School Caretaker

Basic Salary: £26,402

Contract: Full Time - 37.5 hours per week

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

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 Ipswich, our School has the capacity for up to 30 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.

Ipswich School will form part of the Polaris Community alongside your 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 ISP;
• Must have a UK Driving License 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. Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.