Caretaker at The Forum Centre

Dorset Council UK; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Forum Centre in Blandford Forum is seeking a reliable School Caretaker/Handyperson to support the Site Manager with maintenance and day-to-day running of multiple school sites. The role includes planned maintenance, safety inspections and coordinating contractors to ensure a safe, well-maintained environment for pupils and staff.

It is a full-time, term-time role of 37 hours per week over 39 weeks per year, with a competitive hourly rate aligned to Dorset Council’s Grade 6 pay scale (£22,455

Qualifications

• Experience in maintenance, caretaking or related field.
• Physically fit and able to perform manual tasks.
• Good communication and basic IT competence.
• Valid driving licence with access to a vehicle and willingness to travel between sites.
• Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine and planned maintenance across school sites.
• Perform safety checks and maintain accurate records.
• Coordinate with contractors and supervise visits to sites.
• Assist with site security, opening/closing as required.
• Be available for emergency call-outs outside normal hours.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Manual tasks

Communication

Driving licence

Time management

Travel between sites

Job description

The Forum Centre is seeking a reliable and dedicated School Caretaker/Handyperson to support the Site Manager with the maintenance and smooth running of multiple school sites. This role is essential in ensuring a safe, compliant and well-maintained environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out routine and planned building maintenance, minor repairs and general upkeep across school sites.
• Conduct required health & safety compliance checks, including inspections, testing and maintaining accurate records.
• Perform inspection and maintenance tasks within the scope of the role.
• Act as on-site support for contractors, including supervising visits and ensuring work meets required standards.
• Assist with site security, including opening/locking up as required.
• Monitor stock levels of maintenance materials and request replenishment when necessary.
• Support the setting up of school areas for events or activities where required.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Availability for emergency call-outs outside normal working hours.

Person Specification

Essential

• Practical experience in maintenance, caretaking or a related field.
• Physically fit and capable of performing manual tasks.
• Good communication skills and basic IT competence.
• A valid driving licence, access to a suitable vehicle, and appropriate business-use insurance and willingness to travel between sites.
• Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently.

Desirable

• Background in a construction trade is preferable (e.g., carpentry, electrical, plumbing, general building).
• Previous experience of working in schools or public buildings.
• Awareness of safeguarding and working in environments with young people (training will be provided).

Hours & Pay

• Full time, term time role for 37 hours per week and 39 weeks per year.
• Competitive hourly rate, aligned with Dorset Council’s Grade 6 pay scale. Actual Salary £22,455 to £23,548 per annum (Grade 6, SCP 6-9)
• Working hours are flexible and will be agreed during interview based on site needs and candidate availability.

The Forum Centre The Forum Centre is a maintained Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) serving pupils across Dorset who have been permanently excluded, are at risk of exclusion, are medically unable to attend mainstream school or have an EHCP (primarily SEMH). Currently, we work with up to 100 pupils across KS2-4 from a wide catchment area and teach in small, supportive class groups across two sites (main site in Blandford Forum and a satellite in Lytchett Minster).

We are excited to announce that in the New Year we are opening a third school site in Colehill, Wimborne, called Woodlands. Woodlands will be the base for our Primary and KS3 pupils. The successful candidate will be a key part of the premises team and there will be a requirement to travel between all three sites.

The Forum Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to arrange a visit to the school, please contact us on 01258 455202.