How to become a school houseparent
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could take a relevant college course that would give you useful skills to apply for jobs. For example:
- Level 2 Award in First Aid Essentials
- Level 2 Award in Safeguarding Children and Young People
- Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid
- Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Work
You could start as a trainee houseparent or member of the wider pastoral care team. You could then take on-the-job training, for example through the Boarding Schools' Association, and work your way up.
Volunteering
You will most likely need paid or voluntary experience of working with children. You could volunteer at your local school or search for opportunities on:
Direct Application
You could apply directly for jobs as a school houseparent. Employers may view your personality and life experiences as more important than qualifications. You'll usually need experience of working with young people. Some may ask for relevant training and qualifications, including GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths.
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Career tips
Some employers may look for people with experience of having worked in roles like:
- nurse
- nursery assistant, teaching assistant or nanny
- education welfare officer
- young people's counsellor or youth worker
- mentor or behaviour support assistant
Further information
You can find more about working in independent boarding schools from the Boarding Schools' Association.