Job Title: Primary School Caretaker
Reports to: School Business Manager / Headteacher
Location: Primary School Site
Hours:Part‑time (with occasional flexibility required)
Job Purpose
To ensure the school is a safe, clean, secure and welcoming environment for pupils, staff and visitors. The caretaker plays a key role in maintaining the school’s buildings, grounds and facilities, carrying out repairs, supervising contractors and supporting the daily operation of the school.
Key Responsibilities
Site Security & Safety
- Open and close the school site each day, ensuring all buildings are secure.
- Conduct regular security checks, including alarm systems, gates and external doors.
- Act as a key holder and respond to call‑outs outside normal hours when needed.
- Monitor health and safety standards and report hazards or maintenance issues.
- Support emergency procedures (fire drills, evacuation routes, etc.).
Maintenance & Repairs
- Carry out minor repairs and maintenance, such as replacing light bulbs, fixing door handles, unblocking sinks, repainting small areas.
- Conduct routine checks of heating, lighting, plumbing and ventilation systems.
- Perform basic grounds maintenance (sweeping paths, clearing leaves, gritting in winter).
- Keep maintenance logs up to date and report larger issues to management or contractors.
Cleaning & Hygiene Support
- Ensure cleanliness and tidiness of key areas such as entrances, corridors and outdoor spaces.
- Assist cleaning staff when required and monitor the quality of cleaning across the school.
- Maintain stock of cleaning materials and order supplies when necessary.
Facilities & Resources Management
- Set up rooms for lessons, meetings or school events (moving furniture/equipment).
- Manage deliveries, distribute supplies and oversee storage areas.
- Ensure waste and recycling systems are properly managed.
Contractor & Visitor Oversight
- Supervise onsite contractors, ensuring safe and compliant working practices.
- Liaise with maintenance services, inspectors and outside agencies when required.
Health & Safety Compliance
- Carry out regular health and safety checks, including playground equipment inspections.
- Assist with risk assessments for site‑related activities.
- Follow all safeguarding procedures and maintain confidentiality.
Additional Information
- The role may require occasional evening or weekend work for school events or emergencies.
- The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check in line with safeguarding requirements.
Requirements
Person Specification
Essential
- Practical maintenance skills and experience in caretaking, facilities or DIY work.
- Good understanding of health and safety responsibilities.
- Reliability, punctuality and strong sense of responsibility.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Physically fit and able to carry out manual tasks.
- Friendly, approachable, and respectful when working around children.
Desirable
- Experience in a school environment.
- Basic IT skills (logging issues, monitoring emails).
- Relevant training or certificates (e.g., health & safety, manual handling).
Benefits
- £14.50 per hour
- part time hours 07.00 - 09.00 & 15.00 - 17.30
- Monday to Friday working
- Term time only