At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our school clean, safe, and welcoming while handling maintenance and security.
- Company: Join Polaris Education, a community dedicated to improving young lives for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a pension scheme, life assurance, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a supportive environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in property maintenance preferred; basic DIY skills and good interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Must have a UK driving licence and be willing to undergo a DBS check.
The predicted salary is between 26402 - 36963 £ per year.
Basic Salary: £26,402
Contract: Full Time – 37.5 hours per week
Location: Andover, Hants
Benefits: 30 days Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days\’ with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash
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 Ipswich 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 Andover, our School has the capacity for up to 60 x 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 well-being and personal growth.
Andover School will form part of the Polaris Community alongside your current growing portfolio of school 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 schools 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 ISP.
- Must have a UK Driving License and own transport
PandoLogic. Keywords: Caregiver, Location: Andover, ENG – SP10 4HB
School Caretaker employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Caretaker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the school environment, especially when it comes to maintaining safety and cleanliness for pupils with complex needs. Understanding these requirements will help you demonstrate your commitment to creating a supportive atmosphere during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in property maintenance or caretaking, particularly within educational settings. Be ready to discuss specific tasks you've handled that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description, as this will show your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to talk about your knowledge of health and safety regulations, as well as any relevant DIY skills you possess. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will set you apart from other candidates and show that you are proactive about ensuring a safe environment.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have experience working with children, especially those with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, make sure to mention it. This will demonstrate your ability to adapt to the unique challenges of the role and your commitment to supporting the school's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace School Caretaker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the School Caretaker position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in property maintenance, security, and working with children.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous caretaking or property maintenance experience, especially within a school environment. Mention specific tasks you've handled that align with the role's responsibilities.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your basic DIY skills, knowledge of health and safety regulations, and interpersonal skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed similar tasks or challenges in the past.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your passion for creating a safe and supportive environment for children. Mention why you want to work at Polaris Education and how you can contribute to their community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Polaris Education and understand their commitment to fostering a supportive environment for pupils. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to emphasise any previous experience you have in property maintenance or caretaking, especially within a school environment. Share specific examples of tasks you've handled that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
✨Demonstrate Health and Safety Knowledge
Since health and safety is a crucial part of the caretaker role, be ready to discuss your understanding of relevant regulations and how you've implemented safety measures in past positions. This will show your commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students and staff.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the school's culture, the team you'll be working with, and any specific challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.