Facilities Assistant

Acorn Care and Education; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist educational organization in Shrewsbury is seeking a dedicated Facilities Assistant for a full-time role. You will support the upkeep and safety of the school environment while working a unique 4-Day Working Week. Responsibilities include responding proactively to maintenance issues and ensuring a welcoming environment for pupils and staff. Ideal candidates should have practical maintenance experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently. This position offers a competitive salary and various benefits, contributing positively to the lives of young people.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Discount options

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Family Growth Support

Qualifications

• Experience in maintenance roles or similar backgrounds.
• Ability to follow procedures and maintain standards.
• Resilience and calmness under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Respond to maintenance issues diligently.
• Support school upkeep and operations daily.
• Ensure a safe and welcoming environment.

Skills

Practical experience in a trade or maintenance role

Communication skills

Ability to work independently

Teamwork ability

High discretion and confidentiality

Job description

Overview

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four? At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Title: Facilities Assistant
Location: Smallbrook School, Shrewsbury, SY4 3HE
Salary: £27,560.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 08:00 - 16:00
Contract: Permanent | 52 weeks
Start: January 2026
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

About the Role

Smallbrook School is seeking a dedicated Facilities Assistant to join our on-site team, supporting the upkeep, safety, and smooth running of the school environment. Working under the Facilities Manager, you will help ensure the school site is safe, well-maintained, and fully operational every day.

Responsibilities

• Be practical, reliable, and proactive in responding to maintenance issues
• Demonstrate flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Support maintenance, building upkeep, and facilities management activities as required
• Ensure a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for staff and pupils

Essential Skills and Experience

• Practical experience in a trade, maintenance role, or similar background
• Ability to follow procedures and maintain high standards
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively
• Resilience and calmness under pressure
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• High levels of discretion and respect for confidentiality

Desirable Skills

• Experience in an educational or school maintenance setting
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and safe working practices
• First Aid training or willingness to undertake training

About Us

Smallbrook School is a co-educational day school based halfway between Shrewsbury and Wem in Shropshire. We are currently expanding our capacity from 50 to 80 students, with significant investment in our site to develop our KS2 and sixth form provision. We cater to pupils aged 7–18 with a range of complex needs, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, as well as those diagnosed with autism or displaying behaviours associated with autism. At Smallbrook, we provide a therapeutic, supportive, and inclusive learning environment, committed to raising achievement and enabling pupils to recognise and reach their potential. Through a personalised and engaging curriculum, we focus on developing the foundational knowledge and skills that ensure a smooth and manageable transition to the next stage of life.

We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve measurable outcomes for those in our care. In 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to 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.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enabling you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

Equal Opportunity

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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