Appleford School is a leading co-educational independent specialist school for children aged 7–18 with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and associated learning needs. Set within beautiful grounds and offering a warm, nurturing environment, Appleford provides tailored education and therapeutic support to help every pupil achieve their full potential.
We are seeking a caring, dedicated, and proactive Boarding House Parent to join our committed pastoral team and play a central role in supporting the wellbeing, personal development, and daily life of our boarding pupils.
About the Role
This is a highly rewarding, term time, position at the heart of boarding life. As a Boarding House Parent, you will:
- Foster a safe, structured, and nurturing “home-from-home” environment for pupils
- Provide emotional support, encouragement, and positive role modelling
- Support pupils with routines such as wake-up, prep, activities, and bedtime
- Promote independence, social development, and positive peer relationships
- Work closely with teaching, pastoral, and medical teams to meet pupils’ individual needs
- Ensure safeguarding, welfare, and safeguarding policies are consistently upheld
- Communicate professionally and warmly with parents and guardians
- Contribute to the planning and delivery of evening and weekend activities
You will form part of a supportive residential team, contributing to a culture of trust, respect, and compassion.
About You
We would love to hear from you if you are:
- Warm, approachable, and genuinely committed to children’s welfare
- Patient, calm, and adaptable, with excellent communication skills
- Confident in supporting pupils with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and related learning needs
- Able to work collaboratively as part of a small, dedicated team
- Enthusiastic about contributing to a vibrant boarding community
- Willing to live on-site and participate fully in boarding life
- Must be able to drive and be happy to drive the school minibus
Experience in pastoral care, youth work, boarding, or SEND is desirable, but character and commitment are equally important.
Why Join Appleford?
- A welcoming, family-style community where every staff member is valued
- Purpose-driven work supporting pupils who benefit enormously from structured, caring residential provision
- Beautiful working environment with spacious grounds and excellent facilities
- On-site accommodation provided
- Fresh opportunities to grow your skills through specialist SEND training
- A supportive leadership team who invest in staff development
We would welcome visits ahead of application/interview.
Appleford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will undergo enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures.
For further information contact: LucyFo@appleford.wilts.sch.uk
