ABOUT CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL OF VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (CSVPA)
Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts (CSVPA) is one of the UK’s leading providers of Art & Design, Drama and Music pathway and higher education programmes. Since 1985, CSVPA has been a specialist arts foundation school, and over time has grown its portfolio to include undergraduate degrees and a master’s preparation programme. Our unique and personalised approach to creative learning has given students the opportunity to develop their skills, build their confidence and progress onto some of the most prestigious Art & Design schools, music conservatoires and world-renowned drama schools.
CSVPA is part of CATS Global Schools, a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers.
The group brings together 16 institutions that provide students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. Our dedicated team of pioneering, persevering people, including teachers and welfare specialists, work together to create a positive environment so that every student achieves their full potential.
JOB OVERVIEW
House Parents at CSVPA have a truly unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our young people. This role is central to the positive social and personal development of students and ensuring they have an enriching, nurturing and developmental experience with us. House Parents look after the wellbeing and welfare of our students once the school's day is over and is a busy and varied role. As part of the Boarding team, House Parents create and work in a close-nit community where each member of the team is valued for their contribution to the life of the school and the students. The successful applicant will be committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of our students living in accommodation.
Please note, Bank House Parents do not work on a set rota and may be called in at short notice to cover team sickness or annual leave and therefore work on a zero-hour contract. This role will require you to be able to work various shift patterns covering day and night shifts both in the week and at weekends.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB
Be determined to ensure the College’s students are provided with a positive, purposeful, safe, and fun residential environment that promotes their learning and development.
Work with the Head of Boarding and Residential Life to ensure the College complies with statutory duty of care obligations for under-18 students.
Perform duties in line with the routines of the house such as wake-up calls, regular room checks and patrols, roll-calls, completing necessary paperwork accurately, ultimately following instructions and guidance from the House Leader or Deputy House Leader on duty.
Ensure a visible presence in the Boarding Houses when on duty, maintaining a safe and positive community in residence through active engagement with students and policy enforcement.
Perform tasks and duties as directed by the Head of Boarding and Residential Life or House Leader/Deputy House Leader.
Sleep in accommodation provided by the college after an evening shift to ensure sufficient staffing coverage across the site, taking a work phone in case the member of staff holding the emergency phone requires assistance.
Respond to and assist with emergencies such as fire alarms if in the building even when not formally on duty.
Assist in developing and running activities and excursions for students of all ages, enhancing the residential experience, fostering social connections, and building a strong sense of community.
Oversee an allocated group of students in a pastoral capacity, holding regular meetings to share information, gather feedback, and foster a strong sense of community and belonging. Gather and provide student feedback to the Head of Boarding and Residential Life and House Leaders/Deputy House Leaders.
Monitor overnight and day leave requests on Reach, ensuring all necessary information is provided, and if details are missing, promptly contact the relevant parties through the exeat inbox to collect this information ready for approval, ensuring a smooth experience for students.
Monitor student welfare and behaviour and report any problems to the House Leaders/Deputy House Leaders, Head of Boarding and Residencial Life, and/or Head of Welfare.
Guide and support students in maintaining daily cleanliness in their clusters, including taking out the bins and keeping the kitchens tidy. Actively encourage compliance and address non-compliance with appropriate follow-up actions and consequences.
Maintain cleanliness in and around the boarding houses by conducting regular patrols, clearing away litter when it is spotted, addressing and reporting incidents of fly-tipping, and collaborating with the domestic team to ensure a clean and welcoming environment.
Actively monitor, respond, and report on building issues, including maintenance requests and safety issues. Submit maintenance requests promptly through SysAid system to ensure timely resolution.
Perform minor maintenance tasks such as changing lightbulbs/batteries.
Actively support student voice by gathering and providing student feedback to the Head of Boarding and Residential Life and House Leaders and assisting with the pursuit of outcomes from Boarding Committee meetings.
Report student illness promptly to the Health Centre in the mornings. Administer medication when the nurse is unavailable, keeping accurate records, and collaborate closely with the Health Centre team. In emergencies, use the emergency contact number or call an ambulance immediately.
Assist with laundry requirements of the students.
Issue keys/cards as each Boarding House requires.
Ensure the student sign-out procedure is followed, recording relevant information on Reach. Ensure curfew times are kept, filling in associated paperwork as requested and reporting issues of lateness.
Assist with student arrivals, student induction and departures.
Attend any meetings required by the Head of Boarding and Residential Life, such as team meetings and 1:1s.
Attend College boarding and welfare training days.
Support the House Leaders/Deputy House Leaders in the completion and submission of handovers.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The job requires that you have:
Knowledge of National Minimum Standards (NMS), Independent Schools’ Statutory Regulations (ISI) and other relevant current child protection legislation.
The ability to work with, care for and supervise young people.
High levels of energy, an even temper and a sense of humour.
Well-developed IT skills.
High standards set for themselves and others.
Background/experience in an area relevant to potential student activities.
The ability and willingness to work in a multi-cultural environment.
Willingness to work unsociable hours.
Willingness to appropriately reprimand and/or report students who are not adhering to the College rules with compassion and respect.
The ability to relate to young people.
The ability to work as a team member and lead by example, to be proactive, flexible, and reliable.
Respect for all members of the community
BENEFITS
Cycle to work Scheme
Tech Scheme
Car Scheme
Free flu vaccine through Healthshield
Free eye tests
Financial wellbeing support via WageStream
Employee Assistance Programme
Group income protection
GP24: GP Access for all
Health Cash Plan
Death in Service
Long service awards
Employee referral scheme
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
ABOUT CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS (CGS)
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers. With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada, and China.
Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.
We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values Pioneering, Persevering, People We pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools and employer of choice for all.
SAFEGUARDING
CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.
