At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for students while managing school facilities.
- Company: Join REAch2 Academy Trust, a leading primary academy trust dedicated to student potential.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, professional development, flexible working options, and well-being support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values every voice and promotes innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience in caretaking or maintenance, with good communication and DIY skills.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and proactive School Caretaker looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference every day? Civitas Academy are seeking a dedicated and skilled professional to take responsibility for all aspects of caretaking, including a wide range of duties and responsibilities connected with the fabric and grounds of the school. This is a key role in ensuring that our children learn in a clean, safe and welcoming environment.
About the role
The School Caretaker is responsible for the property and asset management of the school. Liaising daily with the Headteacher and Office Coordinator on caretaking and site management issues such as:
- Ensuring the security of the school premises
- Cleanliness
- Porterage
- Monitoring of contractors
- Routine maintenance and refurbishment
- Minor repairs
- Maintaining any machinery or plant within the school
- Maintaining the internal and external fabric of the school's premises as a safe working environment
- Advising the Head Teacher on suggested improvements to the general school environment and to carry out pre-planned maintenance works
What we are looking for:
We are looking to appoint a hardworking, skilled, dependable and self-motivated individual to join our fantastic team. We require someone who will contribute to the smooth running of the school by organising and undertaking the caretaking, maintenance, cleaning and security of the school site, equipment and grounds. The successful candidate will have caretaking or general maintenance skills together with a knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and procedures. They will also be flexible in their approach, energetic and be keen to work as part of our school community.
We are seeking a professional individual who holds:
- Good working knowledge of facility management
- Experience of managing and motivating a team and on-site contractors
- Excellent working knowledge of Health and Safety Law and Fire Safety Law
- The ability to maintain accurate maintenance records and site risk assessments
- Good communication and organisational skills
- DIY and handy person skills e.g. basic decorating skills like painting, basic carpentry skills like hanging doors or fitting a door lock, basic plumbing skills like replacing tap washers etc.
- Good computer skills e.g. excel, word, outlook and diary entries of daily, monthly and annual schedules or the willingness to learn to use our online asset and building management system
- A flexible 'solution focused' approach and attitude to work
- The ability to lead teams and is approachable and a good team player
Why Work with REAch2 Academy Trust?
Join REAch2 Academy Trust, one of the UK's largest primary academy trusts, with a mission to unlock the potential of every child, regardless of their background. Here’s why joining our team can be an exciting and fulfilling career choice:
- Excellence & Development: We prioritise high standards and offer extensive professional development and career growth opportunities.
- Supportive & Collaborative: Be part of a strong, collaborative community of over 60 schools where every voice is valued, and best practices are shared.
- Well-being Focus: We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer robust well-being support for all staff.
- Diversity & Inclusion: We celebrate diversity and believe that varied perspectives strengthen our schools.
- Innovation & Impact: Bring creativity to the classroom and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Making a difference: Working with REAch2 means contributing to something bigger than yourself. You'll be helping to shape the lives of young learners, making a meaningful impact on communities and future generations.
Join us to grow your career, collaborate with passionate educators, and make a lasting impact on future generations.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to support your career and well-being:
- Generous Annual Leave: healthy work-life balance.
- Professional Development: Access diverse CPD and training opportunities to grow your skills.
- Flexible & Family-Friendly: We are committed to supporting flexible working and requests will be considered on an individual basis, including options such as part time, term-time, home working, and other options that work for both the employee and the Trust.
- Exclusive Discounts: Benefit from Blue Light Card offers and employee perks.
- Well-being Support: Receive comprehensive well-being and employee assistance for you and your family.
Join REAch2 for a rewarding career with great benefits!
Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment and Data Protection
At REAch2 we recognise that those who work in an academy are in a unique position in their care of children. The responsibility for all staff to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, as stated in Section 175 of the Education Act (2002) is one that is central to our ethos, our policies and our actions. All children are deserving of the highest levels of care and safeguarding, regardless of their individual characteristics or circumstances, and we are committed to applying our policies to ensure effective levels of safeguarding and care are afforded to all our pupils.
We will seek to recruit the best applicant for the job based on the abilities, qualifications, experience as measured against the job description and person specification. The recruitment and selection of staff will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be requested for all successful candidates, including a Children's Barred List check if the role meets the criteria for regulated activity. All information is stored securely, and any information supplied by unsuccessful candidates will be destroyed through a confidential waste system six months after the decision has been communicated, in accordance with our information and records retention policy. The Trust ensures all applicant data is stored and processed appropriately. For further details on how your information will be managed during the recruitment process please refer to our Privacy Notice for Job Applications.
School Caretaker in Reading employer: Civitas Academy
Civitas Academy, part of the REAch2 Academy Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a strong focus on professional development, well-being, and inclusivity, we empower our Learning Support Assistants to make a meaningful impact in children's lives while enjoying generous annual leave and flexible working options. Join us to be part of a vibrant community that values every voice and celebrates diversity, all while shaping the future of young learners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Caretaker in Reading
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace School Caretaker in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Civitas Academy's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Civitas Academy. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civitas Academy
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Civitas Academy.
