School Caretaker / Site Maintenance Operative

SWALCLIFFE PARK SCHOOL; Deddington; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Deddington seeks a Site Maintenance Operative to join their friendly maintenance team. The role involves ensuring a safe and well-maintained environment through various responsibilities, including security checks, maintenance support, and cleaning. Ideal candidates will have experience in a similar role and solid knowledge of health and safety protocols. A full UK driving licence and vehicle are required.

Qualifications

• Background in a similar facilities role is essential.
• Must promote safe manual handling and COSHH awareness.
• Previous experience in caretaking, cleaning, or maintenance is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Open and close facilities, respond to emergencies as needed.
• Conduct daily walkarounds to ensure site security.
• Support minor repairs and ensure compliance tasks are met.
• Assist with grounds maintenance tasks and cleaning as required.
• Coordinate with contractors for safe site access.

Skills

Health & Safety Knowledge

Reliable & Flexible

Professional Conduct

ICT Literate

Education

Driving Licence & Vehicle

Educational Setting Experience

Tools

Use of Tools & Machines

Job description

School Caretaker / Site Maintenance Operative

Overview

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've also worked in the following roles, we'd also like to hear from you: Site Assistant, Handyperson, Maintenance Assistant, Porter, Groundskeeper.

Responsibilities

• Key Holder & Lock/Unlock: Open and close buildings, respond to call-outs
• Site Security & Checks: Daily walkarounds, 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

Qualifications

Essential

• Previous Experience in Caretaking/Cleaning/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