Casual Lettings Assistant in Reading

The Casual Site Lettings Assistant supports the safe, secure and effective use of school premises during extended hours, including evenings, weekends and school holidays. The role is accountable for helping ensure that areas used for lettings are safe, tidy, secure and ready for normal school use, so that school operations and learning can continue without disruption. This is a practical, site-based role with responsibility for opening and closing premises, supporting lettings users, responding to health and safety matters, undertaking practical site tasks and helping maintain a safe and orderly environment during lettings periods. The postholder will act as key holder and as the person in charge in the event of an emergency during lettings periods.

The role requires effective relationships with lettings users, school colleagues, site colleagues and other Trust colleagues, and may involve working across different sites across Maiden Erlegh Trust as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the safe use of school premises during lettings periods by communicating health and safety policy and emergency procedures, dealing with health and safety matters as they arise, and acting as the person in charge in the event of an emergency.
• Maintain site security by acting as key holder, opening and closing the school before and after lettings, ensuring the school is secure and keeping classrooms locked when not in use.
• Ensure areas used for lettings are tidy, safe, secure and ready for normal school use, supporting school operations and learning without disruption.
• Prepare and restore lettings areas by assisting with equipment, tables and chairs, including during examination periods, and ensuring spaces are left ready for subsequent use.
• Monitor the condition of areas used for lettings by carrying out facility inspections, identifying site, safety or maintenance concerns, and taking appropriate action within the responsibilities of the role.
• Report defects, damage, site concerns and damage caused by lettings users to the Site Manager, School Business Manager or appropriate manager.
• Undertake practical site tasks, including minor maintenance, cleaning duties and manual site-related tasks, to help keep premises safe, suitable and inviting for lettings customers.
• Direct visitors and lettings users to the designated area of hire and provide a professional and helpful point of contact for users of the premises.
• Maintain effective professional relationships with lettings users, school colleagues, site colleagues and other stakeholders to support the safe and efficient use of school premises.
• Work effectively with the site team and other colleagues, carry out duties in line with Maiden Erlegh Trust expectations, policies and procedures, and work across different sites across Maiden Erlegh Trust as required.
• Treat users of the premises professionally and with appropriate confidentiality.
• Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role as requested.

The Ideal Candidate

• Has communication and interpersonal skills suitable for working with lettings users, colleagues, students, parents and carers, and external agencies.
• Has experience in a customer-facing role and demonstrable experience of working in a similar environment.
• Can prioritise tasks, take initiative, work independently and work within a team environment so that lettings areas remain safe, orderly and ready for use.
• Has a proactive and flexible approach to work, including casual hours as required during evenings, weekends and school holidays.
• Has knowledge of health and safety, knowledge and experience of building maintenance, and practical maintenance skills relevant to maintaining safe and inviting premises for lettings customers.
• Can identify and report defects or damage to support the safe use of school premises.
• Is reliable and trustworthy, with a sense of responsibility and ownership.
• Can maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Is committed to self-development and willing to learn, develop personal skills and undertake training to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people, with suitability to work with children and ability to work across different sites across the Trust as required.
• A First Aid qualification is desirable.

About the School

River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers. The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic excellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will serve students of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resource base for students with moderate learning difficulties. The school also offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities through its after-school Electives programme, available to all students.

Application and Equality

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time. Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.