Caretaker

CER; Luton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

CER is seeking a proactive Caretaker for our school in Luton. The role covers security, maintenance, cleaning, and general site presentation to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

The position is permanent with split shifts and a 7.66-hour day, 52 weeks a year, starting September 2026. The successful candidate will undertake routine inspections, basic repairs, energy monitoring, health and safety compliance, and liaise with contractors.

Qualifications

• Experience in caretaking, site management, facilities or maintenance.
• Practical handyperson skills for minor repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Good understanding of health and safety requirements, including COSHH.
• Organised, reliable and able to work independently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to undertake training and professional development.
• Basic IT skills and ability to maintain records accurately.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the security of the school premises, including keyholder responsibilities and alarm management.
• Carry out regular site inspections and compliance checks.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across the buildings and grounds.
• Undertake minor repairs and maintenance (plumbing, joinery, decorating, electrical).
• Monitor heating, lighting and energy use for efficiency.
• Support fire safety and health and safety compliance.
• Liaise with contractors, suppliers and external agencies.
• Support events, lettings and community use of the premises.
• Maintain accurate records related to health, safety, compliance and maintenance.
• Assist with grounds maintenance and site presentation all year.

Skills

Caretaking experience

Site management

Facilities maintenance

COSHH awareness

Independent worker

Communication skills

Training willingness

IT skills

Job description

Caretaker

Job Details

Position: Caretaker
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Split shift 6:40am - 10:00am and 2:30pm - 6:30pm (hours negotiable for the right candidate)
Weeks: 52 weeks per year
Salary: SCP 7-10 (£26,403 - £27,694 per annum)
Start Date: September 2026

The Opportunity

We are seeking a proactive, reliable and skilled Caretaker to join our dedicated team and play a vital role in ensuring our school remains a safe, secure and welcoming environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who takes pride in maintaining high standards and enjoys a hands-on approach to site care and facilities management. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operation, security, maintenance and presentation of the school site, helping to ensure that pupils can learn and thrive in an environment that is safe, clean and well maintained.

Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, School Business Manager and wider staff team, you will contribute to the smooth running of the school through effective site management, compliance monitoring and maintenance activities.

The Role

As Caretaker, you will be responsible for:

• Ensuring the security of the school premises, including keyholder responsibilities and alarm management.
• Carrying out regular site inspections and compliance checks.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness across the school buildings and grounds.
• Undertaking minor repairs and maintenance work, including basic plumbing, joinery, decorating and electrical tasks.
• Monitoring heating, lighting and energy usage to promote efficiency and sustainability.
• Supporting fire safety procedures and health and safety compliance.
• Liaising with contractors, suppliers and external agencies.
• Supporting school events, lettings and community use of the premises.
• Maintaining accurate records relating to health and safety, compliance and maintenance activities.
• Assisting with grounds maintenance and ensuring the site remains safe and presentable throughout the year.
• Identifying maintenance issues and reporting larger repair requirements as necessary.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for an individual who:

• Has experience of caretaking, site management, facilities or maintenance work.
• Possesses practical handyperson skills and can undertake a range of minor repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Has a good understanding of health and safety requirements, including COSHH regulations.
• Is organised, reliable and able to work independently using their own initiative.
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is committed to maintaining high standards of safety, cleanliness and presentation.
• Can respond calmly and effectively to emergencies and unexpected situations.
• Is willing to undertake training and professional development relevant to the role.
• Has basic IT skills and can maintain records accurately.

Experience of working within a school environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Join Us?

We recognise that every member of staff plays an important role in supporting pupils to achieve their best.

We offer:

• A welcoming and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the daily experience of pupils, staff and visitors.
• The chance to be part of a dedicated team committed to excellence in education.

Safeguarding

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

The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all other safer recruitment checks.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our school community and better reflects the families we serve.

CER is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and professional service for all. All pay rates provided are inclusive of rolled up holiday pay.