At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our school clean, safe, and secure while supporting students and staff.
- Company: Join a supportive educational environment in Wokingham.
- Benefits: Part-time hours with a flexible schedule and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Basic DIY skills and a commitment to health and safety.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and teamwork in a vibrant school setting.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
The Caretaker is responsible for:
- Maintaining clean, safe and secure school premises, which includes buildings and grounds;
- Carrying out cleaning, handyperson activities, routine maintenance and refurbishment, porterage, and minor repairs;
- Liaising with contractors and cleaning staff;
- Promoting health and safety around the school.
Specific duties include:
- Carrying out porterage duties, such as moving furniture and equipment around the school;
- Maintaining the general school premises, furniture and fittings, and reporting any issues to the Headteacher;
- Carrying out small repairs, painting as required in DIY projects;
- Arranging larger repairs and obtaining quotes from contractors;
- Driving the school minibus for pupils and staff as required.
Cleaning
- Carrying out daily cleaning and ad-hoc duties, such as litter picking and arranging the disposal of waste;
- Carrying out emergency cleaning duties, such as gritting and cleaning up spillages;
- Arranging an annual deep clean of classrooms, staffrooms, kitchen, dining areas, food tech areas and other frequently used spaces on school premises;
- Taking responsibility for the maintenance of cleaning tools and products, including arranging replacements and ensuring good stock levels.
Security
- Maintaining the security of the school premises as the main key holder;
- Locking and unlocking the premises as required, including out of school hours when necessary;
- Checking at the end of the day that all windows, doors and gates are locked, lights switched off, and gas and electrical appliances are turned off;
- Setting security alarm systems, reporting any potential security breaches, and responding to any alarms or other call-outs following agreed procedures;
- Carrying out regular checks of CCTV and alarm systems, locks, fire safety appliances, security gates and perimeter fencing, and ensuring any necessary repairs are actioned;
- Advising the Headteacher on all matters relating to school security and safety.
Health and Safety
- Ensuring a safe working and learning environment in accordance with relevant legislation;
- Carrying out and recording regular health and safety checks, including on legionella risk, play equipment, safety equipment, and any hazards on school premises; reporting any problems to the Headteacher;
- Providing safe access to the school in cold weather conditions;
- Making sure all members of the team follow health and safety procedures;
- Weekly testing of fire alarm;
- Monitoring the work of contractors, ensuring safe working practice and quality of work.
Responsibilities
- Being committed to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children and young people;
- Complying with the policies and procedures relating to child protection, health and safety, security, confidentiality and data protection, and equal opportunities, and reporting all concerns to an appropriate person;
- Taking appropriate action to identify, evaluate and minimise any risks to health, safety and security in the school working environment;
- Contributing to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school;
- Establishing constructive relationships and communication with all staff and other agencies/professionals;
- Recognising own strengths and areas of expertise and using these to advise and support others;
- Participating in training and other learning activities and performance development as required;
- There may be an occasional requirement to visit other sites in the group.
This job description provides the basis of a range of duties associated with the role. It may be changed by the Leadership Team to reflect or anticipate changes or to undertake additional duties as required by the organisation.
Experience required:
- Working in a school environment or other educational setting;
- Safeguarding of children and young people;
- Good knowledge of Health & Safety regulations;
- Ability to work flexibly, independently and as part of a team;
- Ability to plan, organise and prioritise;
- Basic DIY skills;
- Be reasonably fit to carry out the duties of the job;
- Able to carry out some manual handling and lifting;
- Able to carry out work at high levels using appropriate equipment;
- Hold a full driving licence.
Application Process:
You will need to fill out the application form before applying.
Caretaker – Wokingham (Part-time) employer: Odyssey Education Ltd
Contact Detail:
Odyssey Education Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Caretaker – Wokingham (Part-time)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or check out their website. Understanding the school's ethos and environment will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on common caretaker questions like health and safety practices or DIY skills. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work or any DIY projects you've completed. This could be photos or even a portfolio. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a nice touch that many candidates forget!
We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker – Wokingham (Part-time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see that you understand what the Caretaker role involves, so make sure you highlight relevant experience and skills in your application.
Show Off Your DIY Skills: Since the role involves some handy work, don’t be shy about showcasing your basic DIY skills. We love to see examples of how you've tackled repairs or maintenance tasks in the past, so share those stories!
Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge: Health and safety are super important in this role. Make sure to mention any relevant training or experience you have in maintaining a safe environment, as it shows us you're serious about keeping everyone safe.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s easy, and you’ll be able to upload your completed application form directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Odyssey Education Ltd
✨Know Your Responsibilities
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a caretaker, like maintaining cleanliness and security. Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations, as well as the specific tasks mentioned in the job description.
✨Showcase Your DIY Skills
Be prepared to discuss your basic DIY skills and any relevant experience you have. Bring examples of past projects or repairs you've completed, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle minor repairs and maintenance.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Highlight your ability to work independently and as part of a team. Discuss how you’ve successfully liaised with contractors or staff in previous roles, as effective communication is crucial in this position.
✨Prepare for Health and Safety Questions
Expect questions about health and safety practices. Be ready to explain how you would ensure a safe environment, conduct regular checks, and respond to emergencies, showing that you take these responsibilities seriously.