Dame's Assistant

The 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 of their role that involves cleaning. The primary reporting line is to the Dame.

Key accountabilities:

Providing high levels of pastoral care to pupils;
Contributing to building an effective house team;
Deputising for the Dame, including providing effective first-line medical care;
Providing administrative support to the Dame as required;
Effective supervision of laundry and Messing Teas;
Ensuring appropriate standards of cleanliness are maintained when cleaning communal areas and/or pupil rooms;
Ensuring the fabric of the house is safe and compliant within the Dame’s Assistant’s areas of responsibility, reporting any concerns to the relevant central team.  Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Benefits Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

Main Duties Responsibilities to the House

Pupils:

Provide a sympathetic presence in the house, working closely with the Dame to provide a high level of pastoral care to pupils, liaising closely with other relevant staff as necessary, including those in the Safeguarding Team, the Stephenson Centre for Wellbeing and the Health Centre;
Promote and safeguard the welfare of pupils, adhering to the school’s Safeguarding procedures and Child Protection Policy and processes at all times;
Support the Dame at house functions and events, helping to set up beforehand, serve and clear/wash up afterwards.

Deputising for the Dame:

Be present at meals ensuring regular pupil attendance and overseeing behaviour;
Provide first-line medical care for pupils, holding formal daily surgeries, including after every meal, and administering medications in…