Senior Nurse (Head of Medical) at Holmewood House School
(Term time – Part Time time only)
About Holmewood House School
Holmewood House is a prestigious independent Prep School of 400 pupils aged 3-13 years, set amidst 32 acres of the most beautiful Kent countryside, just outside Tunbridge Wells. The School is a happy and supportive working environment, where we pride ourselves on the exceptional provision for our pupils and staff in all areas.
Holmewood House provides a broad, well-balanced curriculum with outstanding teachers in what is very much a family school where the positive relationships between the teachers and children allows staff to get to know and understand the individual needs of each and every child. They foster their talents and nurture their growth through a challenging and exciting curriculum.
The school wholeheartedly believes that emotional and social well-being, self-esteem, happiness and confidence are of prime importance and are in themselves inextricably linked to academic progress. Staff are excited by the curiosity and thirst for learning that each child, regardless of their ability, naturally displays. They work hard to allow each child to ask why, to query and to have the time to develop their thoughts into fresh discoveries and innovations and, in doing so, overcome the challenges faced. The end result is the celebration of learning – a reward in its own right!
The wonderful environment and outstanding facilities provide a strong framework upon which the ethos of ‘allowing children to be children’ can be achieved. Childhood is full of exciting new experiences which, parents and teachers relive, through the eyes and laughter of the children.
The relationship between home and school is of fundamental importance in ensuring every child is surrounded by the love, care and guidance which they require as they make their way through their educational journey. In short, the partnership allows the children to enjoy the most important journey of all: childhood.
For further information about Holmewood House please visit our website www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk
The Medical Centre
The Medical Centre provides an outstanding medical provision to both pupils and staff and is an integral part of the pupils’ pastoral system, providing exceptional care for their physical and emotional wellbeing.
While opening hours may be adjusted in the future, the medical centre is currently open term time from 0800 – 1800 Monday to Friday. This role will be required to work on Monday, Tuesday & Friday 0800 – 1800 and Wednesday 8:00am to 12:00noon, plus on occasions at weekends for speech day, sports days and other school events which are listed in the school calendar.
One other medical centre staff report to the Senior Nurse, but work will work independently work on a Wednesday and Thursday 0800 - 1800 and has good working relationships with a number of key staff including the Heads of Pastoral Care, Deputy Head, Boarding Staff and School Counsellor.
The Health Centre comprises a clinical treatment room, bedroom, which can be used for those pupils who are unwell during the day, a consultation/therapy room, a staff office, reception area and a pupil waiting area. Unwell boarders are cared for in the medical centre during the day and, if able, return to the boarding house at night.
As a result of COVID-19 the medical centre staff have modified their work practices to accommodate management of suspected cases of COVID-19, caring for any boarders with symptoms. Day to day duties will continue to cover a wide range of issues including sports injuries, vaccinations and long term health condition management for pupils.
Job Purpose and Role requirements
To lead the medical provision for the school including supporting the delivery of the school’s health and well-being strategy. This role reports to the Operations Manager under the Bursar. This is a term time only role permanent part time position (31 hours a week) Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm and Wednesdays 8:00am to 12:00noon for an experienced registered nurse.
Clinical
· To lead the medical provision for the school and provide clinical support to the nursing team;
· Assess and prioritise minor injuries and illness both acute and chronic presented by pupils, staff or visitors to the school with appropriate referral to primary and secondary care settings;
· Provide pitch side first aid management for home fixtures when necessary with referral to secondary care when appropriate;
· Diagnosis and management of common sporting injuries liaising with specialist input where required;
· Consultations with parents to support complex injuries or high intensity training programmes.
· Liaison with other healthcare professionals including Public Health bodies. Also those associated with the school on a sessional basis e.g. physiotherapist, consultant in sports medicine.
· Work with parents, carers, specialist health professionals and others to develop, implement and monitor Individual Health Care Plans for pupils with complex health needs and long term conditions.
Public Health
· To co-ordinate and deliver, as part of the wider health and wellbeing team, public health interventions to improve children’s health and wellbeing including
o Healthy weight
o Immunisation
o Mental wellbeing
o Vision and hearing signposting
· Assist with the delivery of PHSE and SRE to pupils in school when requested.
· To provide training to staff in the management of common issues such as allergies, asthma or any other medical condition deemed necessary for staff to have an awareness of.
Strategy, policy & research
· To compile a school health profile to inform and support the development of the school health and wellbeing strategy in conjunction with the school Well Being Lead and pastoral leads.
· To undertake regular audit of key health issues, using epidemiological methodology and robust clinical evidence to review service provision. To share and present this information in a meaningful way with key staff or parents.
· Lead the development, implementation and review of policies relevant to the health and welfare of pupils.
Pastoral and safeguarding
· To be a member of the pastoral team supporting children and their families, attending and contributing to any relevant pastoral meetings.
· To provide support and assistance in the handling of any Safeguarding issues which may arise; attend multidisciplinary meetings or case-conferences if and when required to do so by the relevant authorities.
Professional
· Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development by undertaking training and self-directed learning as appropriate.
· Maintain medical confidentiality in line with duty of confidentiality to pupils and maintain medical records accurately, confidentially and safely. Share medical information with teaching staff on a need to know basis with parental permission.
Qualification and experience & skills required
· Be a qualified nurse with current NMC registration and PIN
· As a lead, experience in these areas is essential:
o paediatrics
o A&E and practice nursing
o children with diabetes
o asthma management
· Have excellent communication skills
· Be approachable and empathic
· Be a team player with a warm character
· Hold good IT skills including the use of email, Word and Excel to keep accurate medical records
· Be able to work independently and flexibly when required
· Have experience of working calmly and professionally in a busy environment
· Be able to prioritise when working under pressure
· Have good organisational skills
You may also have:
· Preference for senior nursing experience including leading nursing teams
· Experience of working with children in an educational setting is essential
· Experience of working with international pupils and boarders
· Qualifications or experience in any of the following areas - practice nursing, asthma, first aid at work, sports injuries and accident & emergency. Note - appropriate training may be available if required
· Safe-Guarding Level 3 qualification
General requirements
All staff are required to adhere to the latest COVID-19 Government guidance to ensure safety of the school community and should endeavour to maintain a supportive working environment in line with such guidance.
Mandatory and statutory training will be undertaken and any adverse incidents reported as per school policy. The school infection control and healthcare management policies must be adhered to. Although this is a term time only role attendance at Inset and other staff training days as required by the School.
Whilst every effort has been made to outline the main duties, responsibilities and requirements of the role the list is not exhaustive and the successful candidate will be required to undertake different tasks as necessitated to meet the changing needs of the school environment and the professional development of staff. This job description may therefore be subject to amendment.
Salary
A competitive salary will be offered depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
Pension & School Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, the successful candidate will be offered a range of benefits including an employer contributory pension, free parking, term time only working and free lunch/refreshments.
Start date
We are looking for a September 2026 start but would be able to accommodate an earlier start date if preferred for the successful candidate.
Offer
The successful applicant will be offered the role subject to the satisfactory completion of a number of background checks including but not limited to; an enhanced DBS check, the taking up and verification of references, the verification of career history and fitness to undertake the role.
Safeguarding
Holmewood House is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children. All staff are required to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding policies at all times.
The school adopts a rigorous safer recruitment process which is adhered to in the appointment of all new members of staff. As part of the safer recruitment process, all applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including, but not limited to, checks with past employers and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Application
If you wish to be considered for this role, please complete an application form which is available on the job opportunities page and either complete online or download a word version available on the website and email to: [email protected].
The closing date for applications is Monday 20 July at 9:00am, though the school reserves the right to interview and offer the role prior to this date. If you would like more information on the role or require a hard copy application form please contact HR Department on 01892 860000.
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
