Caretaker

Caretaker

Full-Time 14529 - 14529 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Keep our school safe, clean, and welcoming for students and staff every day.
  • Company: Wimbledon Common Preparatory School, a nurturing environment for young learners.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and support for professional development.
  • Why this job: Join a friendly team and make a real difference in children's lives.
  • Qualifications: Experience in maintenance or a willingness to learn; teamwork and flexibility are key.
  • Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and to gain qualifications through apprenticeship.

The predicted salary is between 14529 - 14529 £ per year.

Wimbledon Common Preparatory School (WCPS) is a pre-preparatory school for 175 boys aged 4-7 years. We provide a well-structured education that aims to instil a love of learning in a friendly, welcoming and attractive environment. We are seeking a reliable, proactive and enthusiastic Caretaker to play a vital role in maintaining our school environment. This is a hands-on, varied role that helps ensure our pupils, staff and visitors enjoy a safe, clean and welcoming space every day.

Daily duties:

  • Conduct daily site inspections and complete job check sheets
  • Keep the Astro turf and staff car park free of leaves and litter
  • Maintain cleanliness of the outdoor classroom
  • Remove any wildlife excrement and jet wash playground areas, especially under tree-lined sections
  • Check bins and clear any overflow or spillages
  • Patrol the road during drop-off and pick-up times
  • Unlock the side gate before early morning clubs begin, ensuring a Sports Coach is present
  • Transport fruit and sandwiches to the staffroom and remove empty boxes
  • Move empty insulated lunch boxes to the car park in readiness for daily deliveries
  • Prepare the hall for lunch (tables, lunch trolleys) and occasionally deliver lunches to classrooms
  • Set up hall benches each morning for assembly
  • Feed fish and water indoor plants, especially during holidays

Weekly duties:

  • Sweep and clean around the school building and Orchard Hall
  • Clear gutters and drains when required
  • Water and weed gardens, especially potted plants in summer
  • Replace lightbulbs and clock batteries (including seasonal time changes)

Ad-hoc responsibilities:

  • Support with open mornings, events and workshops (banners, chairs, tables)
  • Assist in setting up the performers’ platform and equipment for assemblies, rehearsals and performances
  • Put up gazebos during summer months
  • Set up for parents’ evenings (chairs in corridors)
  • Assist with weekly coffee mornings
  • Move and carry furniture or heavy items
  • Assemble new furniture
  • Jet wash outdoor patio areas
  • Escort visitors, contractors and guests when needed
  • Support the Friends of Squirrels (FOS) with moving items, setting up/taking down fairs, bake sales, uniform sales and sports day (may include overtime)

Person Specification:

  • Previous experience working in a school, college, or similar educational setting desired but not essential
  • A relevant maintenance/trade qualification (such as City & Guilds or an NVQ) is beneficial; however, we welcome applicants without this and can support gaining the qualification through the apprenticeship levy
  • Knowledgeable about fire safety procedures and compliance
  • First Aid trained or willing to undertake training
  • Able to work well as part of a team
  • Flexible, enthusiastic, and proactive
  • Capable of working independently and managing workload effectively

Closing date for applications: Monday 5th January 2026 at 9am. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Wimbledon Common Prep School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to the receipt of an enhanced DBS disclosure, satisfactory references, medical clearance and proof of legal right to work in the UK. We are fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.

Caretaker employer: Wimbledon Common Preparatory School

Wimbledon Common Preparatory School is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and nurturing work environment for its staff. As a Caretaker, you will enjoy a part-time role with flexible hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development, including support for gaining relevant qualifications. Our school community fosters collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in creating a safe and welcoming space for our young learners.
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Contact Detail:

Wimbledon Common Preparatory School Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Caretaker

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Wimbledon Common Preparatory School. Familiarise yourself with the environment and think about how you can contribute to keeping it safe and welcoming for the kids.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your hands-on skills! During the interview, be ready to chat about any previous experience you've had with maintenance or caretaking. Even if it's not in a school setting, we want to hear how you’ve tackled similar tasks.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! If you have ideas on how to improve the school's environment or safety, share them during your interview. It shows us that you're enthusiastic and ready to jump in!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your interest in being part of our community at Wimbledon Common Prep School.

We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker

Site Inspection
Maintenance Skills
Cleaning and Tidiness
Fire Safety Knowledge
First Aid Training
Teamwork
Flexibility
Proactivity
Independent Work
Time Management
Communication Skills
Physical Fitness
Customer Service
Event Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for maintaining a safe and welcoming environment shine through. We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the role and the impact it has on our pupils and staff.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you haven't worked in a school setting before, share any relevant experience you have. Whether it's maintenance work or teamwork skills, we want to know how your background can contribute to keeping our school in tip-top shape.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you'd be a great fit for the Caretaker role at WCPS.

Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Wimbledon Common Preparatory School

✨Know Your Role

Make sure you understand the specific duties of a Caretaker at Wimbledon Common Preparatory School. Familiarise yourself with daily tasks like site inspections and maintaining cleanliness, as well as the importance of creating a safe environment for the children.

✨Show Your Enthusiasm

During the interview, express your passion for working in an educational setting. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive environment in previous roles, whether through teamwork or proactive maintenance efforts.

✨Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle various situations, such as dealing with litter or ensuring safety during drop-off times. Think of scenarios from past experiences where you successfully managed similar challenges.

✨Highlight Your Flexibility

The role requires a proactive approach and the ability to work independently. Be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous jobs and how you can bring that flexibility to the Caretaker position.

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