Pastoral Roles

We are looking for a number of enthusiastic Houseparents to join the pastoral team this summer.  

As a Houseparent you will be in charge of one of the many boarding houses in which both the course participants and staff will stay in throughout the course. There could be between 20-50 people staying in your house at one time. Houseparents are supported by the activity staff who stay in the boarding house. 

In order to work for us applicants must be aged 18 or over (at the start of the courses) and currently eligible to work in the UK. 
 

Job Description 

You will be responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of the course participants and the fabric of the boarding house accommodation. You are in a pivotal role to ensure all participants (and staff) are happy and safe during their stay away from home. 

Duties will include checking both staff and participants in on their arrival and out on their departure. You will have to give fire briefs and house inductions on arrival ensuring all rules are adhered to in the boarding houses for the safety and comfort of all participants and staff accommodated.

It is the responsibility of the Houseparent to take students to the Medical Centre and provide subsequent care of the students in conjunction with the nursing staff. 

You will organise the staff rota, relaying messages, organising the participants in preparation for evening social events and completing any required paperwork before the deadlines set. 

You are responsible for checking cleaning and laundry routines are completed effectively. You must report all damages/defects to the Course Manager and ensure all health and safety procedures are adhered to at all times. 
 

Person Specification 

We are looking for enthusiastic and energetic staff who have the following attributes: 

• Responsible and caring nature 
• Ability to cope in stressful situations and work to deadlines 
• Well organised 
• Good literacy and clear verbal communication skills 
• Ability to enthuse and manage others 
• Flexibility 
• Experience of working with young children and large groups is preferred 
• Experience of working on a residential course is preferred but not essential 
• First Aid qualification is desirable but not essential  
• Willingness to get involved in all aspects of the course

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer free accommodation (for residential courses), food and laundry facilities. When off-duty staff are also able to use the facilities which include a gym, tennis courts and sports halls (facilities vary per campus). We have a clear management structure in place with induction training (paid pro rata) and a full support system during the courses. 

Staff receive a weekly salary on a four week contract between the dates of 25th July and 21st August.

All staff will have one full day off per week, the specific day is chosen by the Management team and will vary per job role. Special requests for additional time off are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

To ensure that our staff have a full understanding of their role and how it works within the wider structure of the courses, all staff must attend the induction training which takes place prior to the start of the courses (paid pro rata). Not only does it make staff feel more comfortable within their role, it improves efficiency, and most importantly will ensure staff are equipped to provide the best possible care for our students. 

Prior to the induction all staff will be required to complete online training courses in Prevent, Safeguarding and Health & Safety. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be DBS checked. Overseas applicants are required to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct from their country of residence. Please read our Safeguarding Policy before applying. 

All applicants will be required to complete an application form containing questions about their academic and employment history, as well as their suitability for the role. A curriculum vitae will not be accepted in place of a completed application form. 

Application forms for returning and new staff can be found in the Downloads section at the foot of this page. 

Please return completed application forms to Zoe Barker by e-mail at recruitment@millfieldenterprises.com or by post to Millfield Enterprises, Butleigh Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0YD. 

In order to work for us applicants must be aged 18 or over (at the start of the courses) and currently eligible to work in the UK. 

Shortlisting will be based on the selection criteria for the role and compared against the information contained within the candidate's application form; this will assess the candidate's availability, qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge, aptitudes and abilities. The capability of the individual to perform in the position will be the major factor and in certain roles the ability to work with others will be taken into account. 

At least one individual conducting the interview must have completed Safer Recruitment in Education Training. Candidates will be asked both technical/competency based questions as well as questions that attest to the match of the Person Specification in the Job Description. 

The interview team will ensure that candidates with a disability or special needs are fully provided for at the interview, providing notification has been made in advance. 
 

After Interview 

Offers of appointment are subject to the receipt of satisfactory checks as outlined in the Selection and Recruitment Checklist in our Safer Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy which can be found here.

Pre-employment checks are an essential part of our responsibility under the Children Act and an expectation of the National Boarding Standards and DfE circular Keeping Children Safe In Education: Statutory guidance for all schools and colleges. Whilst no system will guarantee that no one unsuitable is ever recruited to Millfield Enterprises, a high standard of scrutiny should reduce the potential for harm being done to the children in our care. 

Pre-Employment Checks include, but are not limited to, the receipt of two written references (one of which must be from the applicant's most recent employer), an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check which the School considers to be satisfactory, and verification of the applicants' identity, including address and date of birth (where this has not previously been verified). For a full list of Pre-Employment Checks please see our Safer Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy which can be found here.