At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain school premises and provide safe transport for learners with SEND.
- Company: Join a friendly team at ALP Parkview Academy, a specialist SEND school.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, supportive environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow in a dynamic and caring educational setting.
- Why this job: Enjoy a varied role where every day brings new challenges and rewards.
- Qualifications: Clean driving licence, practical skills, and a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Contract Type: Part‑Time (approx. 10–15 hours per week, term time)
Location: ALP Parkview Academy, Welling
Responsible to: Premises Manager
About the Role
ALP Parkview Academy is looking for a reliable, practical and personable School Caretaker and Driver to join our team. This is a varied part‑time role combining premises maintenance with transporting learners and staff safely to and from school and during the school day. You will support the Premises Manager in keeping our school site safe, compliant and well‑maintained, whilst also providing a dependable and caring transport service for our young people with SEND. No two days will be exactly the same, and we're looking for someone who is flexible, proactive and comfortable working with young people who may have complex needs or challenging behaviour.
Key Responsibilities
- Premises and Maintenance
- Carry out routine maintenance, minor repairs and general upkeep of the school site and its fixtures and fittings.
- Support the Premises Manager in ensuring compliance across fire regulations, emergency lighting, COSHH, electrical testing, risk assessments and food safety.
- Maintain school grounds, including litter clearance, gritting, snow clearance and drain checks.
- Complete basic vehicle checks and ensure school vehicles are clean and roadworthy.
- Receive deliveries and assist with internal decoration and refurbishment as directed.
- Driving
- Provide home‑to‑school transport and accompany learners and staff to learning activities during the school day.
- Carry out pre‑journey vehicle checks and maintain monthly recorded inspections.
- Communicate effectively with chaperones and staff to ensure learners are transported safely and comfortably.
- Declare any driving convictions and maintain a valid, current driving licence at all times.
Person Specification
- Essential
- Full, current driving licence with a clean record and over 2 years' driving experience.
- Willingness to drive a company vehicle.
- Experience or skills in a trade, building maintenance or similar practical role.
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations including COSHH, manual handling and risk assessments.
- Ability to build positive relationships with young people with SEND and complex needs.
- Flexible, reliable and able to use own initiative.
- Knowledge of the Highway Code and basic vehicle maintenance.
- Desirable
- Previous experience as a driver in a school or similar setting.
- Knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities.
Why Work With Us?
- A friendly, supportive team in a specialist SEND school.
- A varied role where no two days are the same.
- The chance to make a genuine difference to young people's daily lives.
ALP Schools reserves the right to close this vacancy early. ALP Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Part-Time School Caretaker & Driver (SEND) in Gravesend employer: Sandwich Infant
ALP Parkview Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs. With a focus on employee growth and development, this part-time role provides a unique opportunity to engage in varied tasks while working alongside a dedicated team committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming school environment. Join us at ALP Parkview Academy, where your contributions are valued and every day brings new challenges and rewards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-Time School Caretaker & Driver (SEND) in Gravesend
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around ALP Parkview Academy if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment shows you're genuinely interested and helps you feel more comfortable during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! This role is all about connecting with young people, so let your friendly side shine through. Share stories that highlight your experience with SEND or any practical skills you have – it’ll make you memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a hands-on chat! Since this job involves maintenance and driving, be prepared to discuss your practical skills and how you handle unexpected situations. Think of examples where you've shown flexibility and initiative.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the extra step to engage with us directly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Part-Time School Caretaker & Driver (SEND) in Gravesend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and how they relate to the role. A bit of warmth and authenticity goes a long way.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the School Caretaker & Driver role. Highlight your relevant skills in maintenance and driving, and mention any experience you have with young people, especially those with SEND. This shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a School Caretaker and Driver. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like premises maintenance and transporting learners. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since you'll be working with young people who may have complex needs, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully interacted with children or individuals with special educational needs. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Highlight Your Practical Skills
Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have in maintenance or driving. If you've done minor repairs or have a background in building maintenance, share those stories! Also, mention your knowledge of health and safety regulations, as this is vital for the position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of challenges you might face, or how they support staff in their roles. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
