Caretaker | Southwark

The Opportunity

Located in the heart of Southwark—a borough defined by its rich history and its modern, urban energy—our primary school is a warm and welcoming community hub. We are seeking a reliable and proactive Caretaker to take pride in the management and maintenance of our school site. At our school, the Caretaker is more than just a member of the facilities staff; they are a vital part of the school family, ensuring that our children have a safe, clean, and inspiring place to learn every single day. If you are a practical "handyperson" who enjoys a varied role where no two days are the same, this position in our vibrant London school is for you.

The Estates Team

The estates team is responsible for the upkeep of a busy inner-city campus, which includes Victorian-era architecture alongside modern extensions and outdoor play spaces. In a bustling area like Southwark, site security and efficient maintenance are paramount.

You will work closely with the School Business Manager and a dedicated team of cleaners to maintain the highest standards of health and safety. We pride ourselves on being a supportive workplace where every member of staff is valued. We provide a clear schedule of works, high-quality tools, and appropriate uniform, ensuring you have the resources needed to keep the school running smoothly.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

As a Caretaker, you will be the primary guardian of the school building and its grounds. Your responsibilities will include:

• Site Security: Acting as the main key holder. This includes opening the school in the morning and securing the site at the end of the day, managing intruder alarms, and ensuring all gates and windows are locked.

• General Maintenance: Identifying and carrying out minor repairs such as fixing leaking taps, changing lightbulbs, unblocking sinks, painting, and basic carpentry or furniture assembly.

• Health and Safety: Performing regular safety checks, including fire alarm testing, water temperature monitoring, and ensuring all escape routes are clear and well-maintained.

• Porterage: Assisting with the delivery of supplies and moving furniture to set up the hall for assemblies, lunchtimes, and school performances.

• Groundskeeper Duties: Keeping the school entrances, playgrounds, and car parks clean, tidy, and free of litter. This also includes seasonal tasks such as gritting and clearing snow during winter months.

• Cleaning Oversight: Supervising the daily work of the cleaning team and ensuring that the school is stocked with essential cleaning and hygiene supplies.

• Contractor Liaison: Welcoming and supervising external tradespeople, ensuring they follow school safety protocols while working on site.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be a dependable individual with a "can-do" attitude and a high level of practical skill. You should possess:

• Technical Skill Set: Proven experience in a caretaking, maintenance, or trade-based role. You should be confident using a range of hand and power tools to complete everyday repairs.

• Reliability: A disciplined approach to timekeeping and a strong sense of responsibility, as the school day cannot start without the building being opened and checked.

• Physical Resilience: The ability to meet the physical demands of the role, which include walking the site, lifting equipment, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Communication: A friendly and professional manner when interacting with staff, parents, and pupils, and the ability to work effectively as part of a small team.

• Awareness of Safety: A solid understanding of Health and Safety at work and a commitment to maintaining a safe environment for young children.

Why Join Our School?

Working in Southwark offers a rewarding career within a diverse and creative community. Benefits include:

• Professional Investment: Access to training in areas such as Health & Safety, COSHH, First Aid, and Fire Marshal responsibilities.

• A Supportive Workplace: Join a team where your hard work is noticed and appreciated by the whole school community.

• Stability: A permanent role with a consistent shift pattern and access to the local government pension scheme.

• Location: Benefit from working in a central London location with excellent public transport links and a vibrant local atmosphere.

How to Apply

To apply for this Caretaker position in Southwark, please submit your CV.