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- 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 that values every child’s growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in property maintenance, good DIY skills, and a UK driving licence are preferred.
- Other info: This role requires an enhanced DBS check, with costs covered by the employer.
The predicted salary is between 22400 - 29600 £ per year.
School Caretaker
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.
PandoLogic. Keywords: Caregiver, Location: Banbury, ENG – OX16 9LU
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 SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) children. Understanding their requirements will help you demonstrate your ability to create a safe and supportive environment during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in property maintenance or caretaking, especially within a school setting. Be ready to discuss specific tasks you've handled that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to talk about your knowledge of health and safety regulations. You might be asked how you would handle specific scenarios related to safety checks or emergency situations, so think through some examples beforehand.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your interpersonal skills by thinking of examples where you've successfully dealt with contractors or visitors. This role requires good communication, so being able to illustrate your experience in this area will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace School Caretaker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly 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 maintenance roles, especially within a school environment. Mention specific tasks you have handled that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your basic DIY skills and knowledge of health and safety regulations in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed similar tasks in past roles.
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 are interested in joining Polaris Education and how you can contribute to their community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Show Your Commitment to Safety
Emphasise your understanding of health and safety regulations during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure a safe environment for both staff and pupils, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your DIY Skills
Be ready to share examples of past maintenance or repair work you've done. Highlight any specific DIY projects that showcase your ability to handle minor repairs and upkeep, which are essential for a caretaker.
✨Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills
Since you'll be interacting with staff, contractors, and students, it's important to convey your good interpersonal skills. Share experiences where you've successfully communicated or resolved issues with others in a professional setting.
✨Prepare for Questions on Security Procedures
Expect questions about your knowledge of security systems and procedures. Familiarise yourself with common security practices in schools and be ready to explain how you would handle potential security breaches.
