Facilities Assistant

Outcomes First Group; Ashford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing programme

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)

Health benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

Outcomes First Group, through its Acorn Education division, is seeking a Facilities Assistant to help keep our SEN school at Heath Farm safe, secure and welcoming for pupils, staff and visitors.

You will work with the Facilities Management Team and School Business Manager to maintain buildings and grounds, support health & safety compliance, and assist with records, inspections and contractor oversight. Driving licence is required and we value practical, hands-on problem solving.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in facilities, estates or site management.
• Strong understanding of health and safety and compliance requirements.
• Hands-on, practical problem-solving approach.
• Good IT skills and experience maintaining records and reports.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and adapt to changing demands.
• Driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the maintenance and upkeep of school buildings, grounds, vehicles, and equipment.
• Carrying out general repairs and coordinating planned and reactive maintenance works.
• Assisting with health and safety compliance, including fire safety, water hygiene, PAT testing, emergency lighting, and other statutory checks.
• Monitoring contractors and ensuring work is completed safely and to a high standard.
• Maintaining accurate records, compliance documentation, and operational systems.
• Supporting site security, including opening and closing procedures.
• Conducting regular site inspections and helping to identify improvements across the school estate.
• Responding to maintenance issues and emergencies with a calm and practical approach.

Skills

Facilities management

Health & safety

Record keeping

Driving licence

Job description

We are looking for a Facilities Assistant 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. Working alongside the Facilities Management Team and School Business Manager, you'll help maintain our buildings and grounds, support compliance and health & safety requirements, and contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of our school site. What you will be doing

• Supporting the maintenance and upkeep of school buildings, grounds, vehicles, and equipment.
• Carrying out general repairs and coordinating planned and reactive maintenance works.
• Assisting with health and safety compliance, including fire safety, water hygiene, PAT testing, emergency lighting, and other statutory checks.
• Monitoring contractors and ensuring work is completed safely and to a high standard.
• Maintaining accurate records, compliance documentation, and operational systems.
• Supporting site security, including opening and closing procedures.
• Conducting regular site inspections and helping to identify improvements across the school estate.
• Responding to maintenance issues and emergencies with a calm and practical approach.
  We're looking for someone who is organised, reliable, and committed to keeping our school environment safe and well-maintained.
• Previous experience within facilities, estates, site management, or a similar role.
• A good understanding of health and safety and compliance requirements.
• Strong practical problem-solving skills and a hands‑on approach.
• Good IT skills and experience maintaining records and reports.
• The ability to prioritise tasks and respond effectively to changing demands.
• Driving licence required.
  Heath Farm is an independent SEN school that offers a unique and stimulating environment where every student can make outstanding progress in their personal development and enjoy success in their education. From our nurturing approach for Primary through to Secondary students aged 5 to 16, all students are encouraged to reach high standards in every aspect of their lives.
• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• "Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:"
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

Our pupils present with a wide range of needs, including social and emotional issues, learning difficulties, mental health problems and associated conditions. However, they are able to enjoy extraordinary outcomes and be happy at school. Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.