Boarding House Parent

ROLE SUMMARY:

We are looking for a dynamic, passionate, and responsible individual who shares a love for adventure activities and youth development to become part of our boarding team.

The House Parent & Boarding Adventure Activities Coordinator is essential in establishing a safe, nurturing, and motivating atmosphere for students residing in the boarding house. In addition to delivering exceptional pastoral care, this position involves planning, organizing, and overseeing an exciting weekend adventure program and evening sports and fitness activities during the week.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a background in outdoor education, adventure sports, or activity leadership who is eager to blend pastoral care with engaging outdoor experiences that foster confidence, resilience, and independence in young individuals.

Pastoral & Boarding Responsibilities

You will provide daily pastoral support, guidance, and encouragement to students. Supervision of boarders is required during designated mornings, evenings, and weekends. You will assist in fostering independence, responsibility, and positive study habits. Promoting student health and wellbeing is crucial, including managing minor medical issues and coordinating with medical personnel when necessary. Maintaining the standards of the boarding house involves encouraging positive behavior, mutual respect, and a sense of community. A safe, welcoming, and organized environment must be upheld. You will also need to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, incidents, and emergencies in accordance with school policies.

Adventure & Activities Leadership

You will be responsible for planning, organizing, and leading a structured weekend adventure program, which includes activities like mountain biking, surfing, rock climbing, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, and Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys. Conducting risk assessments and ensuring all activities comply with safety guidelines is essential. You will support safe transportation and supervision during off-site events and promote participation, inclusion, and skill development for students of all abilities.

Leading weekday evening sports, fitness, exercise, and recreational sessions within the boarding program is also part of your role. You will encourage physical wellbeing and healthy lifestyles while developing new initiatives to enhance boarding life and expand students’ experiences.

Essential Requirements

A strong dedication to the wellbeing, safety, and development of young people is required. Experience in outdoor education, adventure activities, or sports leadership is necessary. Relevant coaching or activity qualifications (or a willingness to pursue them) are needed. You should be confident in leading and supervising groups in outdoor settings. Strong organizational skills, particularly in managing off-site logistics, are essential. Fluency in spoken and written English is required. You must be calm, reliable, and adaptable in high-pressure situations. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts is necessary. An understanding of safeguarding and child protection is important (training will be provided). A First Aid qualification is required; Outdoor First Aid is preferred.

Desirable Attributes

Experience in a boarding or residential youth environment is a plus. National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications in activities such as mountain biking, climbing, paddlesports, or surfing are advantageous. Experience in conducting risk assessments and managing outdoor safety procedures is beneficial. A passion for mentoring young people through challenges and adventures is desirable. The ability to inspire confidence, resilience, and teamwork through activity-based learning is essential.

Working Pattern

The position requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, with two days off. Weekend work is necessary as part of the adventure program, and evening activity sessions are included within contracted hours.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is devoted to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be carried out before any appointment is finalized.