Caretaker

Chelmer Valley High School; Broomfield; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Chelmer Valley High School seeks a dedicated caretaker to oversee the upkeep and security of the school premises and site, including lettings duties and safeguarding responsibilities.

The role covers security monitoring, health and safety compliance, grounds maintenance, and coordination with contractors to ensure a safe environment for pupils, staff and visitors. The position requires flexibility to cover events and after-hours emergency call-outs as needed.

Qualifications

• Hard-working, honest and dependable individual who will act as school caretaker and undertake Lettings duties.
• Committed to safeguarding and maintaining a safe school environment.
• Experience in security, premises upkeep and basic grounds maintenance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor CCTV and report security concerns in line with school policy.
• Maintain and secure premises after events and lettings; ensure safe access for pupils and staff.
• Carry out health and safety inspections and keep records of safety checks and incidents.
• Assist with risk assessments and investigations into accidents, ensuring corrective actions are taken.
• Monitor and manage contractor activities to ensure safe working practices on site.
• Support fire safety checks, COSHH storage handling, and water hygiene where applicable.
• Oversee grounds maintenance: mowing, planting, litter removal and keeping outdoor areas safe.

Skills

Hard-working

Honest

Dependable

Self-motivated

Job description

To be responsible for the upkeep and security of the school premises and site, ensuring a safe environment., To be responsible for the upkeep and security of the school premises and site, ensuring a safe environment.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• A hard-working, honest, dependable, self-motivated person to act as school caretaker and undertake Lettings duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Duties the successful candidate will be expected to undertake, will include but are not limited to:

Security

• Monitor CCTV systems in accordance with school policies and data protection requirements.
• Report vandalism, theft, damage or security concerns promptly.
• Ensure valuable equipment and sensitive areas are properly secured.
• Secure premises following school events, lettings and community use activities.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents, alarm activations and security checks.
• Support safeguarding procedures by helping maintain a secure environment for pupils, staff and visitors.
• Respond to emergency call-outs outside normal working hours when required.
• Promote a culture of safety and security across the school site.

Health and Safety - Compliance

• Carry out routine health and safety inspections of buildings, grounds and facilities.
• Identify, report and take appropriate action on hazards, defects and unsafe conditions.
• Ensure compliance with school health and safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct and record regular fire safety checks, including fire alarms, emergency lighting and fire-fighting equipment in line with legislation
• Monitor fire exits, escape routes and assembly points to ensure they remain unobstructed.
• Support the completion and review of risk assessments.
• Ensure all statutory health and safety checks are completed as required in line with legislation
• Maintain accurate health and safety records, inspection logs and compliance documentation.
• Report accidents, incidents and near misses in accordance with school procedures.
• Assist with investigations into accidents and implement corrective actions where required.
• Monitor contractor activities to ensure safe working practices and compliance with site regulations.
• Ensure safe storage, handling and disposal of cleaning materials, chemicals and hazardous substances (COSHH).
• Carry out water hygiene checks and monitor compliance with legionella control measures.
• Inspect playgrounds, sports facilities and external areas for safety hazards.
• Ensure safe access and egress to buildings during adverse weather conditions, including gritting and snow clearance.
• Undertake manual handling tasks using safe working practices.
• Monitor site security as part of maintaining a safe environment for pupils, staff and visitors.
• Assist with emergency procedures, evacuations and lockdown drills.
• Ensure appropriate signage, safety notices and warning systems are in place and maintained.
• Promote a positive health and safety culture throughout the school.
• Liaise with health and safety officers, contractors and external inspectors as required.
• Keep up to date with relevant health and safety legislation and school compliance requirements
• Report H&S matters to Premises Manager

Grounds Maintenance

• Maintain school lawns and grassed areas
• Cut grass and trim lawn edges regularly.
• Plant and maintain flowers, shrubs, trees and seasonal displays.
• Prune hedges, bushes and shrubs to maintain a tidy and safe environment.
• Weed flower beds, borders, pathways and hard surface areas.
• Water plants and landscaped areas as required.
• Remove litter, leaves and debris from grounds and gardens.
• Keep pathways, entrances and outdoor areas clean and presentable.
• Monitor the health of plants and identify pest or disease issues.
• Apply fertilisers, weed control and plant treatments in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Maintain raised beds, sensory gardens and educational garden areas.
• Operate and maintain gardening equipment and tools safely.
• Carry out seasonal gardening tasks, including planting, pruning and mulching.
• Remove dead or hazardous branches and vegetation where appropriate.
• Ensure trees, hedges and planting do not obstruct pathways, roads, signs or security lighting.
• Assist with grounds improvement and landscaping projects.
• Maintain outdoor seating areas and playgrounds.
• Support biodiversity initiatives, wildlife areas and environmental projects.
• Ensure outdoor areas are safe for pupils, staff and visitors.
• Report any grounds maintenance issues requiring specialist attention
• Keep paths and entrances free of ice and snow to ensure the safety of children, parents, staff and visitors
• Jet wash paths and canopies

Includes - General Maintenance Duties and Lettings requirements.

Hours of Work: The working week will be 37 hours with a requirement to be on the school premises: Monday - Thursday 2.00pm -10.00pm Friday 10.30am - 6.00pm (30 minutes Lunch). However, variations to these times may be necessary on certain occasions when covering other team members' holiday periods, meetings, building work, functions etc are held at the school. Any variation will be notified in advance by the Headteacher/ Line Manager.

• A hard-working, honest, dependable, self-motivated person to act as school caretaker and undertake Lettings duties