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Chelmer Valley High School; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Chelmer Valley High School is seeking a diligent caretaker to maintain the school site and supervise lettings, ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for pupils and staff after hours. You will monitor security, carry out health and safety checks and support safeguarding, with a 37-hour week from Monday to Friday; flexibility for events may be required.

The role also covers grounds maintenance and reporting issues promptly, working with the Premises Manager to uphold high safety standards across

Qualifications

• Experience as school caretaker or similar role is preferred.
• Ability to handle lettings duties and customer-facing tasks.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting safety on site.

Responsibilities

• Monitor CCTV systems and report security concerns.
• Secure premises after events, lettings and community use.
• Maintain accurate incident records and security checks.
• Support safeguarding by maintaining a secure environment.
• Carry out health and safety inspections of buildings and grounds.
• Ensure fire safety equipment and exits are maintained.
• Liaise with contractors and external inspectors as required.
• Maintain and garden grounds, including lawns and borders.

Skills

Hard-working

Honest

Dependable

Self-motivated

Lettings

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To be responsible for the upkeep and security of the school premises and site, ensuring a safe environment.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

A hard-working, honest, dependable, self-motivated person to act as school caretaker and undertake Lettings duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Duties the successful candidate will be expected to undertake, will include but are not limited to:

Security

Monitor CCTV systems in accordance with school policies and data protection requirements.

Report vandalism, theft, damage or security concerns promptly.

Ensure valuable equipment and sensitive areas are properly secured.

Secure premises following school events, lettings and community use activities.

Maintain accurate records of incidents, alarm activations and security checks.

Support safeguarding procedures by helping maintain a secure environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

Respond to emergency call-outs outside normal working hours when required.

Promote a culture of safety and security across the school site.

Health and Safety – Compliance

Carry out routine health and safety inspections of buildings, grounds and facilities.

Identify, report and take appropriate action on hazards, defects and unsafe conditions.

Ensure compliance with school health and safety policies and procedures.

Conduct and record regular fire safety checks, including fire alarms, emergency lighting and fire-fighting equipment in line with legislation

Monitor fire exits, escape routes and assembly points to ensure they remain unobstructed.

Support the completion and review of risk assessments.

Ensure all statutory health and safety checks are completed as required in line with legislation

Maintain accurate health and safety records, inspection logs and compliance documentation.

Report accidents, incidents and near misses in accordance with school procedures.

Assist with investigations into accidents and implement corrective actions where required.

Monitor contractor activities to ensure safe working practices and compliance with site regulations.

Ensure safe storage, handling and disposal of cleaning materials, chemicals and hazardous substances (COSHH).

Carry out water hygiene checks and monitor compliance with legionella control measures.

Inspect playgrounds, sports facilities and external areas for safety hazards.

Ensure safe access and egress to buildings during adverse weather conditions, including gritting and snow clearance.

Undertake manual handling tasks using safe working practices.

Monitor site security as part of maintaining a safe environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

Assist with emergency procedures, evacuations and lockdown drills.

Ensure appropriate signage, safety notices and warning systems are in place and maintained.

Promote a positive health and safety culture throughout the school.

Liaise with health and safety officers, contractors and external inspectors as required.

Keep up to date with relevant health and safety legislation and school compliance requirements

Report H&S matters to Premises Manager

Grounds Maintenance

Maintain school lawns and grassed areas

Cut grass and trim lawn edges regularly.

Plant and maintain flowers, shrubs, trees and seasonal displays.

Prune hedges, bushes and shrubs to maintain a tidy and safe environment.

Weed flower beds, borders, pathways and hard surface areas.

Water plants and landscaped areas as required.

Remove litter, leaves and debris from grounds and gardens.

Keep pathways, entrances and outdoor areas clean and presentable.

Monitor the health of plants and identify pest or disease issues.

Apply fertilisers, weed control and plant treatments in accordance with safety guidelines.

Maintain raised beds, sensory gardens and educational garden areas.

Operate and maintain gardening equipment and tools safely.

Carry out seasonal gardening tasks, including planting, pruning and mulching.

Remove dead or hazardous branches and vegetation where appropriate.

Ensure trees, hedges and planting do not obstruct pathways, roads, signs or security lighting.

Assist with grounds improvement and landscaping projects.

Maintain outdoor seating areas and playgrounds.

Support biodiversity initiatives, wildlife areas and environmental projects.

Ensure outdoor areas are safe for pupils, staff and visitors.

Report any grounds maintenance issues requiring specialist attention

Keep paths and entrances free of ice and snow to ensure the safety of children, parents, staff and visitors

Jet wash paths and canopies

Includes - General Maintenance Duties and Lettings requirements.

Hours of Work

The working week will be 37 hours with a requirement to be on the school premises: Monday – Thursday 2.00pm -10.00pm Friday 10.30am – 6.00pm (30 minutes Lunch).

However, variations to these times may be necessary on certain occasions when covering other team members’ holiday periods, meetings, building work, functions etc are held at the school. Any variation will be notified in advance by the Headteacher / Line Manager.

This job description allocates duties and responsibilities but does not direct the particular amount of time to be spent on carrying them out and no part of it may be so construed.

The job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. It will be reviewed at least once a year and it may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the holder of the post.