Caretaker

Hethersett Academy; Hethersett; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS

Health Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle-to-work

Discounts

Free parking

CPD programme

Induction programme

Job summary

Hethersett Academy in Norwich is seeking a reliable caretaker to maintain and secure the premises and grounds, ensuring health and safety compliance and readiness for use.

The role is full-time (37 hours per week) on a 52-week contract, with start date October 2026; duties include site security, plant operation, and general maintenance.

Applicants should have practical DIY skills, knowledge of health and safety in education, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Good problem-solving and communication; proactive and flexible.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic knowledge of health and safety in an education setting.
• DIY skills to undertake minor repairs and maintenance.
• Health and safety in an educational environment.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for the security of the premises and its contents including alarms and key holder duties.
• Ensure that utility systems (heating, lighting, plumbing, power) are functioning properly.
• Assist in maintaining and operating plant and equipment per manufacturer guidance.
• Maintain sanitary conditions and undertake interior decoration and outdoor duties like drains and tidying.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
• Be available to respond to emergencies outside regular hours and during lettings as required.

Job description

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale D: £25,583 to £25,989 per annum

Full Time: 37 hours per week on Monday to Friday (Working pattern can be discussed at interview)

Working Weeks: 52 weeks

Start Date: October 2026

The role will be based at Hethersett Academy, Queen's Road, Hethersett, Norwich, NR9 3DB.

Hethersett Academy is looking for a reliable, flexible and effective caretaker who, in accordance with the practices and procedures of the academy, will ensure that the academy premises and contents are properly maintained, secured and ready to use.

The role involves supporting all aspects of the site including maintaining the school grounds, locking the site, and ensuring the site is compliant with health and safety regulations.

Within this the hours of attendance for work will be determined by the needs of the academy and undertaken by agreement with the principal. Key holder responsibilities may extend beyond regular working hours from time to time. This position is on a 52-week contract with the flexibility of booking annual leave in school holidays.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Be responsible for the security of the premises and its contents including the operation of fire and burglar alarms and undertaking key holder responsibilities, involving locking/unlocking entrances, checking and securing windows and internal doors, activating and switching off alarm systems, etc.


• Ensure that all utility related systems such as heating, lighting, plumbing and power are working properly.


• Help maintain and operate plant and equipment, according to the manufacturer's manual where appropriate


• Be responsible for the sanitary conditions, undertake internal decoration and outside duties such as clearance of drains and general tidying


• Be fully aware of and comply with all departmental instructions and procedures relating to health and safety at work and to recognise the responsibilities required under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974.


• Be available to work or answer emergencies outside of regular working hours and pre-planned lettings as required

About You:

You will be someone with good problem-solving and communication skills, as well as a proactive and flexible attitude. You will be able to work independently and as part of a team. You should also have basic knowledge of health, safety, and security procedures to maintaina safe school environment.

Essential:

• DIY skills to undertake minor repairs and maintenance of the site


• Understanding of the principle of health and safety in an education environment


• Ability to perform the physical tasks required by the post, including lifting, carrying and pushing various equipment to undertake the duties of the post


• Ability to carry out a range of administrative/clerical tasks, including record keeping, ordering and stock taking

Desirable:

• Category D1 driver's licence will be desirable or complete minibus driver assessment

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.

We offer:

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions


• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *


• Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *


• Free parking at most sites


• Personalised CPD and development programmes


• A structured and specific induction programme.

*Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Hethersett Academy is one of East Anglia’s top-performing schools, rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all areas. Inspectors have highlighted how much pupils value their education at the academy - "Pupils flourish at this school. They attend regularly, arrive on time and present themselves impeccably. Pupils respect each other and their surroundings. Bullying is rare. Pupils know that if bullying does happen, staff deal with it effectively and promptly. Pupils have very high expectations of their own and others’ behaviour. They value every minute of learning time."\

A growing village school with a strong history in the local community, Hethersett Academy is conveniently located just off the A11, making it a popular choice for families in Wymondham, south Norwich, and the surrounding areas.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.

For information on what it is like to live and work in Hethersett, click here. Hethersett Academy is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. The academy inspected in January 2016 when it was ranked as Outstanding in every area assessed. Since then, the school has doubled in size and a Section 8 inspection in September 2022 resulted in another Outstanding rating.

Closing date for applications: 12pm on Friday 28th August 2026

Interview date: Week commencing 7th September 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.