At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure the safety and security of the school site while performing maintenance and cleaning duties.
- Company: Join a supportive school community that values teamwork and personal growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, free breakfast, and access to wellness programmes.
- Other info: Great opportunities for training and career advancement in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a vibrant school environment while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in estates roles preferred; DIY skills and good communication are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The role of Estates Caretaker plays a critical role within the school – being responsible in particular for the safety and security of the whole school site. The person will be a keyholder and will open the site at 6am in the week as standard. Flexibility might be required to support other shifts when members of the team are on leave which might include closing at 10pm and working weekends from 8am-4.30pm. The role includes a wide range of duties and responsibilities connected with the fabric and grounds of the school.
Main Responsibilities
- Health and Safety: To conduct regular monitoring of the building, identifying issues relating to H&S and addressing them quickly. Conduct fire alarm testing. Conduct other checks on our compliance software on a rolling schedule.
- General Site Duties: To oversee deliveries, storage and distribution. To oversee the effective, safe and tidy storage of curriculum items and other materials. To set up for events: furniture and equipment and making good afterwards according to the calendar. To set up office/classroom moves. To undertake portering tasks. To undertake recycling removal across both sites. To be proactive throughout the working day into identifying and resolving issues across both sites.
- Cleaning: To be responsible for cleaning certain parts of the school site as allocated by the Estates Lead (this may vary from time to time). To use cleaning materials as instructed by the Estates Lead. To empty and clean bins and remove waste to designated areas. To spot clean spillages. Ensure all areas of the school are regularly stocked with consumables. To wash off dirty marks on walls, tiling and mirrors.
- Building Maintenance: To undertake reactive maintenance, equipment damage and cleaning—such as light replacement, furniture construction, drainage and decorating. To supervise any onsite contractors as appropriate. To organise and carry out various maintenance duties to ensure that the general upkeep and maintenance of the premises is satisfactory e.g. cleaning duties such as graffiti removal, litter-picking and leaf clearance, weed removal. Undertake regular site inspections and identify and record repair and maintenance requirements liaising with the Estates Lead. Detect and report any building defects. Undertake any minor repairs and general maintenance. Undertake minor/simple repairs e.g. minor plumbing, changing light bulbs unblocking drains. To organise and carry out improvement work e.g. erecting shelves, notice boards, bookshelves etc. Ensure that pathways and all other external hard surface areas are kept clean, free of litter, leaves and weeds. Conduct regular checks of equipment across the school & Identify defects and record repair and maintenance requirements.
- Resources: Be responsible for maintaining records, information and data about the site. Assist in safety audits of the premises and contribute to relevant risk assessment activity. Promote and ensure the health and safety of pupils, staff & visitors in accordance with appropriate health & safety legislation at all times. Create and maintain a purposeful, orderly and productive working environment. Stock medical boxes and ensure supplies are ordered.
- Portering: Portering duties e.g. moving furniture and equipment, dealing with deliveries of goods. Set up and clear tables and benches for the lunchtime sitting in the School Hall. Set up and clear furniture and equipment as required. Monitor and manage stock (e.g. paper). Comply with health and safety policies, legislation and procedures at all time. Promote and ensure the health and safety of pupils, staff.
- Security: Keyholder for site and responsible for opening and closing and securing the site where required. Monitor the school gates in the morning and at the end of the day, when required. Monitor CCTV where appropriate. Support with lettings and visitors where required.
- Other: To adhere to health and safety and other relevant policies. Deal effectively and sensitively with child protection issues, including reporting any concerns in line with the school policy. To be open to completing First aid & Fire Warden training. Contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims of the school. Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required. Treat all users of the school with courtesy and consideration.
Employee benefits
We care deeply about our entire team. In order to take care of our students, we need to take care of one another. For this reason, Reach Schools offer great employee benefits throughout the year. These include:
- London Living Wages
- Higher pay than our counterparts
- Reduced childcare costs for staff
- Generous pension schemes
- Free Friday breakfast
- Access to trained counsellors
- 10 inset days
- 5 days term time leave
- Flexible working
- Gym membership discount
- Access to apprenticeship courses
Benefits
- Additional leave
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
Estates Caretaker employer: REACH SCHOOLS
At Reach Schools, we prioritise the well-being of our team, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and personal growth. As an Estates Caretaker, you will enjoy competitive pay, generous benefits including reduced childcare costs and access to professional development opportunities, all while contributing to a safe and nurturing environment for our students. Join us in making a meaningful impact within our vibrant school community located in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Caretaker
✨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 REACH SCHOOLS.
✨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 REACH SCHOOLS.
✨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 REACH SCHOOLS, 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 Estates Caretaker
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 REACH SCHOOLS 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 REACH SCHOOLS 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. REACH SCHOOLS 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 REACH SCHOOLS
✨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 REACH SCHOOLS 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 REACH SCHOOLS.
✨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 REACH SCHOOLS, showcasing your work ethic and the quality of your previous roles in janitorial services.
