School Caretaker / Site Maintenance Operative

Swalcliffe Park School; Cherwell District; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution located in the Cherwell District is seeking a dedicated School Caretaker / Site Maintenance Operative. The role involves site security, basic repairs, cleaning, and grounds maintenance. The ideal candidate has experience in similar facilities roles and a good understanding of health and safety practices. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are required. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Free workwear

Free lunchtime meal

Employee wellbeing support

25 days holiday plus 8 Bank Holidays

NEST pension

Sickness pay

Qualifications

• Previous experience in caretaking, cleaning or maintenance.
• Knowledge of COSHH and manual handling.
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Support site security, basic repairs, and grounds maintenance.
• Open and close buildings, respond to call-outs.
• Daily walk-arounds to identify hazards.

Skills

Site maintenance skills

Health and safety awareness

Cleaning experience

Organisational skills

Reliability

Tools

Hand tools

Cleaning machines

Job description

School Caretaker / Site Maintenance Operative

Join a friendly Site Maintenance team keeping a safe, secure and well‑maintained school environment at Swalcliffe Park School. Use your site maintenance skills, health and safety awareness (incl. COSHH and manual handling), cleaning and grounds maintenance experience to make a real impact.

If you have also worked as a Site Assistant, Handyperson, Maintenance Assistant, Porter, Groundskeeper we’d also like to hear from you.

This role is known internally as a Caretaker.

Salary: £25,989 to £28,142 per annum (NJC Points 6-11) + Benefits.
Location: Swalcliffe, Nr Banbury, Oxfordshire (OX15)
Job Type: Full‑time, Permanent (part‑time hours considered)
Working Hours: 37½ hours per week, 10am – 6pm Monday to Friday.

Job Overview

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a School Caretaker / Site Maintenance Operative supporting site security, basic repairs, cleaning support and grounds maintenance.

Duties

• Key Holder & Lock/Unlock: Open and close buildings, respond to call‑outs.
• Site Security & Checks: Daily walk‑arounds, identify hazards, make safe and report.
• Planned & Reactive Maintenance: Support minor repairs and compliance tasks.
• Grounds Maintenance: Litter picking, sweeping, seasonal gritting and salting.
• Cleaning Support: Provide additional capacity to the housekeeping team.
• Waste & Recycling: Empty bins, clear gullies and drains, support eco initiatives.
• Contractor Liaison: Chaperone contractors and ensure safe access.
• Portering & Room Setup: Move equipment/furniture and support school events.
• Deliveries & Stores: Receive, check and distribute goods.
• Health & Safety: Promote safe manual handling, PPE use and COSHH awareness.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience in caretaking, cleaning or maintenance: Background in a similar facilities role.
• Health & Safety knowledge: COSHH, manual handling and safe working practices.
• Reliable & flexible: Positive can‑do approach with good organisation skills.
• Professional conduct: Maintain appropriate boundaries; team‑focused and approachable.
• ICT literate: Willing to use basic systems for records and compliance.
• Driving licence & vehicle: Have held a full UK driving licence for at least 2 years with access to a car for work purposes.

Desirable

• Educational setting experience: Background supporting a school site.
• Use of tools & machines: Competent with hand tools and cleaning machines.
• H&S qualifications: IOSH Working Safely or similar.
• First aid training: First Aid at Work or willingness to train.

Benefits

• Full induction programme with training and development opportunities.
• Free workwear and a free lunchtime meal.
• Access to employee wellbeing support.
• 25 days holiday plus 8 Bank Holidays.
• NEST pension.
• Sickness pay: two weeks full pay and two weeks half pay in a rolling year.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake an enhanced disclosure. We are an equal opportunities employer.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

How to apply: To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV to our Recruitment Team who will review your details.

Job Ref: AWDO-P14074

This job is being advertised by AWD online on behalf of Swalcliffe Park School Jobs. AWD‑IN‑SPJ