At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our school clean and welcoming for pupils and staff.
- Company: The Ridgeway Primary School, a nurturing and friendly environment.
- Benefits: Flexible hours during term time and holidays, with a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a diverse community and enjoy a temporary contract with potential for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in creating a healthy atmosphere for learning.
- Qualifications: Experience in cleaning preferred, with good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 12000 - 15000 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Term time plus 5 Inset Days and 60 hours over school holidays – Working hours 3.30pm to 5.30pm Monday to Friday – 10 Hours per week – 6 month temporary contract Starting September 2026.
Are you passionate about creating a clean and welcoming environment for pupils and staff? We are currently seeking a dedicated and detail‑oriented School Cleaner to contribute to the overall cleanliness and hygiene of our school. You will be required to work term time only, plus 5 inset days, plus 6 weeks across school holidays. The Ridgeway is a nurturing and friendly school situated within a diverse community in South Reading, with enthusiastic, happy pupils who enjoy learning and a committed and highly motivated team.
Key Responsibilities- Perform routine cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, and dusting, to maintain a tidy and sanitary school environment.
- Clean and disinfect toilets, classrooms, offices, and common areas to ensure a healthy and safe atmosphere for all.
- Empty rubbish bins and dispose of waste in accordance with school policies.
- Monitor and replenish cleaning supplies as needed.
- Collaborate with other team members to ensure efficient and effective cleaning operations.
- Preferably possess prior experience in a school environment.
- Demonstrate proficiency in cleaning tasks.
- Exhibit effective communication skills.
- Possess physical fitness for the role.
- Display self‑motivation.
To find out more please contact Rachel Wiggins, Office Manager, via email to officemanager@theridgeway.reading.sch.uk or visit: www.theridgewayprimary.net or call 0118 937 5530.
Closing date: Applications will be considered upon receipt. Interview date: To be confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service clearance. The Ridgeway Primary School is committed to inclusion and equity. We welcome talented applicants from under‑represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
School Cleaner - The Ridgeway Primary School in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
The Ridgeway Primary School is an excellent employer that fosters a nurturing and inclusive work environment, making it a great place for those passionate about contributing to the education sector. With a commitment to employee growth and a supportive team culture, staff can enjoy meaningful work while ensuring a clean and welcoming atmosphere for pupils. Located in South Reading, the school values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds, providing a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cleaner - The Ridgeway Primary School in Reading
✨Tap into Local Networks
For temporary roles in janitorial and cleaning services, it's super effective to connect with local property managers, event venues, and schools. These places often need temporary staff for events or seasonal cleaning, so don’t hesitate to reach out directly and see if they’re hiring!
✨Check Out Community Job Boards
Don’t overlook community job boards and local Facebook groups focused on gig work. Many times, businesses post short-term openings there. Join those groups, keep an eye out for postings, and be ready to jump on opportunities when they come up!
✨Show Up in Person
For temporary jobs like these, sometimes showing up in person can make a big difference. If you spot a business in your area that looks like they might need cleaning help, pop in and ask if they’re looking for short-term workers. A friendly face goes a long way!
✨Post Your Availability Online
Create a quick profile on platforms popular in the cleaning services sector, like Gumtree or local job sites, and list your availability. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience. This can help businesses find you quickly for temporary work opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace School Cleaner - The Ridgeway Primary School in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in janitorial and cleaning services, make sure to showcase any previous cleaning or maintenance jobs you've held. We want to see your skills in action, so mention specific tasks you've completed, like floor care or waste management, and any equipment you're familiar with!
Certifications Matter!:If you've got any certifications that relate to health and safety, or specific cleaning techniques, flaunt them in your application. These can really set you apart from the crowd, showing that you know the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Tailor Your Availability:Since this is a temporary position, it’s super important to be clear about your availability in your cover letter. Let us know when you can start and how flexible you can be with hours. The more straightforward you are, the easier it is for us to see if you’re the right fit for our needs at Reading Borough Council.
Keep It Straightforward:For a temporary role, we aren’t looking for a lengthy novel in your CV or cover letter. Stick to the essentials — your experience, skills, and a brief personal touch about why you want to work with us at Reading Borough Council. Short and sweet is the way to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Cleaning Techniques
In a janitorial role, it's key to showcase your knowledge of different cleaning methods and products. Be ready to discuss your experience with various tidying techniques, whether it's deep cleaning, waste management or floor care. They might even ask you about how you handle specific cleaning challenges, so having a couple of examples up your sleeve will help us shine!
✨Safety First!
Understanding safety protocols is crucial in cleaning services. Make sure you're familiar with health and safety regulations relevant to the industry, like using personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling chemicals safely. Prepare to share how you ensure a safe working environment, as this will definitely resonate with your interviewers at Reading Borough Council.
✨Flexibility Over Everything
Since you're applying for a temporary role, emphasise your availability and adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can adjust to different cleaning environments, shifting schedules, and varying tasks. Highlighting your willingness to jump into any assignment will make you stand out and show us you're the right fit for Reading Borough Council.
✨Show Off Your Past Experience
If you’ve done janitorial work before, bring along your references or any previous feedback you've received. Temporary roles often rely heavily on past performance, so having tangible examples or even a brief portfolio of your work can help us demonstrate your ability to meet and exceed expectations at Reading Borough Council.
