School Caretaker / Site Premises Assistant
Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Salary: £22,500 - £25,000 FTE (Suffolk County Council Grade 3-4, depending on experience)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent (37 hours per week)
Reporting To: Premises Manager / School Business Manager
Are you a proactive, hands-on individual with strong DIY skills and a passion for creating safe, well-maintained environments?
A welcoming school in Bury St Edmunds is seeking a reliable School Caretaker / Site Premises Assistant to ensure the school premises remain safe, warm, secure, and operational for staff, students and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
Site Security & Premises Management
- Act as primary keyholder for morning opening and evening lockdown of the site.
- Operate and monitor intruder alarms, CCTV, fire alarms, and access control systems.
- Participate in an out-of-hours emergency call-out rota for alarm activations or severe weather issues.
- Welcome and oversee external contractors, visitors, and emergency services.
Maintenance & Grounds
- Perform minor DIY repairs, including basic plumbing, re-lamping, painting, carpentry, and lock adjustments.
- Monitor heating, lighting, and water systems for efficient daily operation.
- Keep grounds, walkways, driveways, and car parks clean, clear, and hazard-free.
- Manage seasonal weather prep, including gritting and snow clearance in winter.
Health & Safety Compliance
- Conduct and log routine checks: fire alarm tests, emergency lighting, water temperature readings (Legionella control), and playground checks.
- Keep fire exits and emergency routes clear at all times.
- Maintain COSHH compliance for all cleaning and chemical storage on site.
- Report structural or high-risk health and safety hazards promptly to management.
Porterage & Event Support
- Set up rooms and move furniture/equipment for assemblies, exams, parents' evenings, and community hires.
- Manage daily waste clearance, recycling facilities, and external bin areas.
- Respond promptly to urgent indoor clean-up requests during the school day.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Education: GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
- Skills: Practical DIY skills, physical fitness for manual handling and ladder work, and strong communication skills.
- Attributes: Reliable, punctual, trustworthy, and comfortable working around children and young people.
Desirable
- Prior caretaking, maintenance, or facilities experience (school environment preferred).
- Working knowledge of Health & Safety rules (COSHH, Working at Height, Manual Handling, Legionella).
- Trade qualification (plumbing, carpentry, electrical) or H&S/First Aid certification (IOSH).
Safeguarding & Compliance
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, pre-employment health screening, and satisfactory professional references in line with Suffolk County Council and DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines.
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School Caretaker / Site Premises Assistant - Bury St Edmunds employer: Randstad NV
As a Senior ServiceNow Solution Architect, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that champions innovation and collaboration. Our company offers competitive benefits, a strong focus on employee development, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, making it an excellent place for professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the field of IT service management. Located in a vibrant area, we provide unique opportunities for networking and professional growth, ensuring that your career can flourish alongside our cutting-edge projects.
