At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the maintenance and safety of our school site, ensuring a secure learning environment.
- Company: Join Fred Nicholson School, a supportive community making a difference for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full training, and a positive work culture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to join a purpose-built school with excellent facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of students with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in building maintenance and knowledge of health and safety required.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 33699 £ per year.
Salary – Scale G, £32,061 - £33,699 pa
Permanent Full Time 37 hours per week All Year Round
Join the Team at Fred Nicholson School. Make a real difference in the lives of amazing young people. Are you ready for an opportunity that truly matters? We are looking for a Building and Site Lead to join our friendly and supportive team. If you are practical and hands-on, with a range of maintenance skills and have a strong understanding of health and safety, we’d love to hear from you.
The Building and Site Lead role will lead the day-to-day operational management and maintenance of the school site, ensuring a safe, secure and high-quality learning environment.
Is This Role for You?
We are looking for someone who has:
- Experience in general building maintenance
- Knowledge of grounds maintenance
- Experience managing site security, including key-holding and alarm systems
- Proven experience supervising staff in a maintenance environment
- Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation
- Resilient and positive: A good sense of humour and a positive outlook are a must
Life at Fred Nicholson
Fred Nicholson School is a Complex Needs School for pupils aged 4-18 with a wide range of needs, including complex and severe learning difficulties as well as social interaction and communication difficulties. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan and access a practical, hands-on curriculum (based on EYFS and primary models). Our classes are approximately 8 to 12 pupils per class, with a focus on engagement and success.
You will be joining the school at a very exciting time in the school’s history as we embark on our new life in Swaffham.
Our New Environment:
Our purpose-built site on Lynn Road is designed to meet the complex needs of our pupils, featuring:
- Purpose-built provision for pupils aged 4-18 years
- Bespoke, sensory-designed learning spaces
- Large outside facilities, including play equipment, a MUGA and a forest school
- Dedicated soft play, sensory enrichment and independence classrooms
Hours & Salary
Here is what the week looks like:
- Schedule: 37 hours per week (all year round – 52 weeks)
- Daily: Mon – Thurs 10:00 – 18:00, Fri 10:30-18:00
- Salary: Scale G (£32,061 - £33,699)
We Invest in You
Don't worry if you haven't worked in a school before. If you have the heart for it, we provide:
- A full staff induction programme
- Ongoing Whole School CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Specialist training appropriate to your specific role
How to apply:
Ready to take the next step? A job description and a person specification are available from ‘Attachments’. Please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button to download an application form.
Personal Statement: Use Section 10 to tell us why you are interested in joining us (800 words max).
Confirm Hours: Please state clearly that you can work the required hours.
Send it in: Email your completed form to Claire Townly at hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk.
We will be reviewing applications as they come in, and promising candidates may be invited for interview before the closing date.
Closing date: 8 June 2026, 9am
Interview date: w/c 15 June 2026
Fred Nicholson School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and to be DBS checked. This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.
School Facilities & Site Lead (Maintenance & Safety) in Swaffham employer: Fred Nicholson School
At Fred Nicholson School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of our students with complex needs. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered. Located in a purpose-built facility in Swaffham, you will enjoy a vibrant environment designed for collaboration and innovation, making your role as Building and Site Lead both rewarding and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Facilities & Site Lead (Maintenance & Safety) in Swaffham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, check out Fred Nicholson School's website and social media. Familiarising yourself with their values and recent news can help you connect during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance, share specific examples of your maintenance experience. Talk about how you've tackled challenges in the past, especially those related to health and safety.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! The team at Fred Nicholson is looking for someone who fits in well. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and sense of humour during the interview – it’s all about finding the right vibe!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you're genuinely interested and keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace School Facilities & Site Lead (Maintenance & Safety) in Swaffham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your personal statement, let us know why you’re excited about joining Fred Nicholson School. Share your enthusiasm for working with young people and how you can contribute to their learning environment.
Be Specific About Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your maintenance skills and any relevant experience in your application. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Building and Site Lead, so don’t hold back on the details!
Follow the Instructions:Pay close attention to the application process. Confirm that you can work the required hours and ensure you send your completed form to the right email address. We appreciate candidates who can follow directions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button. It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of us, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fred Nicholson School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your general building maintenance knowledge and health and safety legislation. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills in these areas.
✨Show Your Passion
Fred Nicholson School is all about making a difference in the lives of young people. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working in a school environment and how your practical skills can contribute to creating a safe and engaging learning space.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing site security or dealing with maintenance emergencies. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and have clear, concise responses ready.
✨Bring Your Sense of Humour
A positive outlook and a good sense of humour are essential for this role. Be yourself during the interview and let your personality shine through. It’ll help you connect with the interviewers and show that you’re a great fit for the team.
