At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the school by maintaining security, cleanliness, and efficient heating systems.
- Company: A vibrant school community dedicated to providing a safe learning environment.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, opportunity for extra shifts, and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a willingness to learn and help.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
To provide efficient and effective caretaking support to the school, including ensuring that the security and general appearance of the buildings and surrounding areas are maintained in accordance with the required standards, and that heating systems operate at optimum efficiency.
Line Management Responsibilities
- May be required to line manage a small team of site staff, e.g. a janitor.
- To ensure adequate cover for holiday periods.
- To ensure adequate cover for outside normal school hours.
- Providing cover for emergency call out.
Security and Safety
- To ensure heating plant and equipment is efficiently and effectively operated, make adjustments as necessary, and report defects and malfunctions to a designated member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- To be responsible for maintaining the security of the premises and its contents including monitoring the school’s CCTV system.
- To clean light fittings, replacing where necessary minor parts such as tubes, bulbs, fuses, starters and diffusers, in accordance with safe working practices.
- Remedial action after break-ins, for example boarding up broken windows, reglazing small internal windows.
- Undertake risk assessments and COSHH procedures as appropriate.
- May be required to assist with fire evacuation procedures.
Maintenance and Cleaning
- To arrange to clear blockages, remove foreign matter from sinks, toilets, drains, and clean up spillages as required.
- In the event of a burst or leaking water pipe, the water supply should be turned off, spillage removed and furnishings cleaned.
- Remove spillages and resultant stains from floors and other surfaces.
- To ensure that gullies, drains etc. are kept free from debris and that the school and grounds are litter free.
- Litter bins are to be emptied and the contents disposed of on a daily basis.
- To be responsible for ensuring clear and safe pedestrian access to the school, particularly in adverse weather conditions (e.g. snow clearing, gritting).
- To dispose of waste material in a safe, hygienic manner, ensuring that it is available for collection as required.
Maintenance and Repair
- Painting and Decorating: Temporary making good of colour wash e.g. when cabinets are moved, and the blotting out of graffiti. Making good paint work e.g. touching up scratch damage.
- To undertake repairs, projects and redecoration tasks as appropriate.
- Joinery: First line maintenance of fixtures and fittings. Minor repairs as a temporary measure after break-ins, vandalism etc. Minor repairs to fixtures and fittings such as replacing locks, minor repairs to furniture, replacing door and window catches. Minor improvements such as the erection of small shelves, display and notice boards. Advice, and/or undertake, where appropriate renovation projects.
- Plumbing: Unblocking sinks, traps and waste pipes. Adjustment and rewashering of taps. Stopping leaks.
Resources
- To undertake porterage tasks as required, including setting up and clearing away furniture.
- To control the provision of toiletry items, including requisition, storage and distribution of such items.
- Responsibility for replacement of paper towels, toilet rolls and soap in toilets and teaching areas e.g. Technology, Science, Art and Craft.
- To monitor stock levels of consumable items such as grit, toiletries, light bulbs/tubes and cleaning materials for which the school is responsible and arrange to replenish supplies in accordance with current procedures.
- To maintain appropriate records, including intruder alarm log book and fire alarm book.
- To test alarm systems weekly and lighting when appropriate.
- To report emergencies in the case of faults with gas, electric and water supply to the designated member of the Senior Leadership Team or, where not immediately available, Technical Services, and report minor faults on site to the designated member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- To attend to, where necessary, personnel visiting the site such as contractors, representatives of utilities (gas, electric) and monitor any work being carried out within the postholder's area of responsibility.
Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons you are responsible for or come into contact with. Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person. Be aware of, support and ensure equal opportunities for all. Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school. Appreciate and support the role of other professionals. Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required. Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required. Assist with pupil needs as appropriate during the school day.
Swimming Pool Maintenance
The postholder will be required to undertake procedures and processes relating to the maintenance of a swimming pool on site e.g. cleaning and checking, measuring and adding of appropriate chemicals. The postholder will be expected to observe safe working practices in carrying out the required duties.
There is also an optional additional 5 hours available at a grade 2 Janitor role to lock the school.
Caretaker in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Knypersley First School
As a caretaker at our school, you will be part of a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises the safety and well-being of both staff and students. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in maintaining a welcoming and secure learning space while enjoying the unique advantages of working within an educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Caretaker in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around the premises. Familiarise yourself with the layout and any specific areas that might need attention. This shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When chatting with the hiring team, highlight your experience with maintenance tasks like plumbing or cleaning. Share specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for situational questions! Think about how you would handle emergencies, like a burst pipe or a security issue. Having a few scenarios in mind will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your enthusiasm by asking about the school's maintenance priorities or how the team works together. It’s a great way to engage and leave a lasting impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Caretaking Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in caretaking or maintenance. We want to see how you've kept spaces safe and tidy in the past!
Be Specific About Your Responsibilities:Don’t just list your previous jobs; explain what you did in those roles. If you managed a team or handled security tasks, let us know! We love details that show you can handle the responsibilities of this role.
Safety First!:Since safety is a big part of the job, mention any training or experience you have with health and safety procedures. This could be anything from risk assessments to emergency protocols—show us you take it seriously!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knypersley First School
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a caretaker. Understand the importance of security, maintenance, and cleaning in a school environment. Be ready to discuss how you would handle various situations, like emergency repairs or ensuring safety during adverse weather.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
If line management is part of the role, be prepared to talk about your experience leading a team. Share examples of how you've successfully managed staff, covered shifts, or handled emergencies. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively and support your colleagues.
✨Safety First
Since the role involves health and safety procedures, brush up on relevant regulations and practices. Be ready to discuss how you would conduct risk assessments or handle hazardous situations. Showing that you prioritise safety will impress the interviewers.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's facilities, maintenance schedules, or team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your proactive approach!
