Responsible to: Head Matron / Head of Boarding
Contract: Part-time (Approx. 30-35hrs per week term time)
Start: April 2025
The Elms is a wonderful co-educational prep school situated on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border. We are nestled in the foothills of the Malvern Hills in 45 acres of rural tranquillity, in the village of Colwall, which is 10 minutes from Ledbury or Malvern. We have our own working farm, with cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry, and horses, all of which are part of the teaching and learning curriculum.
The Elms was founded in 1614, making us the oldest prep school in England still situated on its original site. We are an IAPS boarding and day school and pride ourselves on achieving excellent results to many Public Schools, both locally and across the UK. Despite being non-selective the school achieves consistently high standards academically.
Due to an internal promotion, the role of assistant matron is available to support the pupils pastorally, as well as being part of a busy matronal team. The role is term time only and requires 30-35 hours per week. These hours are part of a rota within the matron team, meaning there are some flexible hours, which can be discussed at the interview stage.
Reporting to the Head Matron and working within the boarding and matron teams, you will provide a source of care and attention to the welfare of all pupils in The Elms School – the key element is that every child is entitled to the best pastoral care.
Pastoral
• Being part of the daily routine of the boarding houses by supporting the pupils in various ways.
• Communicate appropriately with parents, as and when necessary.
• Report on the school’s pastoral/wellbeing systems any unusual behaviour or concerns about a child.
• Watch and act upon any homesickness among the boarders, especially any new children.
• Attend weekly boarding team meetings, led by the Head of Boarding.
• Attend any social events in the boarding houses that happen across the year.
• Support with the ‘big boarding weekend’ which happens annually, in addition to normal weekend events.
Medical
• To help in the medical office and be present in case there are any requirements from the children during your shift hours.
• Appropriate communication with other matron and boarding staff regarding the ongoing treatment of a child.
• Making sure up to date and accurate health records and kept, as required.
• To ensure appropriate medical procedures are followed.
• To administer medicines, as necessary, recording this information on the systems provided, as well as maintaining the medical cupboards.
• On occasions it may be necessary to arrange for external medical visits, such as A&E, doctors or dental appointments. Sometimes, it may be necessary to accompany them.
• To supervise and care for any children who might be in ‘Sick Bay’ and provide updates to parents and boarding staff.
• Carry out checks for head lice, as appropriate.
Domestic
• To sort and administer the laundry for the full-boarders and other pupils as required including match kit.
• To assist with bed changes in the boarding houses.
• To carry out any repairs such as darning or sewing, as necessary.
• To check the changing rooms for obvious dirty clothes and to collect and wash any kit.
• To assist with the beginning and end of term arrangements, as required – making sure boarders have all their clothes and personal belongings.
• To carry out checks of the dormitories during each shift, making sure they are tidy and well-presented.
These duties are not exhaustive and there may be other tasks and projects that may be required to be undertaken at the direction of the Head Matron or Head of Boarding.
Person Specification / Skills
• Previous experience of working in a school is desirable, but not essential.
• To have a sense of humour and can-do attitude to work.
• Applicants will need to be presentable and flexible, with excellent interpersonal skills.
• A full, clean driving licence is desirable.
• An understanding of ICT, using Microsoft programmes, email and management information systems.
• An awareness of obligations regarding health and safety is beneficial.
• An interest in working with children and a wish to see them develop and flourish is essential.
• Ability to trouble-shoot calmly and be able to think on one’s feet.
This job description and personal specification indicates only the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list.
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