Houseparent
The Thomas Adams School, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 5UB9 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
16 October 2025 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
7 October 2025
Job details
Job role
- Other support roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time (Can be done as a job share): 37 hours per week, term time only
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Grade 6 (pt. 7 £20,447 pro rata)
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are currently seeking a dedicated residential Houseparent to join our team at our small, family-run boarding house. This is a permanent position.
While the role does involve working some evenings and weekends, the rewards are plentiful. This role will include some administerial work, so a working knowledge of Microsoft is essential.
As a Houseparent you will work closely with the Director of Boarding and be responsible for the care of boarders on a day to day basis. During the evenings and at weekends, when the Director of Boarding is not on the premises, the Houseparent will make decisions regarding any welfare issues of boarders.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A RESIDENTIAL HOUSEPARENT
- Inform the Director of Boarding immediately of any urgent matters.
- Inform the Director of Boarding on the next day next day of any incidents occurring at the weekends or evenings.
- Support other Boarding staff in their roles on a day to day basis.
- Be prepared to assist with organising cover for absent staff in an emergency and at short notice.
- Assist with organising transport to hospital for sick/injured boarders, if required, after lock up and to ensure there is suitable cover in place for remaining boarders.
- Assist in the organising of activities.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A HOUSEPARENT
- Act in ‘loco parentis’ and therefore be responsible for all aspects of the pastoral welfare of the boarders in Adams House by forming constructive relationships and interacting with their individual needs.
- Be aware of and support equal opportunities for all including the inclusion and acceptance of all boarders.
- Work in line with school and boarding house policy and practice and National Boarding Standards.
DAILY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (within a shift rota)
- Manage the individual needs of all boarders.
- At the start of every shift, read the duty book in order to be fully aware of any ongoing relevant information about boarders / situations which may impact on the shift.
- Ensure that all relevant information on boarders is recorded appropriately, being aware of the importance of confidentiality and informing colleagues and Director of Boarding on a ‘need to know’ basis.
- Check on the wellbeing of all boarders by 8.30am and report any sick boarders to the school/6th form reception by 9.00am.
- Organise the care of ill boarders throughout the day and night.
- Responsible for the full open up of Adams House premises each morning and for securing these premises at night.
- Administer medication (prescription and non-prescription) to boarders according to instructions from the doctor and / or recommended directions from the manufacturer. Accurately record the administration of this medication and organise repeat prescriptions / purchasing of more non-prescription medication as necessary.
- General administrative duties such as filing, record keeping, attending to e-mails and actioning requests from prospective parents.
- Collating new admissions paperwork.
- Use a variety of methods to facilitate behaviour management.
- Launder boarders’ clothing and bedding as required, monitoring and reporting any concerns over personal hygiene / welfare to the Director of Boarding.
- Supervise homework, liaising with teaching staff where necessary.
- Ensure all boarders are up, dressed and ready for school / college on time.
- Regularly check Adams House premises and report any concerns immediately to the Director of Boarding / Police.
- Take responsibility for knowing where all boarders are throughout the shift by monitoring the signing out book, daily register and regular site checks.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attend weekly staff meetings.
- Take responsibility for and manage the individual medical needs of all boarders. This involves attending relevant training (specific and general First Aid), and accompanying boarders to medical appointments, planned and emergency, ensuring relevant information is available to health care professionals.
- Administer First Aid when required and make appropriate, informed decisions about the need to seek medical attention.
- Assist with addressing Child Protection issues under the guidance of the Director of Boarding.
- Be responsible for the monitoring and organising purchase of daily provisions for boarders.
- Be familiar with the Risk Assessments and trip checklists for Adams House organised trips and inform the Director of Boarding if appropriate measures are not in place.
The post holder may be required to carry out any other duties that are commensurate with the post. Whilst every effort is made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post each individual task undertaken may not be identified.
This job description is subject to review by the line manager in negotiation with the post holder at any time. However, an annual review of this job description and allocation of responsibilities will take place as part of agreed performance management arrangements.
What the school offers its staff
In addition to exclusive access to a reward and discount scheme, comprehensive induction, commitment to your ongoing training and career progression, paid for enhanced DBS, we also offer:
A competitive salary
Access to the Trust’s Employee Assistance Programme, which includes 24 hour access for you and your family members to legal, financial, health, parenting and life advice
1:1 Counselling Service
Cycle to Work Scheme
Childcare Voucher Scheme or Tax-Free Childcare Scheme
Access to freshly made hot meals or deli-style food on site
Teachers Pensions (23.68% employer contributions)
Local Government Pension Scheme (17.9% employer contribution)
Generous Sickness Payment Scheme
Eye Testing Scheme
Flexible Working Policy
Special Leave Policy
Member of the Valued Worker Scheme (accredited by our recognised unions)
A Disability Confident Committed Employer
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Collaborative working culture and professional development opportunities across our Trust schools
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Upload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About The Thomas Adams School
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary
- School size
- 1207 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Thomas Adams School website
- Email address
- belinda.howells@tas.318education.co.uk
- Phone number
- 01939 237000
11-18 school part of the 318 Education Trust
Arranging a visit to The Thomas Adams School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email belinda.howells@tas.318education.co.uk.
School location
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