JOB TITLE
Boarding Officer
DEPARTMENT
Boarding
SUPERVISOR
Head of Boarding
OBJECTIVES
To support the Head of Boarding to create a safe, happy, caring, supportive and well-disciplined atmosphere throughout the boarding house. The Boarding Officer provides a source of pastoral care and deals with the general welfare and health of the pupils within the house in addition to that provided by the rest of the Boarding community. The Officer ensures that all staff who provide services maintain a clean, safe and comfortable environment, including ensuring all the laundry and bedding is processed appropriately, and any maintenance work is completed to a good standard. The Officer is essential to the smooth running of boarding in ensuring high standards are met.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
General Duties
* To support all aspects of the boarding house under the guidance of the Head of Boarding.
* To get to know the pupils and build a positive professional relationship of trust with them.
* To ensure that all relevant information is passed efficiently to boarding mentor, form subject teachers, pupils and parents involved with boarding members.
* To perform any duty that the Head of Boarding might reasonably expect a Boarding Officer to perform.
Welfare / Pastoral
* To promote and maintain a safe environment that, wherever possible, meets the National Minimum Standards for Boarding (UK), whilst recognizing that this might not always be possible in an international context.
* To help manage the induction of new pupils into the boarding house so that they feel welcome, secure and clear about the values and expectations of the boarding house and the school and as far as possible that any ‘settling in problems’ are resolved.
* To provide a sympathetic presence in the boarding house, being sensitive to those who are having difficulties, guiding them and supporting them, liaising with other relevant staff concerning the welfare of the child.
* Positively encourage and organise pupils in their interests and activities and develop a positive relationship with them.
* Ensuring the development of activities to promote continuing development and progression for all pupils.
* Evaluating the pastoral care data and observations and using this analysis to identify good practice and areas for improvement.
* Encouraging pupils to participate as appropriate in the boarding activity programme and monitoring that participation.
* To pass on concerns and observations about pupils to appropriate colleagues and to liaise with boarding mentors, form tutors and Head of Boarding in planning responses to concerns
* To seek advice, when appropriate, for pupils who give cause for concern academically or behaviourally.
* To endeavour to support pupils who are performing in plays, concerts, matches, etc.
* To help with the co-ordination of a programme of outings and events, where necessary.
Communication / Record keeping / Administration
* To be the point of contact for all pupils and parents if the Head of Boarding is unavailable.
* Keep accurate records with regard to all boarders, ensuring up to date information is accurately stored digitally on the school system or in the physical file in the office.
* Share all information with the Head of Boarding, or if appropriate, with the school DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead).
* Build up effective and positive relationships with parents and ensure information is passed to them when necessary.
* Ensure all relevant communication from staff is passed on to children.
* Keep attendance records / registers up to date.
* Develop and maintain good working relationships with all colleagues within the school based upon professional two-way communication.
* Contact parents when necessary with regards to children’s behaviour or problems that have occurred.
* To ensure that all facilities and noticeboards in the boarding house are well presented.
Management of Staff
* To support the Head of Boarding with overseeing and managing the relationship of pupils with Boarding Mentors, Boarding Assistant to ensure that:
* Each pupil is given appropriate care and support by his/her mentor.
* There is effective communication between the mentor and his/her mentees’ parents.
* To work closely with Boarding Mentors and Boarding Assistant to ensure that:
* All pupils are registered and effectively supervised in the morning, afternoon and evening.
* All pupils fulfil all their commitments at School.
* All pupils have adequate time to complete prep, engage in activities and benefit from a full night’s sleep.
* The fabric and furnishings of the dormitories and common rooms are well cared for and well maintained.
* The pupils always behave in an appropriate manner, respecting each other, each other’s belongings and the facilities and equipment provided to them.
* Pupils follow the school and the boarding house rules and policies.
* A system of rewards and sanctions, in accordance with School standards, operates effectively.
* All pupils meet the expectations of them under the Health and Safety Regulations.
*
Policies and Procedures
* To be fully conversant with the School’s Health and Safety Policy, monitor those sections as it affects the boarding house and instill into all pupils and staff a positive approach to Health and Safety.
* To be familiar with and adhere to the school policies especially those pertaining to child protection, safeguarding, anti-bullying, health and safety, e-safety, substance misuse and be aware of the requirements of the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools (UK); to be familiar with the contents of the Boarding Family Handbook.
* The Boarding Officer should be familiar with the fire safety procedures as they may be the responsible person on site in the event of a fire alarm.
* To contribute to the update of the boarding policies, procedures and handbooks annually.
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Others
* Attend meetings as required.
* To complete CPD as directed
* To attend and support the official boarding house and School functions and events.
BASIC QUALIFICATION
* Excellent oral and written skills both in English and Mandarin would be an advantage.
* Proven boarding working experience is preferred.
* *** Aid certification
* Outstanding Microsoft skills
PREFERRED APTITUDES
* The ability to be tactful and fair but also firm with pupils when necessary.
* The ability to establish a relationship and rapport with both pupils and parents.
* Good communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to enthuse, inspire, influence and motivate others.
* Warm, friendly, sympathetic, empathetic, patient
* Genuine concern for pupils’ wellbeing and development.
* Well organised and professional in approach.
* Sounding problem solving skills
* A good sense of humour, adaptability and sense of proportion.
* The ability to be practical, organised and to keep a cool head in emergencies.
* A desire / willingness to be part of a team.
* A commitment to professional development.
* Flexible, able to prioritise, resilient under pressure.
* Pay attention to details.
As an employer of choice, Wellington College China is committed to making professional learning and personal development central to its ethos and approach. WCC fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding children. Our safeguarding policy applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the Group.