At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the caretaking team, ensuring a safe and clean school environment.
- Company: Join Prospere Learning Trust, dedicated to nurturing great schools and staff.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, health plans, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by maintaining a safe and welcoming school.
- Qualifications: Experience in caretaking and knowledge of health and safety regulations required.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 29064 - 29064 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Caretaker to join our fantastic team at Pioneer House High School. This is a key role within our school community, helping to ensure our premises are safe, clean, and well-maintained so that students and staff can thrive.
This is a permanent, full-time role 35 hours per week, all year round, with a starting salary of ÂŁ29,064 Grade 5. The successful candidate will join us as soon as pre-employment checks are complete.
About The Role
As Lead Caretaker you will play a crucial role, overseeing the day-to-day management and maintenance of the school site. You will be responsible for:
- Managing and developing the school’s buildings and specialist facilities
- Acting as a keyholder and managing site security, including alarms and CCTV
- Delivering hands-on site caretaking, including cleanliness and site presentation
- Leading in the delivery of the school’s Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme
- Ensuring statutory checks are completed and recorded (fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, etc.)
- Supporting grounds maintenance and maintaining safe access during all weather conditions
- Coordinating repairs, overseeing contractors and managing the estates helpdesk system
- Line manage other members of estates team, including recruitment, performance, and development
- Monitor health & safety compliance across the site and address any issues promptly
- Take a proactive role in site security and emergency response
- Work closely with cleaning and catering contractors, where required
- Support school events by managing site set-up and logistics
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a dedicated and experienced professional with:
- Significant experience in a similar site/estates management role, ideally in a school or similar environment
- Excellent knowledge of health and safety, hygiene procedures, and site compliance
- Confidence managing staff and external contractors
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to work flexibly and independently
- Hands-on maintenance skills and the ability to respond to emergencies effectively
- IT literacy and experience using facilities systems and records
- Relevant health & safety training and a full driving licence would be advantageous.
How To Apply
Please follow the online application process to be considered.
To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.
All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.
Working for Prospere Learning Trust
Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including:
- High quality CPD for all roles
- Bupa Level 1 Health Plan – annual cash back allowance for a range of everyday health care expenses
- Generous Pension Contribution – over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff
- Good holidays for teachers as per School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non-teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years\’ service
- Cyclescheme – save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free
- Employee Assistance Programmes – including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines
- Credit Union – regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans
- Flexible working options – we\’re happy to talk flexible working where possible
- Mental Health First Aid in every school
- Blue Light Card – discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more
- bYond cashback card – spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases
Visit Our Website To Learn More About Our Trust
Pioneer House High School is a special school located in Northern Moor which provides 100 day places for 11 to 19 year old pupils, with a unique focus in preparing pupils with significant additional needs, to become independent and productive adults. The school has a strong vocational emphasis and pupils will have the potential to progress on to supported or independent employment/internships/apprenticeships or college. The school was opened in 2016 and moved to a new, purpose built, site in 2017 which hosts a range of facilities including a one-bedroom bungalow, poly-tunnel and horticultural area, a purpose built catering and hospitality kitchen and construction area. We have recently expanded our site developing the student run Strawberry Fox Café, and additional learning and social spaces. Following our first Ofsted inspection in 2019, Pioneer House was graded Outstanding in all areas. “Leaders’ investment in their staff is paying dividends. Leaders are adept at talent spotting, committed to helping staff develop their careers and confident to let staff take risks and try things out for themselves. This approach has helped them establish a successful team.” Visit our website to learn more about our school community:
Job Application Information
Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.
As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self-disclosure form.
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references.
Safeguarding Commitment
All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Equality Statement
Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
For application support, contact us at 0161 527 7953 or jobs@prospere.org.uk.
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Lead Caretaker employer: Prospere Learning Trust
Contact Detail:
Prospere Learning Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Caretaker
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its environment before your interview. Visit the site if possible, or check out their website and social media. This will help us understand their values and how you can contribute as a Lead Caretaker.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in caretaking. Think of specific examples where you've managed maintenance, safety, or facilities. We want to hear how you've tackled challenges and improved the environment in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Lead Caretaker, you'll be managing staff and contractors. Be ready to share how you've successfully led teams, allocated tasks, and ensured high standards of work in past positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining Prospere Learning Trust and contributing to a great school environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Caretaker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your significant caretaking or site keeping experience in your application. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of managing estates staff and ensuring safety on site.
Know Your Health and Safety: Familiarise yourself with health and safety procedures relevant to a school environment. Mention any specific training or knowledge you have in this area, as it’s crucial for the Lead Caretaker role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your qualifications and why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through the Prospere Learning Trust website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the Lead Caretaker position!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospere Learning Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your caretaking and site management knowledge. Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations, maintenance procedures, and the specific responsibilities of a Lead Caretaker. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're serious about the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As you'll be managing other estates staff, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, handled performance appraisals, or dealt with external contractors. This will highlight your capability to lead effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential issues you might face as a Lead Caretaker, like dealing with safety hazards or managing maintenance requests. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's maintenance priorities, team dynamics, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.