About the role
The Matron is resident in the Boarding House and, in conjunction with the Housemaster, is responsible for the pastoral care and wellbeing of approximately 65 pupils, aged 13-18.
Together, the Housemaster and Matron are responsible for creating a warm, supportive home community, establishing a strong rapport of trust with pupils and colleagues and working in partnership with others to promote the health and wellbeing of our pupils.
They encourage pupils to contribute positively to the House and the wider school, encouraging them in their extra-curricular activities, with a strong emphasis on mutual support and respect.
The Matron is responsible for the management of the House and its domestic staff.
A relief matron allows for time off during the week.
Main Responsibilities
Pupil Welfare
a) Provide pastoral care and support for pupils, ensuring that their health and safety, physical, social, emotional, medical and mental wellbeing are properly cared for.
b) Ensure that any safeguarding concerns are identified and reported to the DSL/Deputy DSL in accordance with school policies.
c) Provide support for new pupils as they settle into the school and to boarding life, being aware of any pupils who are homesick or needing extra care.
d) Liaise with parents on domestic, medical and welfare matters and keeping the Housemaster informed.
e) Obtain prescribed medicines, retaining in accordance with current regulations, and issuing as required.
f) Run the House surgery, dealing with minor ailments and injuries and caring for pupils who are unwell in the House. This includes:
g) Liaise regularly with the Medical Centre about pupils' medical treatment.
h) Assist the Housemaster in supporting pupils experiencing personal difficulties.
i) Investigate any pupils' absences from lessons, events, appointments etc.
j) Take an interest in pupils' extra-curricular interests, and where possible, attend extra-curricular events.
k) Assist the Housemaster in the organisation and delivery of social and fun events for the pupils (e.g. themed dinners, trips to ice rink etc.).
Meal Times
Pupils eat all their meals in the House unless participating in external outings or sports fixtures. This is considered a key part of the day giving an invaluable opportunity for informal time with the pupils. The Matron should:
a) Be present at most meals, particularly lunch and tea.
b) Ensure this time is used as a chance to catch up with the pupils in an informal way and keep an eye out for any pastoral concerns.
c) Be aware of any pupils not attending meals and follow up unplanned absences.
General day-to-day management of the House
The Matron will be responsible for and supervise the general management of the House as discussed/agreed with the Housemaster and supported by the Catering Management Team and HR Department within the financial budget set for the House. This includes:
a) Reconciling and authorising invoices.
b) Monitoring the condition of the House and equipment; liaising with Works Department or other agencies when any areas or equipment require repair.
c) Ensuring that high levels of cleanliness are maintained in the House.
d) Maintaining stocks of cleaning supplies, household items, bedding and mattresses.
e) Arranging for regular deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, washing of curtains etc.
f) Liaising with the school’s commercial lettings department (Enterprises) when the House is to be used for lettings.
g) Liaising with the Catering Management Team, for all matters relating to food.
Staff Supervision
The Matron will be responsible for supervising House staff with support from the HR Department. This includes:
a) Ensuring adequate staffing provision, informing the HR Director and Housemaster of any changes and when staff leave.
b) Line-manager responsibility for the Relief Matron and the Domestic staff, including annual appraisals.
c) Ensuring that appropriate cleaning schedules are in place and regularly monitoring that they are being followed.
d) Arranging cover for absent staff via the appropriate channels.
e) Ensuring that a personal handover takes place when the Relief Matron starts and ends her shift.
f) Requesting recruitment adverts to be placed when necessary and interviewing and appointing staff, in consultation with the HR Director in accordance with current procedure as advised by the HR department.
g) Bringing disciplinary or performance matters to the Housemaster's and HR Manager's attention.
Catering
The Matron will work with the Catering Management Team, who have overall responsibility, to ensure the catering provision within the houses meets accepted levels. This includes:
a) That required standards and quality of food are met and that any special dietary requirements are provided for.
b) That the proper food hygiene and environmental health practices are followed.
c) Holding regular meetings regarding food with the Head Chef and Catering Management Team, and the House Food Committee.
Laundry
The school has its own central laundry. The Matron will be responsible for:
a) Supervising arrangements for the pupils' linen and laundry service, liaising with the school Laundry Team when necessary.
b) Arranging for the sewing on of name tapes and minor repairs of clothes for pupils.
Health and Safety
The Matron will assist the Housemaster in meeting Health and Safety standards in the House for both pupils and staff.
This includes:
a) Assisting the Housemaster with Risk Assessments; obtaining advice from the Health and Safety Manager where appropriate.
b) Assisting the Housemaster in ensuring that fire equipment tests are carried out as required by law.
c) Carrying out internal training for staff as required.
d) Maintaining an up to date record of all staff training.
e) Ensuring House and pupils' electrical equipment is available for PAT testing when scheduled.
f) Ensuring First Aid boxes are fully equipped in accordance with current guidance.
g) Maintaining an accurate record of any accidents.
Other
The Matron will be expected to:
a) Meet regularly with the Housemaster and keep him informed of relevant matters involving the pupils or staff.
b) Assist the Housemaster with the entertainment of pupils’ parents.
c) Assist the Housemaster with beginning and end of term arrangements.
d) Attend termly meetings organised by the Chief Operating Officer.
e) Participate in an annual appraisal system for Matrons.
f) Maintain professional development and competence by attending training events.
g) Liaise and communicate with other departments in the College or external agencies.
h) Assist the Housemaster in such other duties when reasonably required.
Start date
This appointment will commence in September 2023.
Salary
Salary will be £30,585 (£39,761 FTE), commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary is paid monthly, in arrears, to a nominated back account in 12 equal payments. Salary levels are reviewed on 1 September annually and this appointment will be next reviewed in September 2023.
Hours of Work
The 'normal' working hours each day are: 8.00am to 2.00pm, then 6.00pm to 7.00pm and 9.00pm to 10.30pm. One and a half hours are floating hours to be worked if required in the afternoon, particularly to deal with routine medical matters. If these floating hours are not worked then they can accrue to cover busier days.
Between 2.00pm and 6.00pm the Matron is “on-call” in the event of any emergency and, though not required to be in the house, should be contactable via their school mobile.
It is considered important that the Matron has a break between 7.00pm and 9.00pm each day and they should feel free to use it as leisure time when they are not required in the House.
The Matron is on call overnight, except when the Relief Matron is on duty.
Time Off
The Matron is entitled to a continuous period of 30 hours off each week in term time. If all parties involved are in agreement it is hoped that there may, on occasions, be flexibility regarding the specific days taken. The Matron may be required to work increased hours for up to three weekdays at both the beginning and at the end of each of the three major school holidays.
Accommodation
The Matron is required to be resident for the proper performance of their duties, including pastoral duties. An unfurnished flat is provided free of rent and is exempt from any charges for Council tax, gas and electricity. The flat may also be occupied during College holidays. There is a tax liability on the benefits in kind of provisions and the utility services.
Food
The Matron can, if they wish, consume all meals cooked from the House kitchen when on duty during term time only.
Holidays
This a position that benefits from the school holidays.
Probation and Notice Periods
The first four months of employment will be a probationary period. During this time, conduct and performance will be reviewed. The College may extend the probationary period if it is deemed to be required. During the probationary period, the notice required to terminate employment will be one week (by either the employee or employer). Once employment is confirmed, the notice period will increase to one full term.
Induction and Continuous Training and Development
The school is fully committed to the induction, training and development of all our staff, with staff supported to grow and reach their full potential.
We deliver a range of training, run by both our own staff and external providers, varying from highly practical First Aid courses to seminars and learning lunches.
There is an annual appraisal offering the opportunity to reflect on professional practice and development opportunities.
The school also offers a wide range of apprenticeships supporting staff development and progression.
Pension and Life Cover
On employment, employees will be auto-enrolled into the College’s pension scheme according to legislative thresholds. Those who are not eligible for auto-enrolment may still elect to join the College’s pension scheme.
Initially, when joining the College’s pension scheme, employees will become a member of the College’s Group Personal Pension Plan (GPP). For this Plan, known as Tier 1, the employee contributes 5% and the employer 3%.
After 9 month’s membership of the Tier 1 plan, employees may opt to join Tier 2, which is also a GPP, where the employee contributes 5% and the employer 9%.
Employees in Tier 1 automatically qualify for a Life Cover of 2 times salary. On entry to Tier 2, Life Cover changes to 4 times salary.
Sports Facilities
The school offers staff free access to its excellent sports facilities, including gym membership, tennis courts and in 2023, a new 25m swimming pool. Exercise classes, including spinning and circuits are also available.
Wider Benefits
Winchester College is located in the surrounds of England’s Anglo-Saxon capital. Its medieval architecture is well preserved within the original grounds, which overlook the South Downs National Park and the River Itchen. Staff are offered a free tour of the College, with discounted rates available for booking venues within the school’s grounds for hospitality events. There is also free access to an ongoing cycle of cultural, musical, theatrical and sporting talks and events. On-site car-parking and a cycle-to-work scheme is available and free staff lunches are offered daily during term time.
Enhanced Disclosure Check
As Winchester College is an educational establishment, a condition of employment will be that the successful candidate must consent to the school obtaining an Enhanced Level Disclosure Check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This will reveal all spent and unspent convictions, warnings, cautions and bind-overs. A policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available on the school’s website.
Safeguarding is one of the primary responsibilities of this role. The jobholder is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact with, and will need to adhere to and ensure compliance with the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the postholder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school, they must report any concerns to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or in their absence the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
References and Other Pre-employment Checks
The appointment will be dependent upon the receipt of a successful medical check and satisfactory references. The College will usually seek references from shortlisted candidates before interview and may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications. At least one referee must be the current or most recent employer. Where applicants are not currently working with children but have done so in the past, one referee must be the person by whom they were most recently employed when working with children.
How to Apply
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email [email protected].
Further information about the school can be found at www.winchestercollege.org.
Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV and covering letter with your application.
Closing date for applications: Monday 8 May 2023.
Interviews are expected to take place during w/c 8 May 2023.
The school reserves the right to appoint prior to the closing date.
Those wishing for an informal conversation about this role are invited to speak to Rebecca Meads, Senior HR Manager, [email protected].
Data Protection
Winchester College collects and processes relevant personal data as part of its everyday operations and is obliged to process it in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Act 2018. The school is the Data Controller of this data under the Act and is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office. Its registration number is Z5751669.
If you have any queries or comments about this policy or how personal data is processed by the school, please contact the Bursar and his team by emailing: [email protected] or by writing to: Data Protection, The Bursary, Winchester College, College Street, Winchester, SO23 9NA.