Caretaker

eTeach UK Limited; West of England; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

New Horizons Learning Centre in West of England is seeking a proactive Caretaker to maintain safety and a welcoming environment across our split-site school. The role involves keyholding, basic repairs, managing deliveries, and supporting cleaners to uphold high hygiene standards.

You will work on a 30-hour week, with split shifts and all-year-round duties, contributing to a nurturing school culture that supports students with SEMH.

Qualifications

• Previous caretaking or premises experience desirable.
• Understanding of basic health and safety procedures desirable.

Responsibilities

• Locking/unlocking premises and setting alarms as a main keyholder.
• Carrying out routine checks on alarm systems and fire extinguishers.

Skills

Practical problem solver

Reliable

Safeguarding students

Tools

Power tools

Alarm systems

Job description

Caretaker – New Horizons Learning Centre BS15 4EA & BS15 9RDPay Scale: Hay Grade 12, £13.60ph Hours: 30 hours per week - all year round.Monday 7am-11amTuesday 7am-11amWednesday (split shift) 7am-10am & 1pm-5pmThursday (split shift) 7am-11am & 2pm-5.30pmFriday (split shift) 7am-11am & 2pm-5.30pmAre you a practical, reliable and community-minded individual who takes pride in keeping buildings safe, welcoming and well-maintained? Join New Horizons Learning Centre (NHLC) as our Caretaker and play a vital role in creating the conditions for our students to thrive. NHLC is an all-through maintained special school for students whose primary need is SEMH. We operate on split primary and secondary sites and pride ourselves on low staff turnover and a close-knit, supportive culture. We live by four core values - Respect, Honesty, Perseverance and Kindness - and these guide everything we do.This is more than a facilities role - it’s an opportunity to become a trusted member of a restorative, nurturing school family supporting students with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).About the roleReporting to the Site Manager, the Caretaker will be a keyholder and essential member of our site team responsible for the security, safety and day-to-day maintenance of the school premises. Typical responsibilities include:

• Acting as a main keyholder: locking/unlocking premises, setting alarms and responding to out-of-hours callouts
• Carrying out routine checks on alarm systems, fire extinguishers and reporting defects
• Undertaking a range of handyperson duties (basic repairs, painting, fitting noticeboards, etc.)
• Escorting and liaising with contractors, arranging emergency repairs and obtaining quotes where needed
• Managing deliveries, stock and metre readings for utilities
• Supporting the cleaning team and ensuring cleanliness and hygiene standards
• Maintaining outside areas (litter, drains, grit/salt in icy weather) and ensuring safe pedestrian access
• Setting out and putting away furniture for events and general porterage
• Using cleaning equipment and basic power tools safely; training will be provided where required

This role involves physical activity, occasional outdoor work in adverse weather and working with cleaning chemicals and maintenance equipment. Protective clothing is provided.About you — the ideal candidateWe’re looking for someone who will truly belong at Ne

w Horizons:

• A practical, hands-on problem solver who can respond calmly to incidents and emergencies
• Reliable, trustworthy and committed to safeguarding our students (this post is subject to an enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks)
• Able to work with minimal supervision and take responsibility for the security and safety of the site
• Comfortable coordinating with contractors and suppliers
• Comfortable using basic tools, cleaning equipment and learning to operate alarm/heating systems (training will be provided)
• Positive, approachable and able to contribute to a nurturing school culture aligned to our values of Respect, Honesty, Perseverance and Kindness

Previous caretaking or premises experience and an understanding of basic health and safety procedures is desirable but not essential - we value attitude, reliability and a willingness to learn.

What we offer

• A welcoming, family-style school culture with low staff mobility and a strong sense of community
• Opportunities to make a visible, daily impact on the safety and environment of a school
• Training and development relevant to the role (including site systems and safe working practises)
• Supportive colleagues and leadership committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth

Please note: the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all convictions/cautions must be declared.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS and suitability checks to meet child protection requirements.

We welcome applications from diverse candidates who share our values.