School Maintenance Operative

Keys Children; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NEST pension

Referral bonus

Maternity/Paternity pay

Blue light card

Training & qualifications

Enhanced pay scales

Wellbeing discounts

Life assurance

Job summary

Keys Children is seeking an experienced Caretaker for Park House School, Barnsley. The role focuses on maintaining a safe, well-kept environment for pupils and staff, with responsibilities spanning fire/safety checks, basic trades, and grounds upkeep.

The position is full-time and permanent, offering 40 hours per week and a salary of £27,000–£30,000. The Estates Team will oversee duties, with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experienced multi-skilled maintenance operative.
• Ability to work effectively without direct supervision.
• Organised, pragmatic and solutions-focused.

Responsibilities

• Carry out and record regular checks on fire alarms, emergency lighting, and safety equipment.
• Undertake maintenance tasks such as carpentry, plumbing and decorating as directed.
• Create and manage a rolling decoration programme for school holidays.
• Manage on-site contractors and monitor safety and workmanship.
• General grounds maintenance including grass cutting and hedge trimming.
• Maintain safe pedestrian access, including gritting when required.
• Perform other reasonable duties as requested by Head Teacher or Estates Team.

Skills

Multiskilled maintenance

Independent working

Organised & pragmatic

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Barnsley

Location: Park House School – Barnsley Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 Contract: Full Time, permanent (40 hours per week)

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Caretaker to support a wide-range of maintenance tasks. This role offers a unique opportunity to make an impact on service delivery for vulnerable children providing them with the opportunity learn in a well-maintained safe environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake and record regular checks on fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, playground equipment, legionella risks etc.
• Undertake range of maintenance duties as directed by the Head Teacher, that contribute to the maintenance of the school premises (e.g. carpentry, plumbing and decorating.
• Create and manage a rolling decoration program to be planned and completed during school holiday periods.
• Manage contractors on site when carrying out repairs and maintenance, monitor the safety of their working practices/quality of work.
• General grounds maintenance including grass cutting and hedge trimming where necessary.
• Always ensure safe pedestrian access, including keeping paths and entrances clear of leaves and moss, as well as gritting and snow clearing during severe weather.
• To carry out any other reasonable activities as requested by the Head Teacher or the Estates Team.

What We’re Looking For

• Experienced multi-skilled maintenance operative- Essential
• Previous experience in a similar role- Desirable
• Able to work effectively without direct supervision - Essential
• Organised, pragmatic, and solutions-focused- Essential

Benefits of Joining Keys Group

• NEST enhanced pension scheme
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys Group and split a £500 referral bonus between you
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to a blue light discount card
• Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues
• Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
• Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts
• Life assurance

Keys Educationis a national network of alternative learning solutions and pathways, designed to support learners with diverse needs to achieve their goals and realise their potential. It helps individuals with support needs build stability, resilience, and a sense of belonging through Connected Support.

We are proud to be anEqual Opportunities Employerand welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are also committed to supporting the Armed Forces community through our Armed Forces Covenant.

Eligible candidates from military backgrounds are guaranteed an interview – please include details of your service on your CV.

Safeguarding We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check.

School toursare highly welcomed as a part of our interview selection process.

Please note we reserve the right to closethe vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education an online search will be carried out on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence checks.