Overnight House Assistant

The Royal Ballet School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Ballet School is seeking an Overnight House Assistant to provide safe, pastoral and welfare support during night hours at White Lodge, Richmond Park. You will be the first point of contact for overnight concerns and escalate medical or safeguarding matters per school procedures.

Training will be provided, including safeguarding and diabetes awareness. A medical qualification is not required, and you will work as part of the Boarding Team to ensure a calm, caring residential environment.

Qualifications

• Pastoral experience in a boarding setting or equivalent role.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Calm, professional manner in emergencies.
• Ability to work independently during overnight shifts.
• Strong interpersonal skills with students and staff.
• Good organisational and record-keeping abilities.
• It literacy to complete reports and handovers.
• Willingness to undertake mandatory training including safeguarding.
• Commitment to safeguarding and welfare of children.
• Awareness of diabetes and related welfare concerns.
• Show empathy and caring towards students.
• Team-oriented with a positive, proactive attitude.
• Reliable and approachable under all circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Provide a visible overnight presence in the boarding houses.
• Be the first contact for overnight pastoral, welfare and safeguarding needs and escalate as required.
• Raise medical or safeguarding concerns following school procedures.
• Support students who are ill or distressed with reassurance and help.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents and actions taken on shift.
• Prepare a detailed handover for Boarding and Healthcare teams.
• Collaborate with Lead House Parents, Boarding and Healthcare teams to protect wellbeing.
• Work independently, manage priorities with minimal supervision.
• Undertake mandatory training including safeguarding and diabetes awareness.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
• Contribute to a safe, welcoming residential environment in line with school ethos.

Skills

Pastoral experience

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Overnight independence

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

IT literacy

Willingness to train

Safeguarding

Diabetes awareness

Empathy

Team player

Reliability

Job description

To provide a safe, reassuring and supportive overnight presence within the boarding environment at White Lodge, ensuring the welfare of boarding students throughout the night. The Overnight House Assistant will be a vital member of the Boarding Team, acting as the first point of contact for overnight pastoral and welfare concerns and supporting effective communication between the Boarding and Healthcare teams.

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE

The successful candidate will provide overnight pastoral and welfare support to boarding students, working under the direction of the Lead House Parents. The post holder will act as the first point of contact for any overnight concerns, responding appropriately to student needs and escalating medical or safeguarding matters in line with School procedures. Suitable training, including safeguarding and diabetes awareness, will be provided. A medical qualification is not required.

CONTRACT TERMS

Location: White Lodge, Richmond Park, TW10 5HR

Salary: £14.80 per hour, paid via submission of timesheets

Duration: Fixed term contract until 31 August 2027

Start Date: ASAP

Application Closing Date: 6 November 2026. Applications will be screened on submission. The School reserves the right to interview and appoint if a suitable candidate is found before the closing date.

MAIN DUTIES

• Provide a visible and reassuring overnight presence within the boarding houses
• Act as the first point of contact for students requiring support during overnight hours Respond appropriately to pastoral, welfare and safeguarding concerns, escalating matters in accordance with School procedures where necessary
• In the event of a medical emergency, contact NHS 111 or emergency services (999) as appropriate and follow School emergency procedures
• Support students experiencing illness, anxiety or other overnight welfare needs, providing appropriate reassurance and practical assistance
• Maintain accurate written records of incidents, concerns and actions taken during each shift
• Produce a comprehensive written handover at the end of every shift for both the Boarding and Healthcare teams, ensuring continuity of care and effective communication
• Work collaboratively with the Lead House Parents, Boarding Team and Healthcare Team to promote the wellbeing and safety of boarding students
• Able to work independently and manage priorities with minimal supervision Undertake all mandatory training, including safeguarding, diabetes awareness and emergency procedures
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times
• Support the School's boarding ethos by contributing positively to a safe, welcoming and caring residential environment.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

• Pastoral experience in a 16 + , co-educational boarding environment or a previous residential role involving the welfare and wellbeing of young people of this age group
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Calm, professional and able to remain composed when responding to emergencies or challenging situations
• Able to work independently during overnight shifts whilst recognising when to seek support or elevate concerns
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students and colleagues
• Good organisational and record keeping skills with attention to detail
• IT literate with the ability to complete written reports and handovers
• Flexible approach to working patterns and operational requirements
• Willingness to undertake all mandatory training, including diabetes awareness
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• Empathy with the aims and ethos of The Royal Ballet School
• Professional, reliable and approachable
• A strong team player with a positive and proactive attitude.
• Experience of undertaking overnight or shift-based work
• First Aid qualification (or willingness to undertake training).