Caretaker - Gateshead

Service Care Solutions Ltd; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Service Care Solutions Ltd is recruiting a Caretaker for a school in Gateshead. The role involves keeping the school premises safe, secure and well‑maintained, including routine maintenance, security checks and minor repairs.

You will be responsible for opening/closing, daily checks, grounds maintenance and supporting health & safety inspections. DBS checks and safeguarding are noted as required.

Qualifications

• Practical experience of building or premises maintenance.
• Experience carrying out minor repairs and general DIY tasks.
• Good awareness of Health & Safety requirements.
• Ability to identify hazards and report maintenance issues.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Hands-on approach to problem solving.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.
• Good communication skills with staff, contractors and visitors.
• Reliable, flexible and proactive approach.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional standards within a school environment.

Responsibilities

• Open and secure the school premises in line with agreed procedures.
• Carry out daily checks of buildings, grounds and facilities.
• Undertake general maintenance and minor repairs where required.
• Report and follow up defects, damage and maintenance issues.
• Maintain the cleanliness, safety and presentation of the school site.
• Carry out basic grounds maintenance, including litter picking and general upkeep of external areas.
• Support regular Health & Safety and site inspections.
• Assist with fire safety checks, emergency procedures and other compliance checks.
• Liaise with contractors and provide access to the site where required.
• Monitor contractors and maintenance works to ensure they are completed appropriately.
• Assist with moving furniture, equipment and setting up rooms for school activities and events.
• Support waste and recycling arrangements.
• Respond promptly to maintenance, security and site-related issues.
• Maintain appropriate records of checks, repairs and maintenance activities.
• Ensure tools, equipment and storage areas are maintained safely and securely.
• Work closely with school staff to ensure the premises remain suitable for pupils, staff and visitors.
• Undertake other reasonable site‑related duties as required.

Job description

CARETAKER – SCHOOL Location: Gateshead, Tyne & Wear Hours: 36 hours per week Contract: Temporary / Ongoing Pay: £15.00 per hour PAYE | £19.24 per hour

Service Solutions are currently recruiting for an experienced Caretaker to work within a school in the Gateshead area. This is an excellent opportunity for a practical, reliable and proactive individual to support the day-to-day running of the school site, ensuring the buildings and grounds remain safe, secure, clean and well maintained.

THE ROLE

As Caretaker, you will be responsible for the general upkeep of the school premises and grounds, carrying out routine maintenance, security checks and minor repairs while supporting the school in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Open and secure the school premises in line with agreed procedures.
• Carry out daily checks of buildings, grounds and facilities.
• Undertake general maintenance and minor repairs where required.
• Report and follow up defects, damage and maintenance issues.
• Maintain the cleanliness, safety and presentation of the school site.
• Carry out basic grounds maintenance, including litter picking and general upkeep of external areas.
• Support regular Health & Safety and site inspections.
• Assist with fire safety checks, emergency procedures and other compliance checks.
• Liaise with contractors and provide access to the site where required.
• Monitor contractors and maintenance works to ensure they are completed appropriately.
• Assist with moving furniture, equipment and setting up rooms for school activities and events.
• Support waste and recycling arrangements.
• Respond promptly to maintenance, security and site-related issues.
• Maintain appropriate records of checks, repairs and maintenance activities.
• Ensure tools, equipment and storage areas are maintained safely and securely.
• Work closely with school staff to ensure the premises remain suitable for pupils, staff and visitors.
• Undertake other reasonable site‑related duties as required.

ABOUT YOU

The successful candidate will ideally have previous experience as a Caretaker, Facilities Assistant, Premises Assistant, Maintenance Operative, Site Assistant or similar . You should have: Practical experience of building or premises maintenance. Experience carrying out minor repairs and general DIY tasks. Good awareness of Health & Safety requirements. The ability to identify hazards and report maintenance issues. Good organisational and time management skills. A practical, hands‑on approach to problem solving. The ability to work independently and as part of a wider team. Good communication skills when dealing with staff, contractors and visitors. A reliable, flexible and proactive approach. The ability to maintain confidentiality and professional standards within a school environment.

WORKING HOURS

36 hours per week. The role may require some flexibility around working hours to meet the operational needs of the school, including occasional early starts, later finishes or additional site requirements.

DBS & SAFEGUARDING

As this role is based within a school environment, the successful candidate will be required to complete the appropriate Enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks prior to commencing work.