Temporary Caretaker

Job Title: Primary School Caretaker

Reports to: School Business Manager / Headteacher

Location: Primary School Site

Hours:Part‑time (with occasional flexibility required)

Job Purpose

To ensure the school is a safe, clean, secure and welcoming environment for pupils, staff and visitors. The caretaker plays a key role in maintaining the school’s buildings, grounds and facilities, carrying out repairs, supervising contractors and supporting the daily operation of the school.

Key Responsibilities

Site Security & Safety

• Open and close the school site each day, ensuring all buildings are secure.
• Conduct regular security checks, including alarm systems, gates and external doors.
• Act as a key holder and respond to call‑outs outside normal hours when needed.
• Monitor health and safety standards and report hazards or maintenance issues.
• Support emergency procedures (fire drills, evacuation routes, etc.).

Maintenance & Repairs

• Carry out minor repairs and maintenance, such as replacing light bulbs, fixing door handles, unblocking sinks, repainting small areas.
• Conduct routine checks of heating, lighting, plumbing and ventilation systems.
• Perform basic grounds maintenance (sweeping paths, clearing leaves, gritting in winter).
• Keep maintenance logs up to date and report larger issues to management or contractors.

Cleaning & Hygiene Support

• Ensure cleanliness and tidiness of key areas such as entrances, corridors and outdoor spaces.
• Assist cleaning staff when required and monitor the quality of cleaning across the school.
• Maintain stock of cleaning materials and order supplies when necessary.

Facilities & Resources Management

• Set up rooms for lessons, meetings or school events (moving furniture/equipment).
• Manage deliveries, distribute supplies and oversee storage areas.
• Ensure waste and recycling systems are properly managed.

Contractor & Visitor Oversight

• Supervise onsite contractors, ensuring safe and compliant working practices.
• Liaise with maintenance services, inspectors and outside agencies when required.

Health & Safety Compliance

• Carry out regular health and safety checks, including playground equipment inspections.
• Assist with risk assessments for site‑related activities.
• Follow all safeguarding procedures and maintain confidentiality.

Additional Information

• The role may require occasional evening or weekend work for school events or emergencies.
• The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check in line with safeguarding requirements.

Requirements

Person Specification

Essential

• Practical maintenance skills and experience in caretaking, facilities or DIY work.
• Good understanding of health and safety responsibilities.
• Reliability, punctuality and strong sense of responsibility.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physically fit and able to carry out manual tasks.
• Friendly, approachable, and respectful when working around children.

Desirable

• Experience in a school environment.
• Basic IT skills (logging issues, monitoring emails).
• Relevant training or certificates (e.g., health & safety, manual handling).

Benefits

• £14.50 per hour
• part time hours 07.00 – 09.00 & 15.00 – 17.30
• Monday to Friday working
• Term time only