At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our school clean and safe, making a positive impact on students' learning environment.
- Company: Join Abbey Gardens School, part of Acorn Education, dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive pay, and great wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills, time management, and a positive attitude are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a brand-new specialist school opening in 2026.
The predicted salary is between 8000 - 9000 £ per year.
Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA
Salary: £8,864.25 per annum / £13.25 p/h (not pro rata)
Hours: 15 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 3.00pm-6.00pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: March 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
Abbey Gardens School is seeking a dedicated and reliable Cleaner to play a vital role in keeping our school environment clean, safe, and ready for learning every day. This role is about more than cleaning; it’s about being part of a supportive team that helps children, staff, and the wider school community thrive.
As a Cleaner at Abbey Gardens School, you will maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the school, helping to create a healthy, welcoming, and positive environment for everyone.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out daily and periodic deep-cleaning duties across the school, including classrooms, toilets, floors, surfaces, and internal glass.
- Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness and hygiene in line with agreed schedules and quality expectations.
- Safely use cleaning products and equipment in accordance with COSHH and Health & Safety regulations.
- Manage waste and recycling efficiently, including emptying bins and disposing of waste correctly.
- Report any maintenance, security, or Health & Safety concerns promptly to the appropriate manager.
- Work professionally and collaboratively under the direction of the Caretaker, Headteacher, and Senior Leadership Team, following all school policies and procedures.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Ability to communicate clearly and follow instructions.
- Good time management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
- A positive, flexible attitude and a strong work ethic.
- Commitment to equality of opportunity and inclusion.
- Physically fit and able to meet the demands of the role.
- Pride in maintaining high standards and contributing positively to a team.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable
- Previous cleaning experience.
- Knowledge of, or training in, COSHH regulations.
- Confidence working independently and using initiative.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
About Us
Abbey Gardens is a brand-new specialist school, part of Acorn Education, opening in April 2026. The school will provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for pupils with SEMH needs. Designed for young people aged 11-18, Abbey Gardens will offer personalised support to help every learner thrive. This exciting new provision is committed to building confidence, resilience, and positive futures.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. 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.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
Your Wellbeing Matters mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, Hundreds of UK and international discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme, Critical illness cover, Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support.
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
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.
School Cleaner (Bury, St Edmunds) in Suffolk employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cleaner (Bury, St Edmunds) in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a look at Abbey Gardens School's website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of #teamOFG.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions for cleaning roles and prepare your answers. Highlight your attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness, as these are key for maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! During the interview, let your positive attitude shine through. Employers love candidates who can bring a bit of cheer to the workplace, especially in a role that supports children and staff alike.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Outcomes First Group site. This way, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you’ll be one step closer to joining a fantastic team.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cleaner (Bury, St Edmunds) in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight your relevant experience. We’re looking for someone who can maintain high standards of cleanliness, so mention any previous cleaning experience or skills that relate to the role.
Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to any specific instructions in the application process. Whether it’s submitting documents in a certain format or answering specific questions, following these details shows us you can communicate clearly and follow directions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Cleaner at Abbey Gardens School. Familiarise yourself with the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in a school environment, as well as the specific tasks you'll be expected to perform.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role is all about being part of a supportive team. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences working collaboratively and how you can contribute positively to the team dynamic. Highlight any instances where you've helped others or worked together to achieve a common goal.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
Cleaning requires a keen eye for detail. Prepare examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles, whether in cleaning or other tasks. This will show that you take pride in your work and are committed to creating a welcoming environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to cleanliness and hygiene, or how the team collaborates on daily tasks. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.