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- Tasks: Maintain a safe and welcoming environment for autistic pupils to thrive.
- Company: Cambridgeshire’s first state-maintained Autism Specialist school with an Outstanding Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Professional development, flexible working, free meals, and well-being support.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic pupils and their families.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, proactive, and experienced in supporting children or young people.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 ÂŁ per year.
We are proud to be Cambridgeshire’s first state-maintained Autism Specialist school and the world’s first IB special school. Following our Outstanding Ofsted rating in March 2024, we are expanding our provision and are now looking for a passionate, and innovative Caretaker to join our dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a forward-thinking, trauma-informed, and inclusive setting that puts pupil wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. Our pupils are autistic, each with their own strengths and challenges, and our mission — Enabling the Self — is to ensure they leave school confident, self-aware, and ready for the future.
About the Role
As a Caretaker at The Cavendish School, you will play a key role in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and well-cared-for environment that enables autistic pupils with complex needs to thrive by:
- Leading on the day-to-day maintenance, safety, and upkeep of the school site, ensuring all areas are well maintained, compliant, and fit for purpose.
- Taking pride in the school environment and modelling high standards, supporting pupils to understand the importance of caring for shared spaces.
- Working directly with pupils to develop their independence and life skills through meaningful involvement in aspects of site care and maintenance.
- Supporting and facilitating work experience opportunities linked to site management, helping pupils build practical skills and confidence for future pathways.
- Carrying out regular health and safety checks, risk assessments, and responding promptly to maintenance needs.
- Working closely with school leaders and staff to ensure the environment supports pupils’ sensory and wellbeing needs.
- Contributing to a whole-school culture that is inclusive, respectful, and rooted in our ethos of “enabling the self.”
We are looking for someone who understands that the environment plays a vital role in how pupils feel, learn, and succeed — and who is committed to supporting young people to develop pride, responsibility, and real-world skills within a setting that celebrates individuality.
What We’re Looking For
- Someone who is compassionate, proactive, and committed to supporting autistic pupils to succeed.
- Experience working with children or young people, ideally in an educational or specialist setting.
- A genuine interest in therapeutic approaches and trauma-informed education.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to follow guidance and contribute meaningfully to classroom life.
- A calm, flexible, and reflective approach to managing a school environment.
- An enthusiasm for contributing to an inclusive, pupil-centred school ethos.
- A willingness to learn and grow professionally.
Whether you’re experienced in special education or excited to transition into this rewarding field, we offer additional collaborative planning time, ongoing CPD, and a supportive community where your passion will truly make an impact.
Why Join Us?
- An Outstanding-rated autism specialist school with a pioneering IB curriculum.
- A vibrant, therapeutic and supportive school community.
- Access to professional development, training, and clinical supervision.
- A team of passionate professionals committed to equity and inclusion.
- The chance to make a real difference — not just for pupils, but for their families and futures.
- A Well-being directory for all staff offering financial supports and to improve wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Free school meals are provided for dining with our pupils.
- A 50% discount to our trust sports centre membership.
- An additional bookable holiday “Eastern Family Day” for you to take when you require.
- A modern flexible working school, with the opportunities for home working and reduced hours.
If you believe in inclusive, relationship-based practice and want to make a lasting impact in a setting that celebrates neurodiversity, then we would love to hear from you.
Caretaker employer: Eastern Learning Alliance
Contact Detail:
Eastern Learning Alliance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Caretaker
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, do a bit of research on The Cavendish School. Understand their ethos and how they support autistic pupils. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you’re in the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with autistic pupils shine through. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to creating a supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss teamwork! Since you'll be working closely with staff and pupils, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their dynamic team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing community at The Cavendish School.
We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with autistic pupils shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in creating a supportive and inclusive environment that helps our students thrive.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially if it involves working with children or in educational settings. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission of 'Enabling the Self' for our pupils.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. This helps us see how you can contribute to our dynamic team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Cavendish School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eastern Learning Alliance
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand The Cavendish School's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their focus on enabling autistic pupils and how the environment impacts their learning. This will help you align your answers with their ethos during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss any previous experience you have working with children or young people, especially in educational or specialist settings. Share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in developing skills or managing their environment, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with school leaders and staff, emphasise your teamwork and communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past, particularly in a school or care setting, to show that you're a team player who can contribute positively to the school culture.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to pupil wellbeing, the support available for staff, or opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.