At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our school safe, clean, and welcoming for all students.
- Company: Join a supportive community dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, pension, life assurance, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in property maintenance and a passion for safety.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a positive environment.
The predicted salary is between 26402 - 37000 £ per year.
Basic Salary: £26,402
Contract: Full-time
37.5 hours per week
Location: Banbury, Oxon
Benefits: 30 days Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service), Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan
Opening Date: September 2026
Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its pupils? If so, our new school in Banbury could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.
About the School:
Located in Banbury, our school has a proposed capacity of up to 60 pupils and offers safe and supportive environments for pupils from 5 to 18 years old with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional wellbeing and personal growth. Banbury School will form part of the Polaris Community alongside our current growing portfolio of schools across the UK, which are all rated by Ofsted Good or Outstanding. The Polaris Community have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years.
Role Responsibilities:
- Maintaining clean, safe and secure school premises, which includes building and grounds
- Carrying out cleaning, handy person activities, routine maintenance and refurbishment, porterage, and minor repairs
- Some supervision of school cleaning staff
- Promoting health and safety around the school
- Carry out porterage duties, such as moving furniture and equipment around the school
- Maintain the general school premises, furniture and fittings, and reporting any issues to the Head Teacher
- Carry out small repairs and DIY projects
- Arrange larger repairs and obtain quotes from contractors
- Carry out daily cleaning and ad-hoc duties, such as litter picking and arranging the disposal of waste
- Carry out emergency cleaning duties, such as gritting and cleaning up spillages
- Arrange an annual deep clean of classrooms, staffrooms, kitchen, dining areas, food tech areas and other frequently used spaces on school premises
- Take responsibility of the maintenance of cleaning tools and products, including arranging replacements and ensuring good stock levels
- Maintain the security of the school premises as the main key holder
- Lock and unlock the premises as required, including out of school hours when necessary
- Check at the end of the school day that all windows, doors and gates are locked, lights switched off, and gas and electrical appliances are turned off
- Set security alarm systems, report any potential security breaches, and respond to any alarms or other call outs following agreed procedures
- Carry out regular checks of CCTV and alarm systems, locks, fire safety appliances, security gates and perimeter fencing, and ensure any necessary repairs are actioned
- Advise the Head Teacher on all matters relating to school security and safety.
- Ensure a safe working and learning environment in accordance with relevant legislation
- Carry out and record regular health and safety checks, including on legionella risk, play equipment, safety equipment, and any hazards on school premises, report any problems to the Head Teacher
- Provide safe access to the school in cold weather conditions
Requirements:
- Previous property maintenance/caretaking experience within a school environment preferred
- Previous experience of building maintenance
- Previous experience of security including alarm systems
- Good knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations
- Basic DIY skills
- Good interpersonal skills to protect the school's interests in dealing with contractors and other visitors to the site
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Ability to work in an environment with SEMH children
- Must be willing to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to commencing work. Any costs incurred will be met by Polaris.
- Must have a UK driving licence and own transport
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, cost of which will be met by Polaris. Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
School Caretaker in Easington employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Caretaker in Easington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to research the school’s values and community. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on how your previous experience in property maintenance and caretaking can benefit the school, especially in maintaining a safe and clean environment for the pupils.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your DIY skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of handy work you've done in the past. Whether it’s fixing a leaky tap or managing security systems, demonstrating your practical skills can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows good manners and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace School Caretaker in Easington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight any previous property maintenance or caretaking experience you have. We want to see how your skills can contribute to keeping our school safe and secure!
Be Specific About Skills: Mention your basic DIY skills and any knowledge of health and safety regulations. We love candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of these areas, as they are crucial for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make your application personal! Refer to our school's commitment to a supportive environment and how you can help foster that. We appreciate when applicants connect their values with ours.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity in Banbury.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a School Caretaker inside and out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities listed in the job description, like maintenance tasks and health and safety regulations. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in property maintenance or caretaking, especially in a school environment. Prepare specific examples of how you've handled cleaning, repairs, or security issues in the past. This will demonstrate your capability and give the interviewer confidence in your skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be part of a supportive community, highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you've collaborated with staff or managed teams in previous roles. This will show that you can contribute positively to the school's environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school and its community. Inquire about their approach to maintaining a safe environment or how they support staff development. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.