Boarding House Parent
Application Pack
www.liverpoolcollege.org.uk
Contents
Thank you for your interest in the Boarding House Parent post at Liverpool College.
This pack contains:
A. Information about Liverpool College
B. Information about the boarding programme.
C. Details of the post and application process.
D. The job description and person specification.
E. Details of how to apply
We hope that you find the pack informative and useful. If you do have any further questions, then please contact the HR Administrator or Head of Boarding via the details below:
Mrs L Harley (HR Administrator) Mrs E Latham (Head of Boarding) [email protected] [email protected] 0151 724 4000 ext: 3170
2
A. Liverpool College
Liverpool College is a mixed ability all-through 4-19 day and boarding school of some 1500 pupils. It is a Church of England foundation that has always been open to pupils and families of all faiths and none. It does not apply any faith criteria in its pupil admissions or staff recruitment policy. The College is situated on a leafy 28 acre campus located in the Mossley Hill area of Liverpool adjacent to Sefton Park and close to local shops and amenities. It is within a mile of a railway station and has good transport links to Liverpool City Centre which is approximately 4 miles away.
Liverpool College was judged as Outstanding at its last Ofsted inspection in November 2019. Its boarding provision also received an Outstanding rating in March 2020.
Our Mission and Ethos:
Directed by our motto, not only the intellect also character, we strive to live out today the vision of our foundation over 180 years ago. We develop in all our pupils, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, the traits of purpose, passion and challenge so that they can embark on their life’s journey with knowledge, confidence, direction, and strong moral purpose.
We do this by relentlessly pursuing together the highest standards, and by developing and delivering a unique, varied, challenging and holistic curriculum inside and outside the classroom to all our pupils.
We work together to ensure that we are an aspirational and inclusive community for all our pupils.
3
Structure and Leadership:
The College is organized into two phases and five schools:
• The Primary Phase consists of the Pre-Prep (Reception-Year 2) and Preparatory School (Year 3-Year 6) and each are housed in their own buildings.
• The Secondary Phase consists of the Senior School (Middle School (Years 7-9) and Upper School (Years 10-11)) and the Sixth Form (Years 12-13) which share classroom facilities. The Sixth Form also has its own centre.
The leadership of the College consists of the Principal of the College who is supported by two Vice Principals who have whole College responsibility for teaching, learning and curriculum, and mission, resources, assessment and policy oversight respectively, and by the Director of Finance and Operations who is responsible for the financial management and support operations of the College.
The Principal, Mr van Mourik Broekman, was appointed in 2007 and has been in post since 2008.
Our History:
The College was founded in 1840 to serve the growing population of Liverpool. The College was a founding member of the Headmaster’s Conference and was a fee paying school until 2013.
In June 2012, Liverpool College announced that the Secretary of State for Education had accepted their submission to transition the College to Academy status.
4
In September 2013, Liverpool College became an all-through academy for pupils aged 4 to 19 years old. In the last few years, it has become one of the most over-subscribed schools in the North of England.
You can find out more about the school on our website www.liverpoolcollege.org.uk.
B. The Boarding Programme:
The boarding programme is led by the Head of Boarding, Mrs Eve Latham, who reports directly to the Principal.
When boarding was re-introduced at the College in 2010 it was for sixth form (Year 12-13) boarders only. However, from September 2021, the boarding programme will become a Year 7-13 (ages 11-19 years) provision for a maximum of 20 boarders (boys and girls).
Boarding at the College is scaled to ensure a family atmosphere and lots of support for each pupil and student, while our large, diverse and vibrant school and its structured after-school programmes gives boarders access to what Ofsted describes as a “staggering wealth of extra-curricular activities”.
No two days are the same in boarding; every day you see boarders grow and flourish, making it a rewarding and exciting community.
5
Our Boarders:
Our boarders are a caring, lively group of children and young people. They thrive on the support provided by an enthusiastic and committed team of residential staff. Boarders are encouraged to participate fully and successfully in the academic life of the school and the daily programme of activities, sports, and academic support provided to all boarding and day pupils.
The ethos of the College is sensitive to the boarders’ needs and the feeling of shared community is one which we nurture.
There will be a maximum 20 boarders in the programme, Some board only during the school week, a number remain in College on term time weekends.
Beechlands – the Boarding House:
Our boarding house was completely refurbished and modernized in 2020. Beechlands is a beautiful Victorian property with excellent room sizes and communal spaces set in its own substantial grounds on the school campus. Pupils stay in quadruple, triple, double, or single rooms depending on their age and needs.
The house includes a fully operational kitchen and separate laundry area. Each student has a study space within their own room and there is a common room with a TV. There is an ongoing commitment to development of the boarding facilities.
You can find out more about the boarding programme here - http://www.liverpoolcollege.org.uk/boarding/about-our-boarding-programme
6
C. The Post
The boarding team from September 2021 will be made up of the Head of Boarding, a House Parent (resident) and a small team of boarding tutors. The boarding staff are committed to providing a happy, settled and secure family environment for every child.
The resident House Parent will be responsible to the Head of Boarding and Principal for the day to day care and welfare of all the children in the boarding house, supporting boarders’ emotional and physical well-being and development. They will be required to lead and participate in all boarding provisions and take responsibility for general housekeeping and security in the boarding accommodation.
This is a non-teaching role, although it may be possible to take on a small amount of teaching, dependent on subject and timetable.
Having regard to the specific context and nature of the role in a residential setting with lone overnight supervisory responsibilities of female and male boarders, it is an occupational requirement that the House Parent (resident) role is undertaken by a female member of staff to ensure that we effectively fulfil our safeguarding requirements.
The post would suit a committed and caring professional who is creative in working alongside young people, some of whom might have previously experienced personal and educational challenges. The profile of suitable candidates may include experience in the boarding or residential care sectors. Above all, there is an expectation of a parent figure who is generous with their time and responsive to the needs of pupils. The range of tasks would embrace many incidents and situations which are not stated in the job description but require initiative and common sense to be applied.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Accommodation:
Rent-free accommodation (suitable for single occupancy or a couple) is provided on-site for the House Parent and the post-holder is required to sleep in the accommodation provided whilst on duty. The College pays for council tax, utilities and provides meals (up to 3 per day) in term time only. The accommodation is available throughout the year.
The Challenge:
The challenge for the new House Parent will be to work with the Head of Boarding to build on the successes and quality of the current sixth form boarding programme to deliver an outstanding and transformative boarding experience for children across the 11-19 age range.
7
The Opportunity:
The College is able to offer the successful candidate:
• An exciting challenge and vision for the future;
• A vibrant community with a strong sense of team work;
• Rent-free on-site accommodation and meals during term time;
• Professional experience and skills development that could support a number of career pathways in education or social care;
• Committed, enthusiastic and inspired colleagues and pupils;
• A supportive and determined leadership team;
• Comprehensive staff induction and funded staff training in Residential or Boarding Colleges’ Association accredited courses;
• A school and boarding house located in a 28 acre campus in a leafy suburb of Liverpool with an on-going programme of development and refurbishment.
Start Date:
August 23, 2021
The Process:
Candidates should return the equality monitoring form and College application form to Mrs Harley (HR Administrator) by 9am on Monday 10 May 2021.
The selection process for shortlisted candidates will include an interview and an interaction with pupils, and will be held week commencing 17 May.
Visits:
Candidates may wish to visit the school and boarding house before the application deadline.
Informal visits will be taking place on:
• Wednesday 28 April at 4pm • Saturday 1 May at 1pm
Please contact Mrs Harley (HR Administrator) at [email protected] or 0151 724 4000 ext: 3170 if you wish to attend on one of these dates.
8
D. Job Description
The Staff of Liverpool College are its greatest strength. Their dedication, flexibility, and commitment to the mission of the school ensure its excellence and form the foundation of its future. It is this spirit of service and professionalism which allows the school to inspire young people to achieve their true potential. The expectation of the College is that all staff view their employment at the school in that spirit.
House Parent (Resident)
Responsible for: • the pastoral care, welfare, safety and supervision of all pupils in the boarding house on a day-to-day basis, with particular responsibility for the physical, social and emotional well- being and presentation of the boarding pupils. • General housekeeping and security in the boarding accommodation.
Reporting to: Head of Boarding
Liaising with: Boarding Tutors, House Administrators, Heads of House, Inclusion Mentors, Teachers, Registrar, Director of Finance and Operations and other relevant support staff, relevant external agencies.
Working Time: Full time, term time only (approx. 38 weeks): ➢ There will be a day off (of at least a 24 hour period) during each week which is decided between the Head of Boarding and House Parent ➢ Working hours usually permit staff to be off-duty between 9am and 6pm each weekday (9am and 3pm on Fridays) during term time, although there is a need to be flexible to the needs of the College. ➢ Overnight on call during days of work from 11pm and 7am. ➢ Flexibility in hours will be required on occasion to take account of the changing needs and requirements of the Boarding House. In general, the House Parent is expected to be available to deal with both routine matters and emergencies as they arise. There will be times of extreme activity and pressure as well as times that are less busy.
Salary: £18, 000 - £20, 000 per annum (starting salary dependent upon experience and qualifications) The resident house parent is provided with rent-free accommodation in the boarding house (suitable for single occupancy or a couple). The College pays for council tax, utilities and provides meals in term time only.
DBS: Enhanced
9
Mission and Ethos:
• To support the Head of Boarding in maintaining a positive ethos of high standards in the residential boarding programme that supports all pupils and holds them accountable for their actions. • In collaboration with the Head of Boarding, to nurture a family atmosphere in the boarding house where pupils may feel free to approach boarding staff to talk through any concerns and provide the environment in which boarders flourish, feel secure and fully engage with the school ethos and curriculum. • In collaboration with the Head of Boarding, establish and foster a community spirit and ethos within the boarding house based on care and understanding and encourage the development of friendships and community living. • To be a positive role model, promoting teamwork and motivating staff and boarding pupils. • To promote the Boarding Aims of Liverpool College at all times and help ensure that the Boarding schools: national minimum standards 2015 are met at all times. • To support the leadership and management of the school through adherence to and implementation of all College policies and procedures, development planning, marketing activities and public relations and attending College formal events and occasions.
Pupil Welfare:
• To supervise pupils in the boarding house, staying in boarding house communal areas during hours of duty, and reside in official accommodation and respond to calls/alarms in line with protocols when on duty. • To act as point of contact for boarder emergencies overnight (when on duty). • To contribute to the induction arrangements for new pupils joining the boarding house and ensure that any “settling in” problems are resolved. • To monitor pupils’ daily routine (including punctuality, meal attendance and diets) and help and encourage the pupils to meet expected standards. • To provide first aid, initial medical support and administration of medicines to pupils in line with school policies and protocols and to liaise with the Medical Centre and other health services as necessary, including accompanying and transporting pupils to medical and other appointments. • To supervise hygiene practices and cleanliness of pupils and ensure pupils are well turned-out and appropriately dressed. • To supervise laundry services and pupils’ own laundry activities. • To supervise pupils’ food preparation activities.
Pupil Personal Development:
• To monitor the welfare and behaviour of pupils within the house and report any issues or concerns to the Head of Boarding.
10
• To support and evidence boarders’ educational, social and personal development in accordance with the aims and policies of the College. • To provide guidance and mentoring to boarders, working closely with other staff, parents and external agencies as required to develop individualised support for boarders. • To develop in the pupils a collective responsibility to be aware of the difficulties or problems of others, and to offer such support and help for each other as is appropriate. • To ensure that pupils’ clothing and personal belongings are used appropriately and stored securely and tidily. • To support the Head of Boarding to coordinate a variety of activities during evenings and at weekends and to lead boarders’ recreational activities (when on duty). • To assist the Head of Boarding in ensuring pupils make use of the full and varied programme of activities available and pupils are appropriately occupied, especially at weekends. • To be present, when time allows, to support pupils taking part in school activities (e.g. watching them in sports matches, concerts, performances). • To contribute to reports to parents/carers as required.
Operations and Resources:
• To ensure that there is a clean and pleasant environment in the boarding house throughout the term, liaising with the cleaning staff. • To undertake regular checks on all bedding, furniture, fixtures and fittings to ensure that satisfactory and safe standards are maintained in the boarding house, including reporting any necessary repair or maintenance work to the Estates team. • To liaise with the Head of Boarding on necessary reports and improvements to the furnishing, furniture and fabric of the boarding house. • To ensure pupils treat the belongings of others, and the furnishings and fabrics of the boarding house with respect. • Before the start of each term, to ensure that rooms are ready for boarders’ arrival. • Before the end of each term, to ensure pupils clear up their rooms before vacating them. • To assist the Head of Boarding with travel arrangements and the arrival/departure of residential boarding pupils at the start and end of terms.
Communication:
• To assist the Head of Boarding with maintaining close, professional and regular contact with parents/carers, school staff and external agencies as required. • To keep accurate and up to date records on pupils’ progress, welfare, health, achievements and misconduct. • To ensure the confidentiality of the communications and records in line with College policy and GDPR requirements.
11
Staff Development:
• To attend boarding staff meetings. • To participate in all training and professional development opportunities as required.
All employees are expected to play a full part in the life of the College community, to support its distinctive mission and ethos as a co-educational 4-19 state maintained independent school, and to encourage colleagues and students to follow this example.
General Duties:
• To follow the guidelines of the staff handbook • To support the school and its leadership • To continue personal development as agreed. • To engage actively in the performance review process. • To comply with any reasonable request from the Principal to undertake work not specified in this job specification. • To be courteous to colleagues and parents, and to provide a welcoming environment for all visitors to the College.
While every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be specifically identified. Above all, there is an expectation of a parent figure who is generous with their time and responsive to the needs of pupils. The range of tasks would embrace many incidents and situations which are not stated but require initiative and common sense to be applied. This Job Specification is current at the date shown but, in consultation with the post holder, it may be changed by the Principal to reflect or to anticipate changes in the job commensurate with the grade and job title.
March 2021
12
Person Specification
In addition to the below, all candidates should have a clear understanding of and commitment to the aims of Liverpool College and be committed to the values and ethos of the school.
Characteristics Essential Desirable Evidence
Education & Level 3 Qualification or Level 3 Degree A Qualifications Apprenticeship First Aid qualification
Holding a BSA qualification or be willing to study to obtain one
Driving licence
Experience of working with Experience of working in a A, I young people boarding school or Experience and residential care Knowledge Demonstrable evidence of effective working in partnership Experience of working in an with: colleagues, other educational setting professionals and stakeholders Experience of working with A proven record of loyal, vulnerable young people positive, and effective membership of a team Working with children out of their home environment Working unsupervised and on own initiative Knowledge of national minimum standards for boarding
Knowledge of Ofsted social care inspection framework
Ability to work with, care for, Ability to use a range of IT A,I motivate, and supervise young packages including web- Skills people based applications
Understanding of the importance Ability to lead a range of of promoting and safeguarding sports activities for the welfare of children boarders
Ability to demonstrate positive behaviour management
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
13
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Be well organised, forward thinking and be able to problem solve.
Ability to work independently, prioritise workload, manage time effectively
Ability to work under pressure and keep calm in difficult situations
A willingness to be flexible and adaptable, demonstrating a “can- do” attitude.
Tact and good listening skills
Seek advice and support where necessary
A caring disposition and an A,I empathy with and understanding Personal of young people Attributes Reliable and punctual at all times .
Patient and a good sense of humour
Passionate, enthusiastic and positive.
Emotional resilience
Willingness to learn new skills for professional development.
A = application, I = interview
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
14
E. How to apply
Please send your completed application documents to:
Mrs L Harley HR Administrator Liverpool College Queens Drive Liverpool L18 8BG
or email it to: [email protected]
Closing Date:
9am on Monday 10 May
Interviews:
Week commencing 17 May
References will be sought when we shortlist.
15