School Caretaker

School Caretaker
Basic Salary: £26,402
Contract: Full Time
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Batley and Huddersfield

Benefits

• 30 days’ annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service
• Bank Holidays
• Company Pension
• Life Assurance
• Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan

We are looking to recruit an experienced Caretaker to look after two small to medium-sized schools. Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its pupils? If so, our schools in Batley and Huddersfield could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.

About the Schools

Our main goal in education is to help young people to reach their full potential. At Polaris, we recognise the importance of specialist education and support for young people who need a tailored approach to learning.

With significant investment and an abundance of new resources, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to shape and mould the schools to create a supportive environment that promotes self-discipline and engagement, and inspires learning. Our mission is to provide each pupil with a diverse and appropriate education that encourages aspiration and achievement.

We are part of the Polaris Community and have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Within the Polaris Community, we have several SEN schools across the UK that work together to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning and encourages achievement. We are also incredibly proud that 100% of our inspected services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Role Responsibilities

Provide caretaker services to two small to medium-sized school sites. A summary of tasks includes:

• Maintaining clean, safe and secure school premises, including buildings and grounds
• Carrying out cleaning, maintenance tasks, routine maintenance, refurbishment and minor repairs
• Some supervision of school cleaning staff
• Promoting health and safety around the schools
• Carrying out porterage duties, such as moving furniture and equipment around the school
• Maintaining the general school premises, furniture and fittings, and reporting any issues to the Headteacher
• Carrying out small repairs and DIY projects
• Arranging larger repairs and obtaining quotes from contractors
• Carrying out daily cleaning and ad-hoc duties, such as litter picking and arranging the disposal of waste
• Carrying out emergency cleaning duties, such as gritting and cleaning up spillages
• Arranging an annual deep clean of classrooms, staffrooms, kitchen, dining areas, food tech areas and other frequently used spaces on school premises
• Taking responsibility for the maintenance of cleaning tools and products, including arranging replacements and ensuring good stock levels
• Maintaining the security of the school premises as the main key holder
• Locking and unlocking the premises as required, including out of school hours when necessary
• Checking at the end of the school day that all windows, doors and gates are locked, lights are switched off, and gas and electrical appliances are turned off
• Setting security alarm systems, reporting any potential security breaches, and responding to any alarms or other call-outs following agreed procedures
• Carrying out regular checks of CCTV and alarm systems, locks, fire safety appliances, security gates and perimeter fencing, and ensuring any necessary repairs are actioned
• Advising the Headteacher on all matters relating to the school’s security and safety, ensuring a safe working and learning environment in accordance with relevant legislation
• Carrying out and recording regular health and safety checks, including on legionella risk, play equipment, safety equipment and any hazards on school premises, reporting any problems to the Headteacher
• Providing safe access to the schools in cold weather conditions

Requirements

• Previous caretaking experience within a school environment
• Previous experience of building maintenance
• Previous experience of security, including alarm systems
• Good knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations
• Basic DIY skills
• Good interpersonal skills to protect the school’s interests in dealing with contractors and other visitors to the site
• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• Ability to work in an environment with SEMH children
• Full driving licence and access to own car
• Willingness to travel between both sites

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris.

Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.