Caretaker

Inspiration Trust; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

East Point Academy in Lowestoft is seeking a reliable and conscientious Caretaker to join our team. Based at East Point Academy, Kirkley Run, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0UQ, you will help keep buildings and grounds well maintained and secure for students and staff.

The role involves a mix of security duties, general maintenance, health and safety compliance, and off-hours call-outs. The hours are set to the needs of the academy with potential after-hours calls and limited holiday leave during term

Qualifications

• DIY skills to undertake minor repairs and maintenance
• 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
• Ability to carry out a range of administrative/clerical tasks, including record keeping, ordering and stock taking
• Ability to manage your own time effectively, demonstrate initiative and prioritise your workload
• Category D1 driving licence (Desirable)
• Previous experience working in an education setting (Desirable)

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

DIY skills

Health & safety awareness

Physical ability

Administrative tasks

Time management

Job description

This role will be based at East Point Academy, Kirkley Run, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0UQ. Are you a practical, hands‑on person who takes pride in creating a safe, secure and welcoming environment? Do you enjoy variety, solving problems and making sure everything is working as it should? If so, we'd love to hear from you. East Point Academy is looking for a reliable and conscientious Caretaker to join our team. This is a varied and important role where no two days are necessarily the same. From keeping our buildings and grounds well maintained, to ensuring the academy is secure and ready for students and staff each day, you'll play a key part in the smooth running of our school. 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

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
• - Ability to manage your own time effectively, demonstrate initiative and prioritise your workload.

Desirable:

• - Category D1 driving licence.
• - Previous experience working in a similar role within an education setting.

You'll be someone who takes pride in your work, is confident using your practical skills and can use your initiative to deal with the everyday challenges that come with looking after a busy academy. You will have 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 maintain a safe school environment.

East Point Academy in Lowestoft is the first secondary school to see the sunrise every day, and it is a fantastic place to work. The academy's values underpin everything it does, preparing pupils to be successful both within the school and in the wider community throughout their lives. Students and staff embody these core values, creating a positive and supportive culture. Pupils are encouraged to be independent thinkers, gaining the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on the world around them. 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 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. East Point Academy was inspected by Ofsted in February 2022, achieving another Good rating. "Pupils feel safe at the school. There are clear routines for behaviour which help pupils meet teachers' high expectations. In lessons, behaviour is calm, with pupils' attention focused on learning."

We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background.

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.