Caretaker in London

The Caretaker / Site Assistant is responsible for the day-to-day security, maintenance, health and safety, presentation and operational readiness of Burlington House School. The postholder will ensure that the school site is safe, secure, well-maintained and fit for purpose at all times, supporting the smooth running of the school and contributing to a positive environment for pupils, staff, visitors and contractors. This is a practical, hands-on role requiring a proactive, reliable and flexible individual who is able to manage a varied workload and take pride in maintaining a high standard across the school premises.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Site Security and Daily Operations
  • Open and close the school premises each day in line with school operating hours.
  • Unlock and secure gates, doors, windows and alarm systems as required.
  • Carry out routine daily checks of the premises at the start and end of the day.
  • Ensure the school site is safe, secure and ready for pupils, staff and visitors.
  • Respond appropriately to urgent site issues or alarm activations where required.
• Health and Safety / Compliance
  • Support the school in maintaining a safe and compliant environment at all times.
  • Carry out and maintain records of routine health and safety and premises checks, including:
  • fire alarm checks
  • emergency lighting checks
  • water temperature / legionella monitoring
  • visual building and site inspections
  • equipment and premises safety checks
  • Identify hazards and take appropriate action to reduce risk.
  • Report health and safety concerns promptly and escalate issues where necessary.
  • Support the completion, review and monitoring of site-related risk assessments.
  • Ensure routine and statutory site checks are completed and appropriately recorded.
• Repairs, Maintenance and Upkeep
  • Carry out minor repairs, maintenance and basic DIY tasks across the school site.
  • Undertake practical duties such as:
  • minor furniture repairs
  • fixing fixtures and fittings
  • replacing light bulbs where safe to do so
  • touch-up painting and minor decorating
  • general upkeep of classrooms, offices and communal spaces
  • Ensure the school environment remains safe, tidy and in good working order.
  • Identify and report defects or repairs requiring specialist attention.
  • Maintain an accurate record of maintenance issues and actions taken.
• Contractor and Premises Management
  • Liaise with external contractors and service providers attending the school site.
  • Arrange access for contractors and oversee attendance where required.
  • Ensure contractors work safely and in line with school procedures while on site.
  • Report and follow up on maintenance issues requiring external repair or specialist support.
  • Assist with the coordination of planned maintenance, servicing and compliance visits.
• Events and School Support
  • Support the smooth running of school events, meetings, open days and other school activities.
  • Prepare rooms and communal spaces for school use and special events.
  • Set up and clear rooms, including arranging tables, chairs and furniture as required.
  • Provide practical support for visitors, contractors and external professionals attending site.
• Grounds and General Presentation
  • Undertake light gardening and outdoor maintenance to ensure the school grounds remain safe and presentable.
  • Keep entrances, pathways and outdoor areas clear, tidy and free from hazards.
  • Contribute to the overall presentation and upkeep of the school environment.
• School Closure Period Duties
  • Work during designated school closure periods, including half terms, Christmas, Easter and summer holidays, as required by the school.
  • The postholder will be required to work a total of 20 days during school closure periods across the academic year.
  • Duties during closure periods may include:
  • maintenance and minor repairs
  • health and safety / compliance checks
  • contractor access and supervision
  • room preparation and furniture moves
  • site readiness and preparation for reopening
  • identification and reporting of improvement works
• General Responsibilities
  • Act as a visible, reliable and helpful presence around the school site.
  • Respond promptly to day-to-day site requests from staff where appropriate.
  • Work flexibly to meet the operational needs of a small school environment.
  • Undertake any other duties reasonably required, commensurate with the level of the post.

Essential

• Experience in a caretaking, premises, maintenance, facilities or site support role.
• Basic practical skills in maintenance, DIY and minor repairs.
• Good understanding of health and safety responsibilities within a workplace.
• Ability to carry out routine site and safety checks and maintain clear records.
• Ability to identify issues and take a proactive and practical approach to resolving them.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload effectively.
• Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.
• Able to work independently, use initiative and respond flexibly to the needs of the school.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with staff, contractors and visitors.

Desirable

• Previous experience working in a school or educational setting.
• Knowledge of school premises compliance requirements.
• Experience of supporting contractor visits and planned maintenance works.
• Experience of completing or supporting risk assessments.
• Relevant training in First Aid, Fire Safety or Health and Safety.

Annual leave must be taken in agreement with the school and in line with operational requirements. Due to the nature of the role, the postholder will be required to work 20 days during school closure periods to support maintenance, compliance and school readiness.

SAFEGUARDING

Burlington House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and all other safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Work Location: In person