Assistant Caretaker

TKAT (The Kemnal Academies Trust); Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Development opportunities

HLTA/QTS pathways

24/7 confidential counselling

Headspace mindfulness programme

Job summary

Hylands School is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Caretaker to help maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment for pupils. You will collaborate with the Facilities Manager and senior leaders to uphold high standards of estate management and safety across the site.

The role suits someone with hands-on maintenance experience and a proactive, independent work style, contributing to a supportive team culture and the school’s Hylands Habits.

Qualifications

• Experience in premises management or strong DIY capabilities.
• Responsible as a key holder with routine security duties.
• Carrying out cleaning, hygiene, and grounds maintenance.
• Operating heating and hot water systems and monitoring plant safety.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates hands-on capability in general maintenance and practical DIY tasks.
• Acts as a responsible key holder, executing daily security procedures, opening/closing the site, and responding to emergency calls or alarms.
• Carries out routine cleaning, hygiene, and grounds maintenance to ensure a clean, safe site.
• Operates heating and hot water systems, performing routine plant safety checks.

Skills

Maintenance tasks

Key holding & security

Grounds maintenance

Health & Safety

Team collaboration

DIY/plumbing/electrical basics

Tools

Minibus driving

Heating/Hot water systems

Job description

We are looking for a dedicated Assistant Caretaker who brings energy, purpose, and pride to our team at Hylands School, someone ready to ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for our pupils every single day.

At Hylands School, we view a well-maintained, safe, and secure environment as the foundation of our students' ability to learn and thrive. As our Assistant Caretaker, you are granted the trust to take ownership of site operations, the practical resources to solve problems, and the mandate to play a pivotal role in our school community. You will work closely with the Facilities Manager, Headteacher, and senior leaders to maintain the highest standards of estate management and safety.

Whether you have years of experience in premises management, a background in trade and maintenance skills, or proven practical DIY capabilities, your talent will be valued here. In our community, support staff are vital partners in driving standards, embedding our Hylands Habits, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Resilient and foster a strong sense of belonging.

Together, let’s maintain an outstanding environment where every child gets their chance to shine.

The ideal Assistant Caretaker will be someone who:

• Demonstrates hands-on capability in general maintenance and practical DIY tasks.
• Acts as a responsible key holder, executing daily security procedures, opening/closing the site, and responding to emergency calls or alarms.
• Carries out routine cleaning, hygiene, and grounds maintenance to ensure a clean, safe, and litter-free site.
• Operates heating and hot water systems, performing routine plant safety checks and monitoring equipment.
• Manages porterage, delivery distribution, moving furniture, and driving the school minibus (where qualified).
• Displays a strong understanding of Health & Safety regulations, First Aid, and building safety systems.
• Is self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently while collaborating constructively as a supportive team member.
• Communicates effectively with colleagues, students, visitors, and external contractors in a positive, professional manner aligned with the school's ethos.

Great Support Starts with a Great Community: Your Benefits

• Exceptional development:Access high-quality development and training opportunities tailored to your role.
• Career Pathways:Receive encouragement and support to grow your skills, with clear routes toward Higher Level Teaching Assistant status (HLTA) or qualified teacher training (QTS) if desired.
• 24/7 Confidential Counselling:Free, round-the-clock support for you and your eligible immediate family members.
• Mindfulness Support:Enjoy a free, full subscription to the Headspace app, plus access to an expert-led 8-week mindfulness programme.

Family & Work-Life Balance

• Family-Friendly Policies:Dedicated leave policies and flexible working options to support you through every stage of life.
• Supportive Environment:Work within a forward-thinking culture that actively champions your work-life balance.

Financial Wellbeing & Savings

• Blue Light Card Access:Eligible to apply for the UK’s premier discount scheme, unlocking savings across shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment.
• Cycle to Work Scheme:Spread the cost of a new bike and equipment for a healthier, more affordable commute.
• Generous Pension:Secure your long-term future with substantial employer pension contributions.

About Hylands School

Hylands School has a long-standing history of serving the community of Writtle and the wider Chelmsford area, benefiting from excellent transport links via the A12 and A414. As a smaller school, we offer a close-knit community where every student feels known. Our vision is to empower every student to achieve academic excellence and personal growth, guided by our core Hylands Habits: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, and Be Resilient.

To discover what makes Hylands School special, visit our website, watch our Welcome video, or arrange an informal visit with our Director of Operations ([e-mail]) or Headteacher's PA, Sonja Mitchell ([e-mail]).

About Kemnal Academies Trust

Kemnal Academies Trust is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.

A Culture of Belonging: Equity, Inclusion & Diversity

Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, where expectations are high, and genuine support is provided. Here, colleagues are trusted to lead, contribute, and grow in alignment with our mission. At Kemnal Academies Trust, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Flexible Working -Kemnal Academies Trust

Flexible Working -Kemnal Academies Trust recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career while balancing their commitments and interests outside of work. We actively promote flexible working practices and opportunities to support a positive work-life balance.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment -Kemnal Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to statutory safer recruitment checks prior to appointment. These include, but are not limited to, an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check, online searches (in line with KCSIE guidelines), identity and right‑to‑work verification, reference checks, relevant qualification/prohibition checks, and overseas checks where applicable. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended), certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed.