Primary School Caretaker

Smile Education; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Smile Education is seeking an experienced Site Manager/Caretaker on a temporary basis with an immediate start available through to the Christmas period. The role focuses on daytime site management, conducting daily site checks, and reporting issues to ensure a safe school environment.

Ideal candidates have prior caretaker/site management or facilities experience, strong DIY skills, and a good grasp of health and safety and site compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience as Caretaker or Site Manager or similar role.
• Experience in a school/educational setting preferred.
• Strong general maintenance and DIY skills.
• Solid understanding of health and safety and site compliance.

Responsibilities

• Carry out daily checks of the school buildings and grounds.
• Ensure site is safe, secure, clean and well maintained.
• Maintain records of daily site checks and compliance.
• Identify and report maintenance, health and safety issues.
• Carry out general maintenance and minor repairs as needed.
• Support contractors and deliveries on site.

Skills

Caretaking

Site management

Maintenance

Health and safety

Independent working

Job description

Smile Education are currently recruiting for an experienced Site Manager/Caretaker to join a welcoming and supportive school on a temporary basis, with an immediate start available through to the Christmas period.

The successful applicant will be responsible for carrying out daily site checks, general maintenance and minor repairs, monitoring the condition of the premises and ensuring any issues are identified and reported promptly. The role will focus on daytime site management, with an existing key holder responsible for opening and locking the premises.

The role offers up to 6 hours per day and would suit someone with previous experience in caretaking, site management, facilities management, maintenance or a similar hands‑on environment. The successful candidate should be confident working independently, able to prioritise tasks effectively and have a strong understanding of health and safety and site compliance.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly and dedicated school team on a temporary basis, with the role expected to continue through to the Christmas period. The expected salary range for the role is £16 - £18 per hour, depending on experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Carrying out daily checks of the school buildings, grounds and facilities
• Ensuring the school site is safe, secure, clean and well maintained
• Completing and maintaining accurate records of daily site and compliance checks
• Identifying and reporting maintenance, health and safety or compliance issues
• Carrying out general maintenance and minor repairs where appropriate
• Maintaining school grounds, including basic gardening and outdoor upkeep
• Monitoring heating, lighting and other basic site systems
• Supporting fire safety and emergency procedures
• Ensuring relevant health and safety requirements are maintained
• Liaising with contractors and external agencies when required
• Supporting contractors and service providers attending the site
• Assisting with deliveries and moving equipment or furniture where required
• Ensuring classrooms, communal areas and external spaces are safe and presentable
• Responding promptly to any issues that may affect the safety or smooth running of the school
• Reporting larger maintenance issues to the relevant person or contractor
• Supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the school site
• Keeping site documentation and compliance information up to date
• Working closely with school staff to ensure the premises remain safe and operational

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Have previous experience working as a Caretaker, Site Manager, Site Assistant, Facilities Assistant or in a similar role
• Ideally have previous experience working within a school or educational setting
• Have good general maintenance and DIY skills
• Have a strong understanding of health and safety and site compliance
• Be practical, proactive and able to use their own initiative
• Be reliable, punctual and highly organised
• Be confident working independently
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Be able to build positive working relationships with school staff, contractors and visitors
• Take pride in maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming school environment
• Be able to identify potential issues and take appropriate action
• Be flexible and willing to respond to the changing needs of the school
• Be available for the required temporary period through to Christmas

What to Expect from Applicants

We are looking for applicants with previous experience in caretaking, site management, maintenance, facilities management or a similar practical role. Previous experience working within a school or educational environment would be highly advantageous. Candidates should be confident carrying out general maintenance, daily site checks and basic repairs, while understanding the importance of safeguarding, security, health and safety and compliance within a school setting. The successful candidate will be expected to work proactively and efficiently, ensuring that the school site is maintained to a high standard and that any issues are identified, recorded and dealt with promptly. An existing key holder will be responsible for opening and locking the school premises, so the successful candidate will primarily be required to work during the daytime for up to 6 hours per day.

To be successful in your application, you should have experience in one or more of the following

• School caretaking or site management
• General maintenance and DIY
• Facilities management
• Building and grounds maintenance
• Health and safety checks
• Site compliance and record keeping
• Working within a school or educational environment
• Managing contractors and deliveries
• Maintaining buildings and external areas
• Responding to maintenance and site issues
• Availability to start immediately and commit to the required temporary duration through to Christmas

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited List, Barred List, DBS and qualification checks.