Maintenance Assistant

FIRSTGROUP PLC; Diss; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A school in Norfolk is seeking a reliable Maintenance Assistant to support the upkeep and repair of facilities. Candidates should have general maintenance experience, knowledge of maintenance tools, and the ability to work independently. Responsibilities include reactive maintenance, supervising contractors, and ensuring a safe environment. The ideal candidate will also have a full UK driving licence and a respectful demeanor around young individuals.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

BUPA Cash Plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Qualifications

• Prior experience in general maintenance, preferably in a school or similar setting.
• Working knowledge of basic maintenance tools and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and follow safety protocols.
• Physical stamina to handle lifting, bending, and extended periods of walking.
• Respectful and professional behaviour, especially when working around children and young adults.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Ensure reactive maintenance is dealt with in a timely and safe manner.
• Help to supervise works carried out by external contractors.
• Respond effectively to all repairs and maintenance.
• Help prepare work schedules covering school holidays.
• Ensure that all buildings on site are secure and locked at the end of the school day.

Skills

General maintenance experience

Knowledge of maintenance tools

Ability to work independently

Physical stamina

Respectful behavior

Job description

UK applicants only - this role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our ongoing growth, we are seeking a reliable and detail‑oriented Maintenance Assistant to join our dedicated team at Acorn Park School, based in Banham, Norfolk.

About the Role

We are looking for a Maintenance Assistant to support the ongoing upkeep and repair of our facilities. The ideal candidate will work closely with the maintenance team to carry out routine inspections, assist with repairs, and perform general maintenance tasks. This role is essential in helping maintain a clean, safe, and fully functional environment for all staff and visitors.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensure reactive maintenance is dealt with in a timely and safe manner.
• Have a proactive attitude to maintenance on a daily basis.
• Help to supervise works carried out by external contractors and service providers.
• Ensure Health and Safety policies and procedures are followed, including the reporting of incidents as appropriate.
• Respond effectively to all repairs and maintenance, ensuring a safe and well‑cared‑for environment for all.
• Help to prepare work schedules covering school holidays.
• Report breaches of Health and Safety to the Estate Manager.
• Carry out any relative works that the Estate Manager deems appropriate.
• Perform any other duties that may be required from time to time, commensurate with the role.
• Ensure that all buildings on site are secure and locked at the end of the school day.

Requirements

• Prior experience in general maintenance, preferably in a school or similar setting.
• Working knowledge of basic maintenance tools and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and follow safety protocols.
• Physical stamina to handle lifting, bending, and extended periods of walking.
• Respectful and professional behaviour, especially when working around children and young adults.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

About Us

Acorn Park is a school for 98 pupils, all of whom have a primary diagnosis of Autism. We run two curriculum pathways — Formal and Semi‑Formal. Our Complex needs pupils are on the Semi‑Formal Pathway, which is highly personalised from their EHCP. We have a mixture of Day and Residential pupils, with 8 co‑located pupil homes on our 30‑acre site in rural Norfolk. On site, we also have a large Forest School and Animal Care Farm, along with play facilities, a sports hall and sensory rooms.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care. In 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why Join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of our pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day knowing 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. Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll receive 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
• BUPA Cash Plan
• 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
• 100s 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 covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and paid fertility treatment support.

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