Boarding House Matron (De Lacy House)

Overall Purpose

The Matron’s role is to support all aspects of pupil well-being whilst the pupil is at school.  The importance of the Matrons role cannot be quantified but it is extremely important to the smooth running of the house and more importantly the welfare of the pupils.  Boarding House Matrons will be expected to care for pupils with minor health issues (although she/he does not need to be a qualified nurse), liaising with the Health Centre staff as required and be supportive and understanding of pupils’ day to day needs as well as communicating with parents.    In addition, the Matron is also required to support the Housemaster/mistress in all matters relating to pupils, house events and to ensure that the house is maintained to a satisfactory standard in both cleanliness and repair, which will require liaison with members of the Bursarial Support Staff, eg Housekeeping Manager etc.  As part of the role the Matron will also be required to assist the Housemaster/mistress with some administrative tasks, including morning registration. 

Duties

Welfare

•  This is an important aspect of the Matron’s role and the Matron should be aware of any personal difficulties being experienced by the pupils including unhappiness, home sickness, health issues, domestic problems and be able to offer appropriate levels of care. In addition, she/he should be prepared to run errands (within reason) when the need arises which could be internal or external.  The Matron must have regular communication with Housemaster/mistress, tutors, Health Centre staff and parents to ensure that pupils concerns and issues are dealt with appropriately, but always whilst retaining appropriate levels of confidentiality.  Where necessary and by prior arrangement with the Health Centre, Matrons may need to accompany pupils to emergency and / or scheduled hospital appointments.
• Assist the HsM with the logging of travel details and care during holidays of all overseas pupils that require it by UK Immigration Law (UKVI).

                                                                                                                         General responsibilities

•  Tidiness – Ensure each morning that all pupil accommodation is clear of clothes and debris and ready for cleaning. Beds should be made by pupils.  Clean linen is distributed once a week and a check should be made to ensure that it has been used.  Liaison with Housekeeping staff to ensure that all communal areas of the house are also maintained to a good clean standard.
• Communication –Deal with parental, departmental and other queries and pass on messages and key information, via telephone and email, in particular to do with pupil welfare.
• Medical – Conduct surgeries for house pupils as required and at set times agreed with the Housemaster/mistress. Keep the medicine cupboard replenished and order any medication required by pupils e.g. repeat prescriptions, through the Health Centre.  Maintain medicine records of all medication given using ISAMS.  Liaise with the Health Centre on a daily basis and pass on a daily report to the Housemaster/mistress, consulting on urgent matters.  Take pupils to the Health Centre when necessary.  Collect prescribed medication from the Health Centre for pupils under the age of 16.
• Laundry – Sort and pack dirty laundry ready for collection by Housekeeping on appointed days. Ensure that coloured and white clothing is kept separate.  Receive and sort clean laundry.
• Mending – This is restricted to minor repairs such as replacing buttons, small seam repairs to uniform and games clothing and single name tapes. Larger repairs and multiple name tapes should be referred to the School Shop.
• Pupils Appearance – Ensure that all pupils are clean and well turned out. Contact parents if uniform is worn out or outgrown.  Dry cleaning and shoe repairs should be taken to the School Shop as appropriate.
• Purchases – In order for a pupil to make purchase from the School Shop a chit must be signed by either the Matron or Housemaster/mistress.
• Taxis – as above, ensuring that the chit has in no way been altered before signing otherwise this may be rejected by the Taxi company.
• Catering– Order house issues from Catering. Use Blue Runner system to ensure that all house events are recorded and catered for centrally.  Also use Blue Runner for packed lunch requests etc.  Distribute bread, butter/margarine and daily snacks.
  • Allergens: Liaise with Health Centre and Catering to ensure you familiarise on any pupil within your responsibility that have any dietary intolerances including allergens. (Refer to Pupil Medical List, issued from health Centre)
  • Food Safety/Handling: If directly involved in extracurricular activities involving pupils producing meals for consumption, then matrons must ensure there is a member of staff with a Food Safety Level 2 (Inc Allergen Awareness) completed prior to commencing the activity. Refer and adhere to ‘Food Safety and Hospitality in the Houses’ Policy and seek any advice from Catering Management Team.
  • Functions: Assist the HsM’s in communicating catering requirements for the houses to the Catering Team and to serve and support where required.
• Maintenance and repairs – Regularly report damaged furniture, broken curtain rails and any other damages to the Director of Estates.
• School Policy and Rules – Keep a copy in the Matron’s room and assist Housemaster/mistresses in the observance of the policy.
• Afternoon Registration – Ensure afternoon registration is completed in line with school policy.
• House Supervision – Undertake house supervision when duty staff are at games and activities
• Evening Prep – Assist with the supervision of the first prep (5.30-6.30pm) to ensure prep runs smoothly.
• Off Games – Liaise with Health Centre about pupils “off-games” and ensure the information is updated on ISAMs.
• Ad Hoc Evenings - The Matron will be expected to work occasional evenings for particular events such as House plays and House charity concerts, in support of pupils.
• Ad Hoc Weekends – The Matron will be expected to work occasional weekends for particular events such as Family Days.

Beginning and end of Term

In consultation with the Housemaster/mistress, Matrons are expected to work as required for a few days at the start and end of each term.  In particular, they should ensure that they have spoken to the Housekeeping Manager and briefed her on any outstanding matters affecting the house.

Start of Term

• Check the house is absolutely clean and report any deficiencies to the Housekeeping Manager
• Turn mattresses and place a clean mattress cover on all beds – domestic help may be available if agreed in advance with the Housekeeping Manager.
• Make-up Shell beds only at the start of the new School year – all other pupils and Shells thereafter are required to make their own beds.
• Label all lodges, dorms, drawers, laundry rooms (as required in each House).
• Sort and distribute laundry for overseas pupils.
• Welcome pupils and parents, alongside the Housemaster/mistress and supervise unpacking.
• Collect all medicines from pupils returning.
• Collect name tapes from each pupil for new clothing and replacement (Christmas term only).
• Log House bank money from returning pupils (if requested by HsM)
• Collect and log passports from returning pupils (if requested by HsM).

End of Term

• Ensure that all pupils clear their rooms and communal areas of all personal possessions and clothing.
• Laundry – No bedding or towels are to be sent during the last week of term. Only personal laundry and essential games kit should be sent.
• After end of term:
  • Strip all beds – Domestic staff may assist with the prior agreement of the Housekeeping Manager.
  • Send overseas pupils’ washing to the laundry.
  • Clear the House of any belongings left behind.
  • Supervise the initial cleaning of the House and check with the Housekeeping Manager that domestic staff know what to do during the holidays e.g. carpets shampooed, curtains washed.
  • Clear kitchens of toasters, kettles, microwave etc. ensure they are clean and de-scaled and locked away.
  • Check pillows, mattresses, curtains and beds for wear and tear and arrange replacements with the Housekeeping Manager.
  • Check house for any maintenance repairs such as curtains, furniture etc and report to the Director of Estates.

Exeats and Half-terms

• There may be a requirement to remain in House until the last pupil has been collected.
• Ensure that the house is reasonable tidy and secure.

Health and Safety

•  Have an involvement and awareness of health and safety issues within the House which may have an effect on staff and/or children.
• Keep records of reported accidents and near misses.
• Ensure Fire Safety is adhered to in the House and support the Housemaster/mistress with fire practices.

Knowledge / Experience

• Good standard of Education  (E)
• Current First Aid Certificate  (D)
• An understanding of Child Protection Procedures  (D)
• Previous experience of working with young adults  (E)
• Experience of working in a caring or pastoral environment  (E)
• IT Literate  (E)
• Good administrative skills  (E)
• Excellent organisational skills  (E)
• Good team player and ability to work independently  (E)
• Good communications skills  (E)
• Excellent time management skills  (E)
• A friendly, caring and approachable manner, with the ability to communicate with pupils, colleagues and external bodies as required  (E)
• Trustworthy and able to maintain confidentiality (E)
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral)  (E)
• Willing to undergo further training as required by the position  (E)
• Patient and understanding  (E)
• Flexible and available at short notice   (E)
• Full Driving Licence  (D)
• Lives locally  (D)

Canford School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.