Assistant Caretaker

St Margaret’s Junior School and St Margaret’s Infant School are very successful schools located on the same site at the heart of the community within Rainham, Kent.

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and capable assistant caretaker to work across both schools, supporting the Caretaker and school leadership teams in maintaining a safe, secure, clean and well-presented school environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

The Caretaker’s Assistant will undertake a range of practical duties including basic maintenance, site checks, minor repairs and general caretaking tasks, contributing to the smooth day-to-day operation of the school.

Key Responsibilities

Site Maintenance and Care

• Undertake minor repairs and routine maintenance tasks within the scope of the role, including basic decorating, fixing fixtures and fittings and general upkeep.
• Support the Caretaker with planned and reactive maintenance across the school site.
• Identify defects, damage or maintenance issues and report these promptly to the Caretaker or appropriate member of staff.
• Assist with keeping external areas, pathways, entrances and grounds safe, tidy and free from hazards.
• Support the movement and assembly of furniture, equipment and other items as required.
• Assist with preparing rooms and spaces for school activities, meetings and events.

Health, Safety and Security

• Carry out routine site and safety checks as directed, ensuring any concerns are reported promptly.
• Support the safe opening, closing and securing of the premises where required.
• Assist with routine checks relating to fire safety, emergency lighting, water safety and other statutory site requirements, following appropriate training.
• Take appropriate action to deal with minor hazards, spillages, adverse weather conditions and other site-related issues.
• Work safely at all times and follow the Trust’s health and safety procedures, including the appropriate use of equipment and personal protective equipment.

Cleaning and Site Presentation

• Undertake light cleaning duties or respond to urgent cleaning requirements where necessary to maintain a safe environment.
• Assist with waste and recycling arrangements.
• Help ensure that the school buildings and grounds provide a welcoming and well-maintained environment for pupils, staff, families and visitors.

Contractors and Deliveries

• Assist with receiving deliveries and ensuring items are taken to the appropriate location.
• Provide practical support when contractors are working on site, as directed by the Caretaker or school leadership.
• Report any concerns regarding contractor activity or site security promptly.

General Responsibilities

• Work flexibly with the Caretaker, school staff and Trust colleagues to respond to the operational needs of the school.
• Maintain appropriate records relating to checks or tasks undertaken where required.
• Attend relevant training and meetings appropriate to the role.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the nature and level of the post.

Safeguarding

The postholder will have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and will be expected to work in accordance with the Trust’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Person Specification

Essential

• A practical, hands-on approach with the ability to undertake basic maintenance tasks.
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to site and safety issues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable, organised and able to prioritise day-to-day tasks.
• Good communication skills and a helpful, approachable manner.
• An understanding of the importance of health and safety in the workplace.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training.
• Ability to undertake the physical requirements of the role, with reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Desirable

• Previous experience of caretaking, maintenance, facilities or a similar practical role.
• Experience of working within a school or similar environment.
• Basic DIY, decorating or maintenance skills.
• Knowledge of basic health and safety requirements relating to premises.
• Relevant health and safety, manual handling or premises-related training.

Informal visits to the schools are both welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the school office on [phone removed] to arrange an appointment for a school tour with the Headteachers, who can give you more details about what the role entails.