School Caretaker

Polaris Community; Leeds; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days’ annual leave

Bank holidays

Company pension

Life assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Medical Cash Plan

Job summary

Polaris Education – Ormston School in Headingley, Leeds, seeks a School Caretaker on a full-time, permanent basis. The role covers cleaning, maintenance, porterage and security to keep pupils safe and premises well-maintained.

The successful candidate will ensure a safe, welcoming environment, supervise cleaning staff, manage repairs, and coordinate with the Headteacher on health, safety and security matters.

Qualifications

• Previous property maintenance or caretaking experience within a school environment is preferred.
• Experience with building maintenance and minor repairs.
• Experience with security systems and alarm systems.
• Good knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Basic DIY skills and ability to work with contractors.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Maintain clean, safe and secure school premises, including buildings and grounds.
• Carry out cleaning, handyperson duties, routine maintenance, minor repairs and porterage.
• Supervise school cleaning staff when required.
• Promote health and safety throughout the school.
• Carry out daily cleaning and ad hoc duties, including waste disposal.
• Maintain security of the premises as main key holder and manage alarms.
• Check end of day that windows, doors, lights and appliances are off.
• Coordinate larger repairs and obtain quotes from contractors.
• Carry out regular health and safety checks and report issues to Headteacher.

Skills

Caretaking experience

Property maintenance

Security systems knowledge

Health and safety awareness

Communication with contractors

Driving licence

Tools

Security systems

Alarm systems

Job description

Polaris Education – Ormston School, Headingley
School Caretaker
Basic Salary: £26,402
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Location: Headingley, Leeds

• 30 days’ annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service
• Bank holidays
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan

Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its pupils?

If so, our school in Leeds could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.

About the School

Located in Headingley, Leeds, Ormston School offers a safe and supportive environment for pupils aged 5 to 18.

With significant investment and an abundance of new resources, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to shape and mould the school to create a supportive environment that promotes self-discipline and engagement and inspires learning. Our mission is to provide each pupil with a diverse and appropriate education that encourages aspiration and achievement.

We are part of the Polaris Community and have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Within the Polaris Community, we have over fifteen SEN schools across the UK that work together to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning and encourages achievement. We’re also incredibly proud that 100% of our education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Role Responsibilities

• Maintain clean, safe and secure school premises, including the buildings and grounds
• Carry out cleaning, handyperson duties, routine maintenance, refurbishment, porterage and minor repairs
• Supervise school cleaning staff where required
• Promote health and safety throughout the school
• Carry out porterage duties, such as moving furniture and equipment around the school
• Maintain the general school premises, furniture and fittings, reporting any issues to the Headteacher
• Carry out small repairs and DIY projects
• Arrange larger repairs and obtain quotes from contractors
• Carry out daily cleaning and ad hoc duties, such as litter picking and arranging the disposal of waste
• Carry out emergency cleaning duties, such as gritting and cleaning up spillages
• Arrange an annual deep clean of classrooms, staffrooms, the kitchen, dining areas, food technology areas and other frequently used spaces on the school premises
• Take responsibility for maintaining cleaning tools and products, including arranging replacements and ensuring appropriate stock levels
• Maintain the security of the school premises as the main key holder
• Lock and unlock the premises as required, including outside school hours when necessary
• Check at the end of the school day that all windows, doors and gates are locked, lights are switched off, and gas and electrical appliances are turned off
• Set security alarm systems, report potential security breaches and respond to alarms or other call-outs in accordance with agreed procedures
• Carry out regular checks of CCTV and alarm systems, locks, fire-safety appliances, security gates and perimeter fencing, ensuring any necessary repairs are actioned
• Advise the Headteacher on all matters relating to school security and safety
• Ensure a safe working and learning environment in accordance with relevant legislation
• Carry out and record regular health and safety checks, including checks relating to legionella risk management, play equipment, safety equipment and hazards on the school premises, and report any problems to the Headteacher
• Provide safe access to the school during cold weather conditions

Requirements

• Previous property maintenance or caretaking experience within a school environment is preferred
• Previous experience of building maintenance
• Previous experience of security systems, including alarm systems
• Good knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations
• Basic DIY skills
• Good interpersonal and communication skills when dealing with contractors and other visitors to the site, while protecting the school’s interests
• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• Ability to work effectively with children and young people with SEMH needs
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Education.

Polaris Education is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Polaris Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.