School Nurse

This is a unique term-time only role within a small but thriving boarding community which offers the successful candidate the opportunity to build close working relationships with clinical colleagues, students, residential and pastoral staff and manage the provision of 24 hour medical and welfare support during term-time. The School has a modern, well-equipped health centre and an exceptional on-site health care team. The School's medical team includes a residential RGN who provides medical cover in the evenings and weekends, a physiotherapist with a special interest in working with musicians and a well-qualified counsellor. We have excellent relationships with Attenborough Surgery, with whom boarders are registered, Bushey Pharmacy, CAHMS and other local healthcare providers.

The primary focus of the role is to manage the day-to-day operations of the Health Centre ensuring outstanding health care for the School community, providing exceptional medical care during the working day, coordinating and facilitating off-site medical appointments, coordinating the work of clinical colleagues and ensuring compliance with all relevant clinical and statutory standards and requirements. The School Nurse is the primary contact for parents who have concerns about the health of their children and he or she is responsible for informing parents of medical issues when necessary. The School is in the process of implementing Medical Tracker software to manage record-keeping and information sharing; the School uses SIMS as its central MIS. The School Nurse also coordinates visiting health teams to administer routine vaccinations.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, warm and approachable professional nurse with a genuine love of young people and who is passionate about providing outstanding care. You must hold significant medical qualifications sufficient to enable you to undertake the prescribed duties. Additional Mental Health qualifications (or experience) may be an advantage. Most importantly we are looking for someone who is completely "unflappable", has the ability to deal with any situation (including emergency situations) calmly, is personally resilient and can build outstanding relationships with students, colleagues and parents. If you feel that you have the qualifications, skills and nature to contribute to the health and wellbeing of our school family, we would love to hear from you.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This is a permanent, full-time role during term time only, covering 34 weeks per year plus five INSET days. Working hours are full-time, 37.5 hours per week with the exact times to be discussed with the successful candidate.

The salary follows the School's support staff scale, with annual reviews and progression based on appraisal. Details are available on request. Free meals are provided in the School dining hall during term time.

The post includes a six-month probationary period with four weeks' notice on either side. After confirmation, the notice period extends to one full term. Regular appraisals will continue throughout employment.

HOW TO APPLY

If you wish to apply, please complete the School's Application Form (available on our website) and send it with a supporting Personal Statement to the Principal as soon as possible. Please do not send a separate curriculum vitae.

Personal statements should outline your experience, subject knowledge and evidence your achievements. If you have a specific area of specialism or industry experience, please demonstrate how this enables you to contribute to an outstanding student experience.

Interviews will explore subject knowledge, pastoral experience, the ability to relate appropriately to students and a willingness to contribute to the whole school community. Candidates will be required to bring evidence of identity, right to work and qualifications to the interview.

Applications should be made to the Principal, sent by email to or by letter to: Recruitment, The Purcell School, Aldenham Road, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 2TS.

Closing date for applications - 9am on Monday 23rd June 2025

Interviews - week of Monday 30th June 2025

Start date - 1st September 2025

JOB SPECIFICATION

The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

JOB TITLE: School Nurse

REPORTS TO: The Vice Principal

This job specification sets out the duties of the post at the time of drafting. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

FOR THE ROLE:

• To provide first aid and emergency care to students and staff.
• To assess, manage and monitor minor illnesses and injuries.
• To administer prescribed and non-prescribed medications and treatments according to medical protocols.
• To maintain confidential, accurate health records for all students.
• To manage chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma, epilepsy) and create individual care plans.
• To conduct health screenings (e.g., vision, hearing, BMI).
• To promote a healthy lifestyle and provide health education to students.
• Deliver (alongside colleagues) age-appropriate workshops on topics such as hygiene, nutrition, sleep, mental health and substance misuse.
• To manage the day-to-day activities of the Health Centre, its staff and activities.
• To ensure compliance with all relevant clinical and statutory guidance (including Risk Assessments) and health and safety.
• To manage communication with parents and guardians regarding student health concerns.
• To coordinate with GPs, dentists, hospitals and mental health services for referrals or follow-up care.
• To provide medical input for school trips, including risk assessments and travel medication.
• Attend school INSET meetings and deliver annual refresher training to all staff on first aid and health-related topics.
• To assist occasionally at whole school events (such as Open Days, Induction Days etc).