At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff.
- Company: Join the Polaris Community, dedicated to improving young lives for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days' annual leave, a pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values health, safety, and student engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a supportive environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in caretaking and building maintenance, plus basic DIY skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Basic Salary: £26,402
Contract: Full Time
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Batley and Huddersfield
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
We are looking to recruit an experienced Caretaker to look after two small to medium-sized schools. 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 schools in Batley and Huddersfield 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 Schools:
Our main goal in education is to help young people to reach their full potential. At Polaris, we recognise the importance of specialist education and support for young people who need a tailored approach to learning. With significant investment and an abundance of new resources, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to shape and mould the schools to create a supportive environment that promotes self-discipline and engagement, and inspires learning. Our mission is to provide each pupil with a diverse and appropriate education that encourages aspiration and achievement.
We are part of the Polaris Community and have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Within the Polaris Community, we have several SEN schools across the UK that work together to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning and encourages achievement. We are also incredibly proud that 100% of our inspected services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.
Role Responsibilities:
- Provide caretaker services to two small to medium-sized school sites.
- Maintaining clean, safe and secure school premises, including buildings and grounds.
- Carrying out cleaning, maintenance tasks, routine maintenance, refurbishment and minor repairs.
- Some supervision of school cleaning staff.
- Promoting health and safety around the schools.
- Carrying out porterage duties, such as moving furniture and equipment around the school.
- Maintaining the general school premises, furniture and fittings, and reporting any issues to the Headteacher.
- Carrying out small repairs and DIY projects.
- Arranging larger repairs and obtaining quotes from contractors.
- Carrying out daily cleaning and ad-hoc duties, such as litter picking and arranging the disposal of waste.
- Carrying out emergency cleaning duties, such as gritting and cleaning up spillages.
- Arranging an annual deep clean of classrooms, staffrooms, kitchen, dining areas, food tech areas and other frequently used spaces on school premises.
- Taking responsibility for the maintenance of cleaning tools and products, including arranging replacements and ensuring good stock levels.
- Locking and unlocking the premises as required, including out of school hours when necessary.
- Checking at the end of the school day that all windows, doors and gates are locked, lights are switched off, and gas and electrical appliances are turned off.
Requirements:
- Previous caretaking experience within a school environment.
- 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.
- Full driving licence and access to own car.
- Willingness to travel between both sites.
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the 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.
Locations
School Caretaker in Huddersfield, Yorkshire employer: Polaris
Polaris is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for its staff while prioritising the development of young people. With generous benefits such as 30 days' annual leave, a company pension, and opportunities for career growth, working as a School Caretaker in Batley and Huddersfield allows you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children. Join a dedicated community that has been improving educational outcomes for over 30 years, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Caretaker in Huddersfield, Yorkshire
✨Join Local Community Boards
Get involved in local community boards or forums related to janitorial services. You'll find job postings and connect with businesses in your area, which can really bolster your chances of landing that full-time gig at places like Polaris.
✨Network with Industry Pros
Don't underestimate the power of networking! Attend industry-specific events or workshops in your locality. Chatting with people already in the field can lead you to hidden job opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a simple portfolio that outlines your experience and specific skills in janitorial services. You can showcase before-and-after photos of your work or even testimonials from past employers. This can help you stand out when applying at places like Polaris.
✨Apply Directly and Keep it Local
When you see a full-time position that sparks your interest, don’t just apply online. If you can, walk into the company, like Polaris, with a smile and express your eagerness to contribute. Nothing beats meeting face-to-face and making that personal connection!
We think you need these skills to ace School Caretaker in Huddersfield, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When showcasing your experience, focus on any previous roles in janitorial or cleaning services. Include specifics like the types of environments you've worked in – be it offices, schools, or hospitals – and mention any cleaning techniques or equipment you're familiar with. This will show Polaris that you’ve got the practical skills needed for the job!
Certifications Matter:If you have any certifications related to cleaning, health and safety, or equipment handling, make sure to include them in your CV. These can really set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety in your approach, which is crucial in the janitorial industry.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should explain why you’re interested in working with Polaris specifically. Talk about what excites you about the role and how you align with their values. Maybe you love maintaining cleanliness and creating a welcoming environment; let that shine through!
Get Your Availability Clear:Since this is a full-time position, be sure to mention your availability at the beginning of your application. Polaris will want to know that you can commit to the hours required, so throwing in your ideal working times can help ease any worry about schedule conflicts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris
✨Know Your Cleaning Techniques
Brush up on various cleaning techniques and equipment you're familiar with. Be ready to highlight specific experiences where you've tackled challenging cleaning situations. This could give the hiring team at Polaris a glimpse of your hands-on skills!
✨Safety First!
Make sure you're up-to-date on health and safety regulations relevant to janitorial work. We can expect some questions about how you handle hazardous materials or ensure hygiene—demonstrating knowledge here shows you're serious about your job and safety at Polaris.
✨Flexibility is Key
As this is a full-time role, be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shifts and potential overtime. Employers love to see candidates who are adaptable to changing schedules, so share experiences that highlight your commitment and reliability.
✨Present Your Experience!
If you have a portfolio or references from previous jobs in cleaning services, bring them along or have them ready to share. This can strengthen your case at Polaris, showcasing your work ethic and the quality of your previous roles in janitorial services.
