Dame's Assistant - Live Out

Role IntroductionThe Dame’s Assistant plays a key role in assisting the Dame in the pastoral care of pupils and the day-to-day running of the boarding house, deputising for them in their absence, which includes providing first-line medical care, including the administration of medicines. They have particular responsibility for supervising house laundry, cleaning of boy rooms, as well as Messing Teas (breaktime), making the most of the opportunity to spend time with pupils. They play an important role in helping to develop a culture based on kindness, courtesy, dignity and respect, and creating an environment where individual differences and the contributions of all members of the house are recognised and valued. Dame’s Assistants work flexibly and collaboratively with the Dame to ensure that students’ needs are put first, and that they can both take appropriate rest breaks. They will be a visible presence in the House at all times when on duty. Boarding houses are integral to the students’ lives, and the Dame’s Assistant will have a direct impact on their experience of school life. Dame’s Assistants spend a minimum of two hours per day working for the central housekeeping team, cleaning pupil rooms and/or communal areas as directed by the Housekeeping Supervisor, ensuring that appropriate standards of cleanliness are maintained. In addition, they are often responsible for liaising with the Buildings Department to ensure the fabric of the house is compliant with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding and in a good state of repair. This is a ‘live-out’ role. Dame’s Assistants provide cover for the Dame during periods of time-off and absence and may on occasion, be required to cover overnight. Alongside other house staff, they also support an agreed number of house functions and events during the year, which may be outside normal working hours. Dame’s Assistants report into the Dame for pastoral activities and into the Housekeeping Supervisor for the portion