School Matron
What is the work like?
As a school matron you would usually work in a boarding school. You would be responsible for the health and well-being of the pupils and the smooth running of the domestic side of school life.
Your day-to-day tasks would usually include:
- helping pupils settle into school life
- keeping pupils' families informed about their children's health and well-being
- making sure pupils' clothes are kept clean and are repaired and replaced when necessary
- looking after pupils with minor illnesses
- taking pupils to medical and dental appointments and calling for emergency treatment if necessary
- keeping pupils' records up to date.
- supervising cleaning and domestic staff
- ordering cleaning, domestic and medical supplies
- carrying out inventories of fixtures and fittings and reporting the need for repairs and replacements.
In many schools the roles of matron and school nurse are combined.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
The qualifications you need would vary depending on the employer. Some schools will expect you to have qualifications and experience in childcare or nursing, others may consider your personality and life experience to be more important.
As a first step you could look for work as an assistant matron and apply for a more senior post as you gain experience.
You would need CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance, as the job involves close contact with children.
You would usually need a first aid qualification. A driving licence would also be useful.
You may find qualifications such as the following useful, although they are not always essential:
- CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education
- BTEC National Diploma in Care or Children's Care, Learning and Development
- nursing diploma or degree.
Check the Nursery Nurse and Nurse profiles for details of childcare and nursing qualifications.
What further training and development can I do?
When you start your job you would receive training which will cover school procedures.
You could also complete the professional certificate course which is organised by the Boarding Schools Association (BSA) and Roehampton University. Visit the Roehampton University website for details.
Where can I go for more information?
Grosvenor Gardens House35-37 Grosvenor Gardens
London
SW1W 0BS
Tel: 020 7798 1580
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Assistant matrons can earn between £12,500 and £14,000 a year.
- Matrons can earn between £15,000 and £18,000.
You would be provided with accommodation and meals.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work long hours, including evenings and weekends. You would also be on call for emergencies.
You may only work during term-time, although in some schools your duties could include looking after people attending summer schools or taking part in holiday activities during the school holidays.
You would usually live at the school.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a warm and sympathetic personality
- tact and good listening skills
- the ability to deal with emergencies calmly
- excellent communication and 'people' skills
- the ability to work in a team
- patience and a sense of humour.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed as a school matron in boarding schools around the UK. Vacancies are advertised on the Boarding Schools Association website.
As you gain experience, you may be able to progress from assistant matron to matron, and then to senior matron, or to a job as non-teaching head of house.
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