At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead site maintenance and ensure a safe, clean environment for students and staff.
- Company: Join Glebedale School, part of Acorn Education, dedicated to supporting vulnerable pupils.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, life assurance, pension options, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' lives while enjoying a supportive and rewarding workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in site management, knowledge of health & safety, and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: This role offers a permanent contract with opportunities for career development.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 32000 £ per year.
How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?
Our colleagues wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so were always looking for new ways to improve everyones work/life balance.
Were taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent). If the trial is a success, well be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group so theres never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!
Job Title:Caretaker
Location: Glebedale School,Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 3AY
Salary: Up to 28,000 per annum (not pro rata) dependent on experience
Hours:37.5 hours per week,Monday to Friday
Shifts: Early start (from 6:00am) or late finish (until 6:30pm)
Contract: Permanent,52 weeks
Start Date:September 2025
UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
Were looking for a hands-on, proactive Caretaker to help keep our school safe, clean, and running smoothly. Youll take the lead on general site maintenance, repairs, and health & safety, ensuring our students and staff can learn and work in a secure, welcoming environment.
About the Role
As the Maintenance/Caretaker, you will play a key role in the smooth running of our school. You will take the lead in ensuring our buildings, grounds, and facilities are maintained to a high standard, while also supporting compliance, safety, and day-to-day operational needs. Youll be working closely with contractors, staff, and leadership to maintain a safe, clean, and secure learning environment.
Main Duties Include:
- Carrying out minor repairs and overseeing contractor work
- Managing heating, hot water, fire alarms, and key control
- Keeping the grounds tidy and safe, especially in poor weather
- Supporting school deliveries, furniture moves, and routine checks
- Maintaining site safety records and helping with H&S audits
- Overseeing school vehicles and ensuring roadworthiness
What Were Looking For:
Essential:
- Site management or maintenance experience
- Knowledge of Health & Safety and building regulations
- Reliable, organised, and calm under pressure
- IT literate and confident working independently or in a team
- Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable:
- Trade or maintenance qualification
- Experience with audits or compliance checks
About us
Glebedale School is a special needs school which provides provision forages7 years and upwards. We provide a nurturing and welcoming environment to SEMH pupils, and our curriculum has a keen focus on therapy, education and personal development. Our school aims to help pupils grow academically, socially and emotionally to enable them to become capable future citizens.
We provide education to 30 pupils from the Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire areas. At our last Ofsted in December 2022, we were rated Good.
We are part of Acorn Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UKs leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people.As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the fifth year running
Why Join Acorn Education?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so youll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so youll get an exceptional reward package including:
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- Your Wellbeing Matters access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package thats right for you, including:
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- 100s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*Youll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
#1
Maintenance/Caretaker (Stoke-on-Trent) employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance/Caretaker (Stoke-on-Trent)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of a special needs school like Glebedale. Understanding the unique challenges and requirements of maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for SEMH pupils will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff at Glebedale School or similar institutions. They can provide insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience in site management or maintenance, especially in educational settings. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've ensured safety and compliance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your proactive approach by preparing questions about the school's maintenance processes and health & safety protocols. This shows your genuine interest in the role and your commitment to creating a secure environment for students and staff.
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance/Caretaker (Stoke-on-Trent)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in site management or maintenance. Emphasise any knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and building compliance, as these are essential for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the 4-Day Working Week trial and how it aligns with your work-life balance values. Mention specific examples of how you've maintained safe and clean environments in previous roles.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your IT literacy and ability to work independently or as part of a team. Highlight any trade qualifications or experience with audits, as these will strengthen your application.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a caretaker role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Show Your Hands-On Experience
Make sure to highlight any previous site management or maintenance experience you have. Be ready to discuss specific tasks you've handled, such as repairs or managing health and safety protocols, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Know Your Health & Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with relevant health and safety regulations and building codes. During the interview, you might be asked how you would handle safety audits or compliance checks, so having this knowledge will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Reliability and Organisation
The role requires someone who is reliable and organised, especially under pressure. Prepare examples from your past work where you successfully managed multiple tasks or dealt with unexpected challenges.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school environment and the team you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to maintaining a safe and welcoming space for students and staff.