School Premises Assistant Vacancy - Lewisham

Marchant Recruitment; Lewisham; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is seeking a School Premises Assistant in Lewisham, London. The role reports to the Site Manager/Premises Manager and is full-time and permanent with salary competitive and aligned to school support staff pay scales.

Successful candidates will assist with daily maintenance, safety, security and operations of the school site, ensuring a clean, safe and well-maintained environment for students and staff. School experience is required for this role.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in premises, facilities, maintenance, caretaking or a similar practical role.
• Practical skills to carry out general maintenance and repair tasks.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Reliable, responsible and able to work independently.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good awareness of health and safety requirements.
• Ability to respond calmly and appropriately to emergencies and unexpected situations.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Site Manager with the day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of the school buildings and grounds.
• Carry out general maintenance tasks, including minor repairs, decorating, basic plumbing and other practical duties within the scope of the role.
• Monitor the condition of buildings, furniture, fixtures, fittings and equipment and report defects or maintenance issues promptly.
• Assist with setting up and clearing rooms, furniture and equipment for lessons, meetings, examinations and school events.
• Ensure classrooms, communal areas, staff areas and external spaces are maintained in a safe and presentable condition.
• Support contractors and external maintenance providers when working on site.
• Assist with deliveries, storage and movement of equipment and supplies around the school.
• Carry out routine site inspections and report hazards, defects or areas requiring attention.
• Follow school policies and procedures relating to health and safety, safeguarding, security and risk management.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate records relating to premises, inspections, maintenance and health and safety.

Skills

Practical maintenance

Organisation

Health and safety awareness

Communication

Teamwork

Prioritisation

Reliability

Initiative

Customer service

Safeguarding awareness

Job description

Job Title: School Premises Assistant
Reporting To: Site Manager / Premises Manager
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Lewisham, London
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience and in line with school support staff pay scale

Please note that school experience is required for this role.

Purpose of the Role

The School Premises Assistant will support the Site Manager in maintaining a safe, secure, clean and well-maintained school environment for students, staff and visitors.

The postholder will assist with the day-to-day operation, maintenance and security of the school site, ensuring that buildings, grounds, facilities and equipment are maintained to a high standard. The role will involve carrying out general maintenance, porterage, health and safety checks, site security and supporting the smooth running of the school premises.

The successful candidate will be practical, reliable, organised and able to work independently while responding effectively to the changing needs of a busy school environment.

Key Responsibilities

Site Maintenance & Facilities

• Assist the Site Manager with the day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of the school buildings and grounds.
• Carry out general maintenance tasks, including minor repairs, decorating, basic plumbing and other practical duties within the scope of the role.
• Monitor the condition of buildings, furniture, fixtures, fittings and equipment and report defects or maintenance issues promptly.
• Assist with setting up and clearing rooms, furniture and equipment for lessons, meetings, examinations and school events.
• Ensure classrooms, communal areas, staff areas and external spaces are maintained in a safe and presentable condition.
• Support contractors and external maintenance providers when working on site.
• Assist with deliveries, storage and movement of equipment and supplies around the school.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Support the Site Manager in maintaining a safe environment for students, staff and visitors.
• Carry out routine site inspections and report hazards, defects or areas requiring attention.
• Assist with health and safety checks and ensure issues are escalated appropriately.
• Support fire safety procedures, including routine checks, drills and ensuring access routes and fire exits remain clear.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate records relating to premises, inspections, maintenance and health and safety.
• Follow school policies and procedures relating to health and safety, safeguarding, security and risk management.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and in accordance with relevant school procedures.

Security & Site Operations

• Assist with opening and securing the school site in accordance with agreed procedures.
• Monitor the security of buildings, gates, doors and external areas.
• Respond appropriately to site-related incidents, emergencies and alarms.
• Ensure unauthorised access to the school site is prevented and report any security concerns to the Site Manager or senior staff.
• Support the management of keys, access arrangements and site security systems where required.
• Assist with maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for students, staff, visitors and contractors.

Cleaning & Grounds Support

• Assist with maintaining the cleanliness and general appearance of the school site where required.
• Support the cleaning team by reporting areas requiring additional attention or maintenance.
• Assist with basic grounds maintenance, including keeping paths, entrances and external areas safe and tidy.
• Help prepare the school site for seasonal weather conditions, including clearing leaves, snow or other hazards where necessary.
• Ensure waste and recycling areas are maintained appropriately.

Events & School Activities

• Assist with the preparation and organisation of the site for school events, meetings, examinations and community activities.
• Set up and dismantle furniture, staging, equipment and other facilities as required.
• Provide practical support during school events and activities.
• Ensure rooms and facilities are ready for use and returned to their normal condition following events.

Administration & Communication

• Maintain accurate records of maintenance issues, inspections, repairs and other premises-related activities.
• Report faults, damage and maintenance requirements to the Site Manager promptly.
• Liaise professionally with school staff, contractors, suppliers, visitors and other stakeholders.
• Assist with monitoring stock levels of premises, maintenance and cleaning supplies.
• Support the Site Manager with obtaining quotes, ordering supplies and monitoring deliveries where required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous experience in premises, facilities, maintenance, caretaking or a similar practical role.
• Practical skills and the ability to carry out general maintenance and repair tasks.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Reliable, responsible and able to work independently.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good awareness of health and safety requirements.
• Ability to respond calmly and appropriately to emergencies and unexpected situations.
• Good attention to detail and pride in maintaining high standards.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Desirable

• Previous experience working within a school or educational environment.
• Relevant maintenance, caretaking, facilities or health and safety qualifications.
• Knowledge of school premises procedures and safeguarding requirements.
• Experience supporting contractors and external service providers.
• Knowledge of fire safety, risk assessments and general site compliance.
• Experience using basic maintenance tools and equipment.
• Full UK driving licence, where required for the role.

Key Skills

• Practical maintenance and problem-solving
• Organisation and time management
• Health and safety awareness
• Site security and attention to detail
• Communication and teamwork
• Ability to prioritise and work under pressure
• Initiative and reliability
• Customer service and professional conduct
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Safeguarding awareness

Safeguarding Statement

The school in Lewisham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undergo the appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, and provide satisfactory references.

The successful candidate will be expected to comply with all school safeguarding, health and safety, security and operational policies and procedures.