Boarding Assistant

Join the dynamic team at Oxford International College, a prestigious institution renowned for its exceptional GCSE and A-level programs. With a commitment to academic excellence, our college prepares ambitious international students for admission to top universities. Our impressive A-level results and recent ISI inspection reports highlight our dedication to providing a superior education. Located in the heart of Oxford, England, our college offers a vibrant learning environment in one of the world's most iconic university cities. As a safeguarding-focused institution, we prioritize the welfare of our students. Join us and make a difference in the lives of aspiring scholars. Enhanced DBS check required.

Key Aspects of Role

To be part of the team to provide excellent care for boarders at Oxford International College whilst leading and managing an individual boarding house in accordance with the current minimum Ofsted Framework (SCIFF) and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools (5 Sept 2022).

To provide care for the boarders in their day-to-day life, in place of their parents and the way their parents would be for their child. Be an enthusiastic part of the House team to support the provision of a stable, comfortable and secure Boarding environment in which students can develop self-reliance with managed support and guidance and be ready for learning.

You will be expected to be residential within the boarding houses during term time, according to the rota given, except by arrangement with the Director of Boarding. You will share fully in in the life of the whole boarding community, contributing to the running of social and other events to sustain and develop the whole community.

Areas of Responsibility:

You will report to the House Manager.

General

• Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of National Minimum standards within your boarding house through practices and processes. Aspire to achieve higher as a team.
• Help create and maintain a safe and homely environment for boarders in their house and safeguard their welfare.
• Be aware of, and comply with, current health and safety, safeguarding and child protection legislation and procedures, and to uphold the school’s policy on child protection.
• Partake in daily registrations of students to ensure that they are accounted for & carried out effectively and according to school policy.
• Play an active role in the development of a sense of community and shared responsibility in the students through modelled behaviour, encouraging sensitivity to others, and encouraging support of each other when appropriate.
• Student Voice: Collating and input on a report on Boarding House student feedback.
• Produce and maintain a file of minutes of meetings, including team meetings, student Captains meetings, and kitchen clusters.

Student Behaviour, and Welfare

• Be actively involved in the care and welfare of the boarders in the house and nurture a feeling of respect and trust between boarders and staff working in the house.
• Participate in the establishment of a boarding environment which is supportive and provides clear boundaries and expectations of behaviour, both individually and to each other.
• Play your part in the House boarding team to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to the students’ attainment and wellbeing.
• Communicate regularly with your boarding team on issues relating to general welfare and wellbeing of boarding students. Immediately escalate to your House Parents or House Manager if you have any concerns.
• Provide the escort of students as needed to surgery or hospital where necessary after consultation with the House Manager.
• Coordinate and take an active part in the provision of evening and weekend activities for boarders. Check noticeboards are up to date accordingly.
• Maintain the activities spreadsheet of attendees to events, and record the progress of internal house competitions.
• Establish relationships based on trust and respect, being aware of the individual and their circumstances, their needs, strengths and weaknesses of each student.

Domestic:

• Guide boarders through their daily routine.
• Actively engage with students in your boarding house to develop a relationship of knowledge, respect and trust.
• Maintain a visual and interactive presence while on duty with boarders and respond proactively to their individual needs.
• Participate the boarders’ social life within the house and actively encourage all to take part in the communal activities around the house, both in evenings and weekends.
• Assist students with their homework and the organization of their college work.
• Take a role in the students induction of new boarders, and return of boarders after each break.
• Take part in the daily checks of student bedrooms and kitchens to ensure it is safe and that their living conditions are healthy and conducive to positive mental health.
• Assist in any other reasonable duties as requested by the House Manager.

• Lead by example by being an appropriate role model for all boarders in your House.
• Ensure issues concerning boarders are reported swiftly and effectively.

Responsibility and Reporting Relationship:

• The House Manager is your Line Manager, but you report to most the most senior House Parent/Manager on duty alongside you for a day to day basis.
• You will keep them fully informed of any concerns of significant issues that arise relating to the behaviour and well being of boarders and fellow boarding staff.
• Undertake any training required to enable the duties to be carried out to a high quality and standards adhered to.
• Attend weekly team/monthly full boarding meetings.

Knowledge Required:

• Be aware of, and comply with, current health and safety, safeguarding and child protection legislation and procedures, and to uphold the school’s policy on child protection.
• Keep up to date with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and the College Safeguarding Policy as updated.
• Be proactive in liaising with students about Exeat applications, ensuring the recording of detailed arrangements for student arrival and departures for vacations or beginning and end of term.
• Be on duty two days before the arrival of students to welcome students and to help them settle in, and two days after the departure of the students for the purposes of boarding inset, and to assist in the packing, clearing and checking of the rooms and House.

Experience:

• SVQ3 Qualification in Health & Social Care or equivalent.
• Proven track record in boarding or childcare setting.
• Experience of pastoral care of students in an educational setting.
• Safeguarding experience and training up to Level 2.
• Comprehensive First Aid Training including first response.

Attributes:

• Self-motivated, confident, committed and enthusiastic.
• Full emotional and physical resilience, energy, and perseverance.
• Kind, patient, friendly and approachable, with flexibility and empathy.
• Passionate about the development of young people.
• Appreciation and understanding of the context of international education, with sensitivity to the diverse needs of international students and their families.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Organisational and administrative skills with good levels of digital competence.
• Able to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• A sense of humour is a definite bonus.

Hours of Work:               

• Working hours are 40 hours per week as outlined by the house rota which will change from time to time.
• 9 weeks holiday including public holidays. Note that 6 weeks must be taken between 1st July and mid-August, and approximately 2 weeks over the Christmas period, 1 week over the Easter break, while the second week will be used for training and team building.
• All leave to be approved by the Head of Boarding.
• Must be contactable by the college 24/7 hours unless ‘off duty’.

Salary:

• In line with market rates.

Other benefits:

• accommodation is available on campus
• free meals during term-time
• access to counselling services
• participation in the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme

At Nord Anglia Education we are committed to providing a world-class, safe, happy environment in which children and young people can thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils where we embrace all race, abilities, religions, genders, and cultures.

All post holders in regulated activity (having regular unsupervised contact with children) are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks from both your country of residence/birth and any country of residence within the last 10 years.

We welcome applications from suitable qualified persons from all diverse backgrounds.

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.