Head of Boarding

Job Description

The Principal is looking to invite exceptional candidates to apply for the Head of Boarding role in this unique and exciting central London day and boarding School. As a senior member of staff, you will have the responsibility for the development of all areas of the Boarding House and for the overall progress and welfare of the students.DLD College London is a unique 21st century 14-19 co-ed boarding and day school, situated on the Southbank opposite the Palace of Westminster, and is one of the most modern and well equipped schools in the UK. London is our classroom and the boarders, who come from over fifty different nationalities.Recently winners in 2020 of the Independent School of the Year (Special Judges Award), Independent Boarding School of the Year and the ISA Award for Innovation in Student Voice, DLD College is an innovative, internationally minded school focused on Developing the next generation of Leaders to take their place in a challenging and Diverse world. We strive for our students to become confident, independent, resilient and successful, enabling them to access a wide range of degree courses at top universities.This requires the postholder to: be a visible school leader maintain a boarding ethos and identity support and embody the values of the College provide a presence in the boarding areas of the College be available to support students reactively and proactivelyThe Head of Boarding is expected to work in a collegiate way with other members of the pastoral team, including the Huddle Houseparents (from the boarding house), Housemaster/mistresses, Head of Wellbeing and other key staff to monitor the students, ensuring that they are maximising their potential and develop into caring, thoughtful, confident members of society. Ambitious and confident yet not arrogant, generous in spirit, interesting, interested and able to respect and communicate effectively with people of all backgrounds.The Head of Boarding leads the boarding team. They will have overall responsibility for the discipline, personal development and welfare of boarders.As a senior member of staff the Head of Boarding will contribute to the overall leadership and management of DLD College London and be active in promoting its aims and supporting an ethos that encourages achievement and high standards for all students.DLD College London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and the Head of Boarding is expected to undergo advanced safeguarding (Child Protection) training.The role is residential and as such a one-bedroom apartment on site is linked to the role.Knowledge, skills and traits Effective leadership skills The ability to keep calm under pressure Proven track record of working with young people. Excellent people management skills Excellent communication skills Effective delegation skills Effective judgement and decision-making abilities Effective problem-solving skills Ability to train and support others in regard to Continuing Professional Development (e.g. AS Tracking) Good IT skills Calm and diplomatic Well-presented and professional attire Good health record Punctual time-keeper Flexibility and willingness to accept additional responsibilities Good interpersonal skills Team player, but also able to work autonomously Ability to use initiative Good English language written and verbal skillsLine managementThe Head of Boarding will report into the Vice Principal (Pastoral) and will line manage the Houseparents and Assistant Houseparents.Key qualities Experience of working within a boarding school environment (minimum 5 years preferred) Working knowledge of Child Protection (Safeguarding), the National Minimum Standards for Boarding and ISI regulations and guidelines Certified at the enhanced DBS level (check undertaken prior to employment) High quality written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking Strong organisational skills, including use of educational MIS Experience of effectively managing teamsDesirable Level 3 Safeguarding Trained (desirable) BSA Accredited Boarding Practitioner Level 2 (desirable) BSA Advanced Certificate (desirable) Undertaken Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) training (desirable) Mental Health First Aid Youth champion (desirable) Postgraduate qualification Experience or qualification in coaching Experience of working in a boarding school context Current First Aid certificate (Training to be provided) Coaching experience (desirable)General responsibilitiesTo aim at providing "the gold standard experience" for all students under their care. To build and maintain positive and constructive relationships with students, in order to provide them with the best possible care and support. To play an active role in ensuring the students welfare and personal development, building and maintaining strong relationships with parents, guardians and agents, and liaising professionally with other staff in school. To participate fully in supporting house activities. To promote good relations between the College with present and prospective parents and the local community. To promote and safeguard the welfare of young people and young persons by adhering to and ensuring compliance with the Schools Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times.Role specific To actively promote the key values of the school: respect; tolerance and kindness To work collaboratively as part of the boarding team and the wider college body. To work according to the boarding house rota including a combination of days, weekends and nights as required. To implement college policies including those pertaining to Safeguarding (Child Protection) & behaviour. To ensure the highest standards of supervision, support and care for boarders. To work within and to apply the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Boarding together with ISI guidance. Provide medical assistance for minor illnesses & first aid, maintain accurate medical records for students and liaise with the Nurse and local medical services where necessary Maintain student files to a high degree of accuracy including records of behaviour, sanctions, rewards, medical history, medical assistance given, etc. Record any significant instances of sanctions. Ensure the smooth running of daily service including laundry, cleaning, maintenance & catering Ensure that students are awake and leaving for lesson on time, report any illness or un/authorised attendance to college/personal tutor Ensure that students are in the boarding house and follow procedures if students are late/missing at curfew Supporting a culture of warmth, community & support within boarding To deputise for the Vice Principal (Pastoral) in his/her absence To take responsibility for issuing Level 2 behavioural sanctions An additional overnight boarding duty, on top of the Houseparent expectation To take a share of being on call outside of duty hours in case of emergency, leading on escalated matters regardin