Head of Boarding

Purpose and scope

The Head of Boarding leads and manages the team of caregivers (dorm uncles and aunties) and household staff to provide a secure and happy environment where the children can flourish and grow. He/she is responsible for securing the physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing of the students in the hostel and must create and ensure an environment in which Sahaja Yoga culture and values, as taught by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, prevail.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate the daily care of the children outside school time.
• Plan and organize weekend activities: walks, birthdays, outings etc.
• Know each of the children well and invest in building loving and respectful relationships with them and between them.
• Establish high standards for the children of dignity reflecting in discipline, attitude and care.
• Supervise the health and hygiene management of the children.
• Ensure that child protection and safeguarding of students are given high priority at all times.
• Organise the children’s contact with parents (phone, post).
• Follow up any concerns about children with staff and parents.
• Oversee the household management: cleaning of the building, laundry, etc …
• Manage the caregivers and household team: assist in interviewing and hiring new staff, ensure their training needs are met, plan timetables, motivate and guide the staff in their job.
• As a member of the CISS management team, contribute to the continuous improvement process and to setting the strategic targets for the school.

Education & background specifications

Qualifications and experience
The Head of Boarding must be a qualified educator and/or demonstrate suitable experience.

Knowledge and skills
The Head of Boarding should have:
• excellent organisational and communication skills
• the ability to lead, motivate, delegate and empower in a model of shared leadership
• mental and emotional fortitude as the job can be demanding at times
• wisdom, dignity, compassion, enthusiasm and flexibility
• the desire to develop and apply their knowledge of Sahaja Yoga education
• fluency in English; a working knowledge of Italian is an asset.