Matron (and Assistant Matron) (Posts filled)

Are you a School Matron or medically qualified?

Being a MATRON at Vacational Studies

Matron’s Duties

Let me tell you a little about us. Vacational Studies Courses have run for 39 years. Most students come to us onrecommendation from parents whose children have already been with us. We are accredited by the British Council and are members of English UK (formerly ARELS). We have high standards of professionalism and expect the same from staff.Our reputation is of the greatest importance and is, I believe, second-to-none. Parents are confident that their children will be secure.

The job is to look after the medical and domestic welfare of the students and staff; to supervise thecleaning staff; to devise and oversee a bathroom/shower rota; to see to the laundering of clothes (done in-house by a laundry-person); to arrange for the collection/return of bed-linen; to check on the condition of bed-linen and advise on any damage. The services of a local doctor are retained. Parents are asked to provide a medical history and details of present health problems and allergies. Students’ forms are available for inspection. In addition, Matron will be involved in looking after the pastoral welfare of
the students.

A note must be made in the Medical Record Book of all students’ visits to Matron, noting date, time, cause of visit, treatment and follow-up.

Assistant members of staff (normally undergraduate students, trainees, or similar) help both the Matron and the Sports/Social Organiser.

The Course Manager or Assistant Course Manager provide cover on Matron’s days off.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Although other staff join in with the extra-curricular programme on at least six occasions each week, we appreciate that, as Matron’s duties take priority, such involvement may not be possible. Staff accompany excursions and shopping trips on a rota basis and assist with supervision on Sports Day. All staff assume the normal pastoral responsibilities that are part of boarding school life.

Accommodation and Meals

The post is resident. Basic accommodation is provided at no charge, as are all meals, except meals on excursions.

Additional Activities

Staff accompany excursions and shopping trips on a rota basis. All staff assume the normal pastoral responsibilities that are part of boarding school life.

Duties

All staff have 2½ duty days each week, or the equivalent thereof. There are also two completely free 24-hour days during the Course – any day except a Sunday.

Dates, Duration and Pay

We offer employment for a period of just over four weeks from the morning of 10 July until mid-day on 9 August. Finishing times are not as stated for other staff on the application form, but may be earlier than stated above. Pay is £1750.00 (one thousand seven hundred and fifty pounds) for the duration of the employment. Payment is by cheque at the end of the Course. If they wish, staff can be paid a 25% advance by cheque at the end of the first week, to be deducted from the final balance. As employment is temporary, we are not at present required to deduct PAYE from British staff at source unless staff advise us that they are ordinarily resident in the UK and, therefore, liable to PAYE. Anyone defined as a ‘ student’ for the tax year is not liable to PAYE. Deductions will be on a ‘ Week 1/Month 1′ basis. NI is deducted at the prevailing rate. 

Suitability and Qualifications

We are looking for a Matron, preferably with a medical/nursing qualification, who combines efficiency with friendliness and is also willing to make a contribution to the sports and social life of the Course. Experience in working in a boarding school environment is an advantage and, ideally, applicants will have worked  with the 10-18 age-range. Please read ‘Notes for Staff 2012′which describes the post in more detail. If your application is of interest, we shall contact your referees and, if these are satisfactory, we shall invite you for interview. If you are overseas, we shall suggest interview via skype.  If you are in this country, we shall invite you to Newbury. We pay your rail fare. If appointed, your acceptance of an offered post assumes the acceptance of the contents of the information on this page and the contents of the ‘Notes for Staff 2012′ and is the contract of employment. As there is responsibility for and substantial access to children, we run CRB checks. Proof of qualifications is required – as is an explanation for any gaps in CVs.  On arrival, all staff are required to sign a declaration that they are not unfit to be working with children aged 10-18.  

Assistant Matron

Matron has an Assistant with duties as above who acts under Matron’s guidance and instructions when required.  When not required, duties and pay are as for an Assistant Sports/Social Organiser (QV).

A note on Work Permits and why we cannot employ non-EU staff

If you do not hold an EU passport (or have a dispensation to take temporary work as a Commonwealth citizen), you are not permitted to work in the UK unless you possess a Work Permit. An employer has to obtain a Work Permit from the Home Office to allow a non EU citizen to work in the UK. The employer must prove that EU labour is not available for the job. As EU labour is available for these posts, we do not apply for Work Permits.

If you do not fulfil the stated criteria, we shall not take your application further.

Vacancy Application Form