Resident Housemistress/master

Harrogate Ladies College (HLC), Highfield Prep and Highfield pre-School are a family of three leading independent schools delivering a world class education in the heart of Harrogate for boys and girls aged 2-11 and at HLC, girls aged 11-18 years. In our last ISI inspection in 2017, we were awarded the highest possible rating of Excellent in All Areas from 2 to 18 years.

We have a well-established boarding offer, currently for 120 Harrogate Ladies’ College pupils, across four separate residences. We are seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Resident Housemistress/master to join our Boarding team to oversee the running of one of our boarding houses and the welfare of the pupils living there. Each boarding house accommodates up to 30 boarders.
- Relevant professional background
- Strong pastoral, communication and organisational skills
- Qualities, skills and experience to inspire girls of all ages
- Be willing to participate fully in the wider life of the School.
- Please note that this is a non-teaching Housemistress/master role which comes with accommodation.

For an informal chat about the position, please contact our Head of Boarding, Laura Brookes on 01423 537030 or our HR team on 01423 504543.
- Job Purpose:_
- To be resident within the House at all times during term time (excluding off duty time) and to be responsible for the general welfare and personal development of all the boarders in the House, in accordance with School policies;
- To provide the boarders with the best possible experience of a boarding education, providing a ‘home from home’ experience;
- To build a strong, personal relationship with each of the boarders in her/his care, recognising their individual needs, and to support other members of the House team in meeting those needs;
- To work closely with the relevant Head of School and Tutors, ensuring continuity of care for the boarders and to liaise effectively and promptly with parents and guardians;
- To manage effectively and efficiently the staffing, organisation and resources of the House; and
- To oversee Health and Safety standards and requirements within the House.

**Care, welfare and development of pupils**:
1. In liaison with the Estates Bursar and the Facilities Manager, to ensure each boarder has a comfortable living environment, which might involve liaison over matters related to the general fabric of the House and putting in written requests when work/repairs are needed.

2. To implement and maintain the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools for welfare and pastoral care in the House.

3. To ensure that appropriate care is given to boarders, being mindful of overseas pupils who are a long way from home; responding to the special needs of those from different cultural backgrounds; and ensuring that different cultures and backgrounds are recognised, respected and accepted.

4. To foster a culture of understanding where each young person in the House feels valued and supported.

5. To act, at all times, within the HLC Safeguarding Policy guidelines, ensuring the welfare of the child is paramount.

6. To share mealtimes with the Boarders and other members of staff in the dining room.

7. To check that the boarders are in the correct uniform for the School day, but also that they are appropriately dressed at other times.

8. Ensure that all boarders’ clothing is in neat repair and named appropriately.

9. To liaise with the Wellness Centre Staff concerning the general health and lifestyle of the boarders and to keep in close touch with the nursing team in cases of individual concerns.

10. To deal with disciplinary matters in a firm but caring manner and to liaise with the Head of Boarding/Senior member of staff on call and/or relevant Head of School in any matter of serious concern.

11. To be prepared to work at any time in order to care for the boarders in times of emergency.

12. To ensure that fire regulations are met and regular fire drills and testing of fire bells/alarms is carried out.

13. To ensure that the presence of boarders is checked individually and personally at the times required by School policy, and that this responsibility is carried out effectively in your absence by other members of the House team.

14. To ensure that visitors to the House are welcomed but carefully monitored.

15. To oversee and provide printed arrangements regarding travel at half-terms and end of terms.

16. To organise the induction of new boarders into House life.

17. To oversee arrangements regarding weekend leave, laundry and pocket money.

18. To support the learning and academic performance of all boarders in the House.

19. To administer First Aid or dispense approved medication when required: all residential staff are qualified First Aiders at Work. It is expected that new appointees will acquire this qualification (if not already certified) as soon after taking up their position as possible.

**Responsibilities to the House team**:

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