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. 
 

As a House Parent you will be responsible to the Pastoral Manager who in turn is responsible to the Centre Manager, MELHC Manager and the Director of Enterprises.
 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES INCLUDE:

1.      General Duties.
a.       You are responsible for running your boarding house and for organising, managing and representing the students under your care as for their good conduct and general welfare. You should hold daily registration and meetings with your students and staff to distribute information, discuss ideas, plans and any problems.
b.       You are to report as soon as possible to the Pastoral Manager any matters (real or apparent) of indiscipline, misbehaviour, major complaint, accident, illness or personal problems on the part of staff or students.
c.   First Aid training is desirable. If you possess a First Aid Certificate, please send us a copy.

2.      Pastoral Duties.
a.       Making sure the House is prepared as appropriate for student and parent / agent arrival.
b.       Welcoming students and parents / agents to the House on arrival to the course.
c.       Acting as a caring parent would in all matters regarding student welfare.
d.       Register all incidents accurately through the systems in place.
e.       Ensuring smooth operation of House routines, including cleaning and laundry.
f.        Indenting all damages before students arrive and as they happen throughout the course making sure you report them to the Pastoral Manager.
g.       Directing the work of the Assistant House Parent and leading the House staff team.
h.       Preparing house duty rotas to the set protocol.
i.         Ensuring that all House duties are carried out by staff and reported to the Pastoral Manager if they are missed or carried out to an unacceptable level.
j.         Distributing given information to both staff and students efficiently and to the given deadline.
k.       You are responsible for student and staff safety in the boarding house ensuring that general safety procedures are observed at all times. If you are in doubt about the safety of an activity, stop it immediately and check with your line manager or the Health and Safety Officer.
l.      Ensuring that all Covid-19 protocols, current at the time, are followed in accordance with Millfield guidelines.
m.     You are to read and understand the Staff Guide and be familiar with our policies for the welfare and protection of children.
n.       Acquainting yourself with all relevant fire, safety and health arrangements in the House, and both on and off the main campus.
o.       You must ensure every member of your team is aware of health and safety issues, and the First Aid procedure.
p.       Following the agreed disciplinary guidelines.
q.       Organising "surgery" when the students feel they need medical attention and liaising with the Pastoral Manager and Medical Centre staff as necessary.
r.        Ensuring that the students keep updating their Learning Notebook in their free time.
s.        Ensuring that the House is handed back to your line manager as close as possible to how it was at the beginning, including a list of all final indents.

3.      Secondary Duties.
a.       Assisting the Operations Team whenever possible, including:
1.       Accompanying children on prearranged excursions, in the position of a group leader, or possibly coach leader.
2.       Assisting with the preparation and collection of packed lunches and other refreshments.

b.       Assisting the Activity & Social Manager and Social Co-ordinato with the smooth running of the Activity & Social Programme whenever possible, particularly at ‘Big Events’, by:
1.       Assisting with the supervision/preparation of staff in their delivery of the evening social programme.
2.       Ensuring the safe organisation and supervision of Sunday activities.
3.       Ensuring that general safety procedures are observed, and that equipment is returned          after use.

4.      Administration.
a.       Ensuring the safekeeping of all students’ valuables, including pocket money, air tickets and passports and ensuring your house safe is kept locked at all times, and your room is locked each time you leave it. 
b.       Ensuring that students think ahead about pocket money they need from the student “bank”.
c.       Ensuring that students’ pocket money days are run accurately, safely and securely.
d.       Ensuring that students’ return travel arrangements are made in accordance with parental instructions and travel documentation and that both you and the student know exact times and dates they are leaving.
e.       Ensuring you write a report at the end of each student's course on the system.
f.       Listening to client (student or parent / agent) dissatisfaction, and reporting any grievances to the Centre Manager and Pastoral Manager.
g.       Liaising with the Pastoral Manager in drawing up a fair house daily duty rota and incorporating all members of staff and covering all morning and evening duties.

5.      Other Duties.
a.       Apart from your responsibilities as a House Parent you are expected to take a full and active part in Summer School Life. This will include: attending meetings; accompanying students on excursions; and everything needed to ensure the students (and your staff) have a memorable and rewarding summer.
b.       You are to participate in the staff induction.
c.       You are to behave in a professional manner at all times ensuring that your own conduct in front of students is of the highest standard, and that you set an example in your management role.
d.       You will be representing the good name of Millfield School at all times.
e.       Any other duties that your line manager sees fit providing that such duties are appropriate to your role.
 

Millfield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All staff have a responsibility for the safeguarding of children and young people in our care as such you are required to attend necessary child protection training and participate fully in activities that ensure the School stays compliant with statutory child protection and safeguarding guidelines issued to the School by ISI and Ofsted.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The school will not unfairly discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of conviction or other details disclosed. The school makes appointment decisions on the basis of merit and ability. If an applicant has a criminal record this will not automatically bar them from employment with the school. Each case will be decided on its merits in accordance with the objective assessment criteria.

All positions within the school are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants must therefore declare all previous convictions and cautions, including those which would normally be considered "spent" except those received for an offence committed in the United Kingdom if it has been filtered in accordance with the DBS filtering rules.

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.
 

As an Assistant House Parent you will be responsible to your House Parent who in turn is responsible to the Pastoral Manager, the Centre Manager, MELHC Manager and the Director of Enterprises.
 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES INCLUDE:

1.      General Duties.
a.       You are to assist your House Parent with the running of your boarding house and for organising, managing and representing the students under your care as for their good conduct and general welfare.
b.       You are to assist with the Social Programme when required where you will be responsible to the Social Co-ordinator and Activity & Social Manager.
c.       You are to report as soon as possible to the Pastoral Manager any matters (real or apparent) of indiscipline, misbehaviour, major complaint, accident, illness or personal problems on the part of staff or students.
d.       Ensuring that general safety procedures are observed at all times. If you are in doubt about the safety of an activity, stop it immediately and check with your line manager or the Health and Safety Officer
e.       Acquainting yourself with all relevant fire, safety and health arrangements whether during sports and activities or in the House, and both on and off the main campus.
f.      Ensuring that all Covid-19 protocols, current at the time, are followed in accordance with Millfield guidelines.
g.       Use your experience (from previous years if applicable) to voice ideas, improvements and any helpful suggestions to develop the Summer School.
h.       Attending meetings as necessary.
i.         First Aid training is desirable. If you possess a First Aid Certificate, please send us a copy.

2.      Pastoral Duties.
a.       You are to act on behalf of the House Parent in case of his or her absence.
b.       Assisting your House Parent with morning/evening duties in accordance with an agreed rota.
c.       Assisting with the evening and weekend activities programmes in accordance with an agreed rota.
d.       Assisting with the greeting of new students, and with the departure of students, normally on Sundays where needed.

3.      Secondary Duties.
a.       Leading groups of students in clubs/social events and supervising them at all times where necessary.
b.       Assisting with the evening and weekend social activities programmes in accordance with an agreed rota.
c.       Returning all equipment to its appropriate place after use and reporting any damages or breakages to the Activities or Operations Manager.
d.       Assisting the Activity & Social Manager and Social Co-ordinator with the smooth running of the Activity & Social Programme whenever possible, particularly at ‘Big Events’, by:
1.       Leading a part of the Activity and Social Programme.
2.       Assisting with the supervision/preparation of staff in their delivery of the evening social programme.
3.       Ensuring the safe organisation and supervision of Sunday activities.
4.       Ensuring that general safety procedures are observed, and that equipment is returned          after use.
e.       Assisting the Operations Team whenever possible, including:
1.       Accompanying children on prearranged excursions, in the position of a group leader, or possibly coach leader.
2.       Assisting with the preparation and collection of packed lunches and other refreshments.

4.      Administration.
a.       Ensuring when required the safekeeping of all students’ valuables, including pocket money, air tickets and passports and ensuring your house safe is kept locked at all times, and your room is locked each time you leave it. 
b.       Ensuring that students’ pocket money days are run accurately, safely and securely.
c.       Listening to client (student or parent) dissatisfaction, and reporting any grievances to your House Parent.
 

OTHER DUTIES
a.       Apart from your responsibilities as an Assistant House Parent, you are expected to take a full and active part in Summer School Life. This will include: attending meetings; accompanying students on excursions; and everything needed to ensure the students (and staff) have a memorable and rewarding summer.
b.       You are to participate in the staff induction.
c.       You are to behave in a professional manner at all times ensuring that your own conduct in front of students is of the students is off the highest standard, and that you set an example in your management role.
d.       You will be representing the good name of Millfield School at all times.
e.       Any other duties line managers sees fit providing that such duties are appropriate to your role and are approved by the relevant authority.
 

Millfield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All staff have a responsibility for the safeguarding of children and young people in our care as such you are required to attend necessary child protection training and participate fully in activities that ensure the School stays compliant with statutory child protection and safeguarding guidelines issued to the School by ISI and Ofsted.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The school will not unfairly discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of conviction or other details disclosed. The school makes appointment decisions on the basis of merit and ability. If an applicant has a criminal record this will not automatically bar them from employment with the school. Each case will be decided on its merits in accordance with the objective assessment criteria.

All positions within the school are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants must therefore declare all previous convictions and cautions, including those which would normally be considered "spent" except those received for an offence committed in the United Kingdom if it has been filtered in accordance with the DBS filtering rules.

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 contract up to six weeks in length between the dates of 10^th July and 21st August.

All staff will have one full day off per week. There will also be time off during other days dependent on the role. Special requests for additional days 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 and Child Protection Policy before applying, there will be questions relating to this at interview.

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 Kim Marjeram 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, which may be either in person or via Microsoft Teams 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. If the interview is conducted via Microsoft Teams, candidates must have their video camera switched on throughout.

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.

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.