Senior Caretaker

Site management, security and daily operations

• Open and/or secure the premises as required, acting as a key holder and be contactable outside normal working hours for urgent site, safety, security or emergency matters, responding appropriately in line with school procedures.
• Carry out regular site checks, identifying hazards, defects or security concerns and taking prompt corrective action or escalating matters appropriately.
• Support morning and afternoon gate duties, where required, and the safe movement of pupils, staff, parents, visitors, deliveries and vehicles on or near the school site.
• Maintain high standards of site presentation, cleanliness and readiness, including external areas, wasteareas, grounds, classrooms, halls and shared spaces.
• Ensure facilities are correctly set up and cleared down for school activities, assemblies, examinations,meetings, lettings and out-of-hours events.

Maintenance, repairs and facilities care

• Undertake routine maintenance, minor repairs, DIY tasks and porterage, using tools and equipment safely and within competence.
• Monitor and manage reactive maintenance tasks raised through the school’s maintenance/helpdesk software, updating records and communicating progress as required.
• Support planned preventative maintenance schedules so that buildings, grounds, plant, services andequipment remain operational and safe.
• Assist with the maintenance and supervision of lighting, ventilation, heating, domestic hot water,electrical and gas-related installations, escalating technical issues to competent contractors where required.
• Ensure accurate records are kept of work completed, inspections undertaken, defects identified and follow-up actions.

Health, safety and statutory compliance

• Support the Estates Manager with premises-related health and safety arrangements, compliance records and risk assessments.
• Act as Fire Officer or deputy Fire Officer as directed, supporting fire alarm checks, fire drill arrangements, fire routes, fire doors, emergency lighting checks and records.
• Support water hygiene and legionella control arrangements, including flushing and temperature check swhere trained and authorised, and ensuring monthly records are completed.
• Work within asbestos management arrangements, checking asbestos information before intrusive works and ensuring contractors are briefed as required.
• Support statutory testing and inspection arrangements, including records for fire safety systems,electrical testing, gas safety, lifting equipment, ladders, playground/play equipment, access equipment and other premises compliance areas as applicable.
• Complete dynamic and documented risk assessments where required and ensure safe systems of work are followed, including manual handling, working at height, lone working, COSHH and contractor control.

Supervision, contractors and quality control

• Deputise for the Estates Manager when absent from site, supporting day-to-day operational management, safety and security of the school site.
• Supervise caretaking staff and/or cleaning staff/contractors as delegated, supporting work allocation,standards, communication and follow-up.
• Liaise with contractors and service providers, ensuring safe access, signing-in arrangements,

Safeguarding, behaviour and school ethos

• Maintain professional boundaries and follow the school’s safeguarding, child protection, staff conduct and whistleblowing procedures at all times.
• Report any safeguarding or welfare concern immediately through the school’s agreed procedures.
• Promote a calm, respectful and helpful presence around the site, relating well to pupils, parents, staff,visitors and contractors.
• Support the school’s ethos of open-minded enquiry, mutual respect, trust and kindness through everyday conduct and communication.

Resources & sustainability

• Support the safe management of site resources, tools, equipment, keys, radios, access cards, stores and consumables.
• Monitor energy and water use, reporting waste, leaks, faults or opportunities

Estates Manager.

• Support waste management, recycling, snow/ice procedures, adverse-weather arrangements and business-continuity responses as required.

Communication and administration

• Respond appropriately to emails, telephone calls, maintenance requests and urgent messages during working hours.
• Provide timely updates and routine/progress reports to the Estates Manager on critical safety, security,
• maintenance, staffing or contractor matters.Maintain clear, accurate records and handover notes to support continuity of service and audit readiness.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties delegated by the Estates Manager, Headteachers, Bursar or other authorised persons to support the effective running of the school.

Qualifications and training

• Reasonable written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of basic health and safety at work requirements.
• Competence with hand tools and safe use of site equipment.
• Knowledge of school site compliance expectations,including fire safety records,legionella checks, asbestos management, statutory testing

Desirable

• Clean current driving licence.
• First Aid training or willingness to undertake training.
• Relevant trade qualification or substantial trade experience.IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent.
• Fire marshal/fire officer training.Asbestos awareness, legionella awareness, COSHH, manual handling and working-at-height training.
• Minibus or school transport Minibus or school transport training,

Experience

• Practical experience of maintenance, repairs, DIY and general premises work.
• Experience of working safely in a busy operational environment. Proven ability to follow instructions and seek clarification where necessary.
• Ability to respond to emergency work situations at short notice

Skills & Knowledge

• Able to use own initiative and prioritise day-to-day tasks.
• Able to identify hazards, defects and security risks and take appropriate action.
• Able to cope with moderate and occasional heavy lifting.