrears, to a nominated back account in 12 equal payments. Salary levels are reviewed on 1 September annually and this appointment will be next reviewed in September 2025.

Food

The Relief Matron is entitled to receive food from the House Kitchen for the duration of their duty.

Hours of Work

The Relief Matron will provide cover for one boarding house during the Housekeeper/Matron’s 30 hours off each week during term time. There are 31 occasions per house each academic year when the duty is required.

The Relief Matron is not required to remain in the house for the duration of their shift, although is required to be ‘on call’ through a mobile phone in case of an emergency. The typical duty might comprise:

Day 1

Attend lunch/issue medicine: 1.0 hour

Attend tea: 1.0 hour

Attend tea surgery: 1.0 hour

Attend evening surgery: 1.0 hour

Day 2

Morning surgery and complete iSAMS: 1.0 hour

Attend lunch/issue medicine: 1.0 hour

Sleeping Hours (22:30 to 07:00) 8.5 hours

The Relief Matron will repeat this process once or twice a week.

These hours are a guideline. It is expected that an average of six hours will be worked across the duty period, with allowance for another four hours that may be required for appointments, emergencies or sporting events. There needs to be a degree of flexibility which may vary from house to house.

Holidays

This is a term-time position which benefits from the school holidays.

Wider Benefits

• Free staff lunches during term time.
• Access to Staff Counsellor.
• Use of sports facilities, including gym membership, tennis courts and in 2025, a new 25m swimming pool. Exercise classes, including spinning and circuits are also available.
• Tour of the College, with discounted rates available for booking venues within the school’s grounds for hospitality events.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free access to an ongoing cycle of cultural, musical, theatrical and sporting talks and events.
• Employee Referral Scheme, with a reward of up to £250 for staff (subject to scheme conditions).
• Free Library membership with access to a range of online journals and magazines.

How to Apply

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications: Noon, Monday 21st October 2024.

For full job description, please visit here: https://www.winchestercollege.org/employment-opportunities/my-application/vacancy/9211123Rc4

Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint prior to the closing date.

Further information about the school can be found at www.winchestercollege.org.