At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain school premises and provide safe transport for learners and staff.
- 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 work in a dynamic setting with a focus on student welfare.
- 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.
School Caretaker and Driver - Parkview - Part-time in Gravesend employer: Sandwich Infant
ALP Parkview Academy is an excellent 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 flexible working hours and a varied role that combines practical maintenance and driving, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills while being part of a dedicated team committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Join us at ALP Parkview Academy for a rewarding experience that values your contributions and fosters a culture of care and respect.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Caretaker and Driver - Parkview - Part-time in Gravesend
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Parkview Academy if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment shows genuine interest and helps you feel more comfortable during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you're in the interview, don’t just talk about your experience—give specific examples of how you've handled maintenance tasks or worked with young people before. We love hearing real stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! This isn’t just about them interviewing you; it’s your chance to find out if this role is right for you too. Ask about the team dynamics or what a typical day looks like. It shows you’re engaged and interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows that you’re keen on the position. Plus, we appreciate a bit of initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace School Caretaker and Driver - Parkview - Part-time 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 and Driver position. Highlight your relevant skills in maintenance and driving, and mention any experience you have working with young people, especially those with SEND.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a School Caretaker and Driver. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like premises maintenance and driving learners. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Since this role involves maintenance and driving, be ready to discuss your hands-on experience. Bring examples of past work where you've handled repairs or maintenance tasks. If you have any relevant certifications or training, mention those too!
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
You'll be working with young people, some of whom may have complex needs. Prepare to share experiences where you've built positive relationships or managed challenging behaviour. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and show empathy.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, like how you'd handle a vehicle breakdown or a maintenance issue at the school. Think through your responses ahead of time, focusing on your problem-solving skills and flexibility in adapting to changing circumstances.
