At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our school safe, clean, and welcoming for all students.
- Company: Join a nurturing community dedicated to improving young lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days' leave, pension, life assurance, and discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in property maintenance and a passion for supporting students.
The predicted salary is between 26402 - 26402 £ per year.
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.
School Caretaker in Oswestry employer: Polaris
Polaris Community is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration. As one of the UK's largest providers of children's services, employees have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact through storytelling while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and development. With a hybrid working model and occasional travel to Bromsgrove, team members can balance their personal and professional lives while contributing to inspiring narratives that resonate across the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Caretaker in Oswestry
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace School Caretaker in Oswestry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Polaris's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Polaris. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Polaris.