At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our school safe, clean, and well-maintained while supporting events and repairs.
- Company: Join a vibrant school community dedicated to inclusion and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive training, generous benefits, and lifestyle perks like gym discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working opportunities available; we embrace diversity and promote equality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in caretaking or facilities management is preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Every great school relies on someone who takes pride in keeping it safe, welcoming and running smoothly. We're looking for a reliable, practical and proactive School Caretaker to join our team at Lift Cottingley. This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same. From maintaining our buildings and grounds to carrying out repairs, supporting school events and ensuring the site is safe and secure, you'll play a vital role in creating an environment where pupils and staff can do their very best every day.
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 7am–3pm. Flexibility is required to support occasional evening and weekend school access or events, and to be available to respond to emergency call-outs at the school when required.
What you'll be doing:
- Keep our school buildings and grounds safe, clean, secure and well maintained.
- Carry out general maintenance, DIY tasks and minor repairs across the site.
- Open and close the school, manage site security and respond to emergency call-outs when required.
- Complete routine health and safety, fire safety and statutory site checks.
- Work with contractors and the wider Lift Schools facilities team on planned maintenance projects.
- Prepare rooms and outdoor spaces for lessons, events and community activities.
- Help ensure every child learns in a safe, welcoming and well-presented environment.
This is a hands-on, physically active role that requires the ability to undertake manual handling, move equipment and furniture, work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, and respond efficiently to the changing needs of a busy school environment.
We're looking for someone who:
- Has experience in caretaking, premises, facilities or building maintenance.
- Enjoys practical, hands-on work and has good DIY and repair skills.
- Understands the importance of health and safety and takes pride in maintaining high standards.
- Is organised, dependable and able to manage their own workload.
- Has a full UK driving licence.
- Can communicate confidently with colleagues, contractors and visitors.
- Wants to be part of a supportive team making a real difference to young people's lives.
Relevant qualifications in facilities management or health and safety (e.g. IOSH/NEBOSH) are desirable but not essential; we’re more interested in your approach, attitude, and commitment.
About the school: At Lift Cottingley, we are proud to be a vibrant, ambitious school community with a strong sense of purpose and belonging. We combine high expectations for academic achievement with a deep commitment to inclusion, creativity and play. Our children benefit from a unique and evolving site, including large outdoor spaces, an OPAL play programme, a developing forest area, and a growing range of specialist provisions to ensure every child thrives.
We are an excellent school, with a culture built on collaboration, professional growth and innovation. Staff here know they will be supported, developed and trusted, with regular coaching, dedicated time to focus on what matters, and the chance to shape whole-school initiatives. Our values – big-hearted, unusually brave, pushing the limits and discovering what’s possible – are lived daily by children and adults alike.
We offer you:
- Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
School Facilities Manager (Caretaker) in Leeds employer: SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
Sir Herbert Leon Academy is an excellent employer for those passionate about education, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Sheffield. With comprehensive training and generous benefits, we prioritise employee growth and development, making it an ideal place for aspiring teachers to gain meaningful experience while contributing to the success of our diverse student community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Facilities Manager (Caretaker) in Leeds
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
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Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace School Facilities Manager (Caretaker) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY.
