At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our school clean, safe, and secure while supporting students' needs.
- 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.
- Other info: Enhanced DBS check required; costs covered by Polaris.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a nurturing environment that values every child’s growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in property maintenance, good DIY skills, and a UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 21000 - 29000 £ per year.
School Caretaker
Basic Salary: £26,402 per annum
Contract: Full Time, Permanent - 37.5 hours per week
Location: Kinver, Stourbridge
Benefits
- 30 days' annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service, plus bank holidays
- Company pension
- Life Assurance
- Employee Discount Scheme
- Medical Cash Plan
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 Kinver 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 Kinver, Stourbridge, our school has capacity for up to 100 pupils and provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils aged 5-16 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.
Our school will form part of the Polaris Community, which has been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our growing portfolio of schools across the UK.
Role Responsibilities
- Maintain clean, safe and secure school premises, including the building and grounds
- Carry out cleaning, general maintenance duties, routine maintenance and refurbishment, and minor repairs
- Provide some supervision of school cleaning staff
- Promote 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, reporting any issues to the Headteacher
- 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, kitchens, dining areas, food technology areas and other frequently used spaces on the school premises
- Take responsibility for 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 outside school hours when necessary
- Check at the end of the school day that windows, doors and gates are locked, lights are switched off and gas and electrical appliances are turned off
- Set security alarm systems, report potential security breaches and respond to alarms or other call-outs in line with agreed procedures
- Carry out regular checks of CCTV and alarm systems, locks, fire safety equipment, security gates and perimeter fencing, ensuring any necessary repairs are actioned
- Advise the Headteacher 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 Legionella risk, play equipment, safety equipment and hazards on school premises, reporting any problems to the Headteacher
- Provide safe access to the school in cold weather conditions
Requirements
- Previous property maintenance or caretaking experience within a school environment is 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 when dealing with contractors and other visitors to the site
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Ability to work effectively with children and young people with SEMH needs
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris.
Polaris Education is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Polaris Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
PandoLogic. Category:Personal Care, Keywords:Caregiver, Location:Kinver, ENG-DY7 6LU
School Caretaker employer: Polaris Community
At Redstone Hall School in Ipswich, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the emotional health and wellbeing of our staff and students alike. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through a variety of development opportunities, while our commitment to providing high-quality education ensures that you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children. Join our passionate team and contribute to a positive environment where every member feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Caretaker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of SEMH children. Understanding their requirements will not only help you in your role but also show your commitment to creating a supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former caretakers in educational settings. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even share tips on how to stand out during the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the Polaris Community and its values. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs during an interview can make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with health and safety regulations. Highlighting your knowledge in this area will demonstrate your readiness to maintain a safe environment for students and staff.
We think you need these skills to ace School Caretaker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read through 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 have performed 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, such as maintaining security systems or conducting health and safety checks.
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 mission of improving the lives of young people.
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 students, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your DIY Skills
Be ready to talk about your previous experience with maintenance and repairs. Share specific examples of DIY projects you've completed, as this will showcase your practical skills and ability to handle minor repairs effectively.
✨Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills
Since you'll be interacting with contractors and school staff, it's important to convey your good interpersonal skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated or resolved issues in past roles.
✨Understand the School's Values
Research Polaris Education and their commitment to fostering a supportive environment for children with complex needs. Being able to articulate how your values align with theirs will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the school community.
