At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our school safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.
- Company: Join a supportive team at St Bede's Catholic Primary School.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, job security, and a chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of our community and support children's learning.
- Qualifications: Good DIY skills and ability to work independently.
- Other info: Opportunity for training and personal development in a growing environment.
The predicted salary is between 25583 - 26403 £ per year.
Location: St Bede's Catholic Primary School, Hampshire Place, Washington, NE37 2NP
Grade: Grade D, SCP 5 – 7 (£25,583 - £26,403 per annum, pro rata)
Hours: 37 Hours per Week, Full Year, Permanent
Working Pattern: Monday to Tuesday: 6:00am until 9:30am & 14:00pm until 18:00pm; Friday: 6:00am until 9:30am & 14:00pm until 17:30pm
St Bede’s is a single form entry Primary School and Nursery. We are proud to be part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, a family of secondary, middle, primary and first schools in Durham, Gateshead, Northumberland and Sunderland. This is an exciting time to join our supportive, and growing team.
We are seeking to appoint a skilled, reliable and self-motivated individual to fill the vital role of Caretaker in the school, joining our dedicated and supportive team. The person appointed will have total commitment towards maintaining a safe, positive, clean and happy environment for our children, staff and visitors. The Caretaker will ensure the seamless day-to-day running and operation of our school site.
Duties will include:
- Opening and closing the school each day and carrying out security checks for the school buildings and grounds (lights, windows, gates, internal / external doors, boundary wall/fence).
- Undertake regular health and safety checks of buildings, grounds, fixtures and fittings, (including compliance with fire safety regulations) and equipment, in line with other schedules.
- Identify and prioritise routine maintenance of the school buildings and grounds, undertaking minor repair work where needed e.g. changing light bulbs, erecting shelves, painting and decorating, minor plumbing etc.
- Act as the designated key holder for the school premises, responding where needed to security alarm or other call outs in accordance with agreed procedures.
The successful candidate will maintain our school environment to a high standard to support children’s learning. They should be able to work effectively as part of the staff team, look after the safety and cleanliness of the site and also have the ability to work on their own initiative in recognising jobs that require attention, prioritising their own workload, undertaking some heavy lifting, moving and handling and be willing to undertake training and development.
The successful candidate will have:
- Good DIY skills.
- Ability to work in accordance with the school’s Health & Safety Policies and the code of safe working.
- Ability to work on own initiative, as well as taking direction from others.
- Ability to undertake general building maintenance and repairs without guidance.
- Ability to communicate well with adults and students and be a positive member of our happy team.
How to Apply: To complete an online application form please click the 'Apply Now' button.
Closing Date: 16th February 2026
Shortlisting Date: TBC
Interview Date: TBC
The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is subject to an enhanced DBS check. An online search will be completed for all shortlisted candidates.
Caretaker in Washington employer: North East Ambition
Contact Detail:
North East Ambition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Caretaker in Washington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around St Bede's and familiarise yourself with the environment. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your DIY skills! Be ready to chat about any past experiences with maintenance or repairs. Bring examples of how you've tackled similar tasks before – it’ll make you stand out as the perfect fit for the Caretaker role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive during the interview! Ask questions about the school's maintenance routines and how you can contribute. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your commitment to keeping the school safe and clean.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your personality and passion for the role right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker in Washington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your DIY Skills: Make sure to highlight your good DIY skills in your application. We want to see how you can contribute to maintaining our school environment, so share any relevant experience you have with repairs or maintenance tasks.
Emphasise Teamwork: We’re looking for someone who can work well with others, so don’t forget to mention your ability to communicate effectively with both adults and students. Share examples of how you've been a positive team member in the past!
Safety First!: Since health and safety is a big part of the role, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of safety policies. Mention any previous experience you have with health and safety checks or compliance to show us you're the right fit.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website by clicking the 'Apply Now' button! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get you on board with our fantastic team.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Caretaker at St Bede's. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like security checks and maintenance duties. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your DIY Skills
Since good DIY skills are essential for this position, be prepared to discuss your experience with minor repairs and maintenance. Bring examples of past work or projects you've completed, and if possible, mention any relevant training you've undertaken. This will highlight your capability and readiness for the job.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
As a Caretaker, you'll need to work well with both staff and students. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others or communicated effectively in previous roles. This will illustrate your ability to fit into the supportive team environment at St Bede's.
✨Prepare for Health & Safety Questions
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be ready to discuss how you would approach safety checks and compliance with regulations. Brush up on basic health and safety practices, and consider sharing any experiences where you ensured a safe environment in your previous jobs.