We are seeking a part-time, term-time Day Matron (Sixth Form) to support the Housemistresses of our two Sixth Form Boarding Houses.
The Day Matron plays a vital role in maintaining the smooth operation of our two Sixth Form Houses as well as providing pastoral support for students in the Sixth Form, contributing to a supportive community where students can thrive both academically and personally.
The Day Matron will work alongside the Housemistresses, Assistant Housemistresses, Graduate Boarding Assistants as well as the Sixth Form Management team and the Sixth Form Administrator.
Boarding is available at Headington Rye Oxford for girls aged 11 and upwards, and the boarding community plays a key role in school life. It provides girls with a secure environment in which to learn to become individuals with a sound set of values.
We have c.200 boarders: these are a mix of full, weekly, half-weekly and occasional boarders. There are five separate boarding houses on the campus: Davenport, Hillstow, Napier, Celia Marsh and MacGregor. Each House has a slightly different format of age groups, and each has its own sense of individuality; whilst at the same time working in unity with the other Houses in order to create a whole boarding community.
Each House is run by a residential team consisting of a Housemistress/master, Assistant Housemistress/master and a residential Graduate Boarding Assistant. They are also assisted by a Matron.
The Day Matron (Sixth Form) will work within Celia Marsh House and MacGregor House, as well as the Sixth Form Centre. Both Houses and the Sixth Form Centre are located within the same, extended building.
This is a part-time, term-time role which includes one Saturday every half term.
Key Responsibilities
* oversee the day to day domestic running of the Houses (in liaison with the Housemistresses, Assistant Housemistresses and Housekeeping team) particularly in relation to cleaning, laundry and hygiene
* check all the rooms/bedrooms on a regular basis
* send repairs to the Works team via Fixit
* liaise with Catering Manager to ensure a fully stocked larder for weekdays and weekends, reflecting the dietary needs of the girls, as well as weekend food numbers
* check all girls into and out of the Houses whilst on duty
* supervise all girls whilst present in the Houses during the day
* respond to and co-ordinate fire alarms and evacuations
* take and record messages from parents and girls for the Housemistresses and Assistant Housemistresses
* provide an effective administration service to the Houses as required by the House teams.
* distribute post and messages for girls in the Houses
* provide assistance with medical emergency rota
* undertake relevant training courses when needed and as required
* use school IT systems and databases to access information, maintain records and for communication across the School and externally
* be present when the Houses are used for courses and exams, co-ordinate with the relevant Departments using the Houses prior to its use
* such other reasonable duties in line with your skills and abilities as may be required from time to time by the Head of Boarding, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Headmistress
The Day Matron will have an important role in the pastoral support of boarding pupils, working closely with the Housemistresses. It is expected that they will get to know the pupils well and have a listening ear where necessary.
Flexibility
It is recognised that the circumstances of the Day Matrons differ and that there is a need for flexibility and individuality in the way in which they work. Day-to-day working practice should be agreed with the Housemistresses and the Head of Boarding. It is expected, however, that the Day Matron will work within the agreed common framework as outlined above. During study leave the working pattern may differ.
Type of contract
Part time, term time
25 hours per week (9.00 am-2.00 pm Monday to Friday), plus seven extra days and six Saturdays during the academic year at five hours per day
Benefits
Pension
Contributory membership of the School’s Support Staff Pension Scheme with a School contribution of up to 9.95 per cent upon successful completion of six months’ service.
Fee Remission
In accordance with the School’s policy, which may be subject to change, up to 50 per cent fee remission for pupils attending Headington Rye Oxford and up to 20 per cent fee remission for boys attending Magdalen College School (under a reciprocal agreement) and subject to the terms of their policy. Fee remission is calculated on the number of weeks and hours worked and is pro rata for part-time staff who work at least 50 per cent of a normal working week.
Salary
£28,080 per annum full time equivalent, pro rated salary to be confirmed once start date is agreed
Additional benefits
All staff have access to a broad programme of wellbeing activities. The programme currently includes access to the School’s gym and swimming pool, Step and Tone and Zumba classes and regular staff social activities such as Book Club and Staff Choir. Staff also benefit from free access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential helpline that offers advice on a range of issues. Free restricted parking is available for all staff on site.
Applicants should submit an application form and a covering letter detailing their skills and experience to recruitment@headington.org
* Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed application forms. However, they may be sent in addition to the application form.
* We will seek references on shortlisted candidates and will approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications, before the interview. References will ask about your suitability to work with children.
* If you are invited to interview you will receive notification outlining the interview process and guidance regarding the documentation you are required to provide.
Application deadline: 9am Monday 25 February 2025
Interviews: from Wednesday 26 February 2025
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application form.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all employment checks, ie references, Disclosure and Barring Service, medical questionnaire, Right to Work in the UK. Headington Rye Oxford is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.