At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily operations, event setups, and maintain a safe, clean school environment.
- Company: Windlesham House School, a historic and innovative prep school for children aged 4 to 13.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and the chance to work in a vibrant school community.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real difference in students' lives every day.
- Qualifications: Strong work ethic, flexibility, and effective communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 Β£ per hour.
Windlesham House is a distinctive day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 4 to 13, where tradition meets innovation, providing opportunities for the children to be creative, courageous and successful. As the oldest prep school in the country (est 1837) and the first prep school to become co-educational (1967), we have always led the way in embracing the new. We are progressive and innovative in our ethos and approach while embracing our traditions and rich history. Focusing on the wellbeing of every child, each benefits from a first class and distinctive education full of exciting opportunities and experiences in the glorious South Downs.
Location: Windlesham House School
Salary: A GBP 12.82 per hour 8am to 9pm (social hours); A GBP 15.52 per hour (unsocial hours)
Hours: Full Time, 52 weeks a year, Monday to Friday, 06:00 β 14:00
We are seeking a reliable, proactive, and professional Operations Assistant to join our busy prep school. The Operations Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring the school is a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for pupils, staff, parents, and visitors. The successful candidate must be highly flexible and willing to adjust working hours to meet the changing needs of school life, including early starts, late finishes, and occasional weekend support. The role includes event setup, site security, housekeeping support, manual handling, compliance checks, general caretaking, logistics, and supporting the Estates Team with practical tasks across the site.
Key Responsibilities
- Daily School Operations: assist with the smooth running of the site on a day-to-day basis. Unlocking/lock-up, ensuring buildings are secure and safe for use. Maintain a visible presence around the school, responding promptly to requests for assistance. Adapt working patterns during busy periods such as productions, parent events, fixtures, exams, and other large school events.
- Event Setup and Support: Set up and set down areas of the school for a wide range of school events, including assemblies, concerts, open days, sports events, exams, and meetings. Move and arrange furniture, staging, AV equipment, and other event materials to required standards. Provide out-of-hours support for key events, sometimes at short notice.
- Housekeeping: Assist with cleaning tasks where required, including spill response, touchpoint cleaning, and supporting the housekeeping team during staff absence or high demand. Keep communal areas, external spaces, storerooms, and pathways tidy and well presented. Support waste and recycling routines, including collection, relocations, and disposal where needed. Carry out scheduled compliance checks in COSHH storage areas. Stocking of COSHH cupboards from central stores.
Person Specification
- Strong work ethic and pride in maintaining a well-kept school environment.
- Highly flexible approach, comfortable with changing hours and varying daily demands.
- Friendly, approachable, and professional around pupils, staff, and visitors.
- Physically fit with the ability to carry out frequent manual handling tasks.
- Reliable and punctual.
- Able to use initiative, problem-solve, and work independently.
- Effective communication skills.
- Calm and reassuring in busy environments or emergency situations.
- Good attention to detail.
- Willingness to complete training relevant to the role.
- Able to drive school vehicles, including vans.
Compulsory Workdays
As part of the schoolβs busy event programme, there are a few events that will be required for all Estates, Operations, and Grounds staff to attend to ensure a safe and smoothly run event, which are included within the overall salary:
- Speech Day: 8 hours
- Sports Day: 8 hours
- Bonfire Night: 4 hours
- Carol Service: 4 hours
In addition, there will be opportunities to help.
Operations Assistant in Pulborough employer: TipTopJob
Contact Detail:
TipTopJob Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Operations Assistant in Pulborough
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Windlesham House and its values. When you understand their ethos, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how you fit right in with their culture.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and help you stand out when you apply through our website.
β¨Tip Number 3
Be ready for anything! The Operations Assistant role is all about flexibility. Prepare examples of how you've adapted to changing situations in past jobs to impress during your interview.
β¨Tip Number 4
Show off your skills! During interviews, highlight your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail. These are key for keeping the school running smoothly, so make sure they know you're up for the challenge!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Assistant in Pulborough
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Flexibility: Make sure to highlight your flexible approach in your application. We want to see that you're ready to adapt to the changing needs of school life, whether itβs early starts or late finishes.
Emphasise Your Work Ethic: We love candidates who take pride in their work! Share examples of how you maintain a clean and welcoming environment, as this is key to our schoolβs ethos.
Be Personable: Since you'll be interacting with pupils, staff, and visitors, let your friendly and approachable nature shine through in your written application. A warm tone can make a big difference!
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to submit your application through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
β¨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand Windlesham House's unique blend of tradition and innovation. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for pupils and staff. This will help you align your answers with their values during the interview.
β¨Show Your Flexibility
Since the role requires a highly flexible approach, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to changing hours. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully adjusted your schedule or taken on unexpected tasks.
β¨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
The Operations Assistant role involves responding to various requests and challenges. Think of specific instances where you've used your initiative to solve problems or improve processes. Highlighting these experiences will show that you're proactive and capable of handling the demands of the job.
β¨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Effective communication is key in a school environment. Be ready to discuss how you've worked collaboratively with others in previous roles. Mention any experience you have in maintaining a friendly and professional demeanour, especially around children and visitors, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.