Caretaker

Ringway Primary School; Manchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Park/volunteering leave

Pension scheme

Progression opportunities

Employee discounts

Job summary

Manchester City Council is seeking a dedicated Caretaker to join our school premises team. The role involves keeping buildings, grounds and facilities safe, clean and well-maintained to support pupils and staff in a busy primary setting.

You will undertake minor repairs, conduct regular safety checks, manage security duties, and coordinate with contractors to ensure compliant and efficient operation of the site. Start date is 10 November 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in caretaking, site maintenance or premises management.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements and safety compliance.
• Ability to carry out minor repairs and routine inspections.
• Good organisational and communication skills, able to work independently or in a team.
• Ability to manage site security, opening/closing and emergencies.
• Commitment to providing a high-quality service and a safe environment.

Responsibilities

• Undertake minor repairs, maintenance tasks and basic DIY work across the school site.
• Monitor the condition of buildings, grounds and equipment, reporting and responding to maintenance issues as required.
• Carry out health and safety checks, including fire safety, water hygiene and site compliance inspections.
• Work with school leaders, staff, contractors and external service providers to maintain a safe and effective learning environment.
• Support site improvement projects, planned maintenance programmes and the overall management of the school premises.

Skills

Caretaking experience

Building maintenance

Health and safety awareness

Security management

Independent working

Job description

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: Full Time

Number of Positions: 1

Start Date: 10th November 2026

Salary: £31,537 per annum

As a Caretaker, you will play a key role in ensuring the school site is safe, secure, clean and well-maintained for pupils, staff, visitors and the wider school community.

You'll help the school to provide a welcoming and effective learning environment by maintaining buildings, grounds and facilities to a high standard, ensuring the site remains safe, compliant and fit for purpose.

Your work will contribute to the smooth day-to-day operation of the school and support positive outcomes for all pupils.

We are looking for a reliable, proactive and practical individual who takes pride in maintaining a safe, secure and welcoming school environment.

You will have a good understanding of building maintenance, health and safety requirements, and be able to work independently while also building positive working relationships with staff, pupils, contractors and visitors.

In this role you will:

• Undertake minor repairs, maintenance tasks and basic DIY work across the school site.
• Monitor the condition of buildings, grounds and equipment, reporting and responding to maintenance issues as required.
• Carry out health and safety checks, including fire safety, water hygiene and site compliance inspections.
• Work with school leaders, staff, contractors and external service providers to maintain a safe and effective learning environment.
• Support site improvement projects, planned maintenance programmes and the overall management of the school premises.

The successful candidate will be flexible, organised and committed to supporting the smooth running of a busy primary school.

We'll use the following essential criteria to decide which candidates to invite to assessment.

Use your personal statement to provide evidence of how you meet each one, supported by relevant examples:

• Experience of carrying out caretaking, site maintenance, building repairs or similar premises management duties.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements and the ability to maintain a safe and secure environment.
• Ability to undertake minor repairs, maintenance tasks and routine inspections across a school or similar site.
• Good organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage site security, including opening and closing premises and responding appropriately to emergencies or urgent maintenance issues.
• A commitment to providing a high-quality service and maintaining a positive environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

For guidance on how to write your personal statement, please visit How to Apply - Manchester City Council.

If you're invited to assessment, we'll look at a wider range of the role requirements. For more detail, please see the role profile.

Use of AI

You may use AI to support your application, but all examples must be your own and based on real experience. Applications may be withdrawn if content is misleading or presents someone else's experience as your own. Internal candidates may also face disciplinary action.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee progression to the assessment stage for applicants who meet the essential criteria used for shortlisting and are eligible under the scheme.
Learn more

Support and Adjustments

If you're successful in securing a role, we'll make every effort to provide the support, equipment and reasonable adjustments you need to carry out your duties. Where needed, we'll consider adapting aspects of the role.
Learn more

Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city. You'll help improve lives and support our local communities. Working together, we can create better public services for everyone.

Benefits we offer:

• Up to 26 days' annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years' service
• Buy up to two extra weeks' leave
• Up to 3 days' volunteering leave
• A 35-hour work week for full-time roles
• We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions
• A defined benefit pension scheme
• Enhanced parental and carers leave
• Employee discounts and perks

Learn more at Careers - Manchester City Council.

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, younger learners and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. The above post will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here

This post is also subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre-employment checks where applicable.

We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.