Job Description:

Smile Education are currently recruiting for a reliable and proactive Part-Time Caretaker Assistant to join a welcoming and supportive school team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience in caretaking, site maintenance, facilities management, cleaning or a similar hands-on role who is looking for part-time, weekday work.

The successful applicant will work closely alongside the Caretaker Manager to ensure the school premises, grounds and facilities are clean, safe, secure and well maintained. Responsibilities will include general grounds maintenance, minor repairs and DIY tasks, cleaning toilets and larger communal areas, sweeping and responding to cleaning requirements, including the safe cleaning of bodily fluids in line with health and safety procedures.

The role will also involve assisting with the operation of the school alarm system, using a two-way radio to communicate with colleagues and potentially securing and locking the school buildings when required. The ideal candidate will be practical, trustworthy, organised and confident supporting the day-to-day running of a busy school site.

This position is Monday to Friday, 2:30pm to 6:30pm, offering 20 hours per week. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Carrying out general grounds maintenance and keeping outdoor areas tidy and presentable.
• Completing minor repairs, basic DIY tasks and general maintenance around the school.
• Cleaning toilets, washrooms and other designated facilities to a high standard.
• Safely cleaning bodily fluids in accordance with relevant health and safety procedures and training.
• Sweeping floors and maintaining the cleanliness of corridors, communal spaces and other areas.
• Cleaning school halls and large areas as required.
• Ensuring the school site remains clean, safe and well maintained throughout the working day.
• Supporting the Caretaker Manager with the daily running and maintenance of the premises.
• Assisting with the operation of the school alarm system, following site procedures.
• Using a two-way radio to communicate effectively with colleagues.
• Assisting with locking and securing school buildings when required and authorised to do so.
• Identifying and reporting maintenance issues, hazards or security concerns promptly.
• Following health and safety procedures, including the correct use of cleaning products and equipment.
• Ensuring cleaning equipment and materials are used and stored safely.
• Responding flexibly to the changing maintenance and cleaning needs of the school.
• Working collaboratively with school staff to help maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment.

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Have previous experience in caretaking, site maintenance, facilities management, cleaning or a similar practical role.
• Ideally have experience working within a school or educational environment.
• Have good general maintenance skills and be confident undertaking basic DIY tasks.
• Be comfortable carrying out cleaning duties, including toilets and larger communal areas.
• Understand the importance of health and safety when handling cleaning products and dealing with bodily fluids.
• Be reliable, punctual and well organised.
• Be proactive, practical and able to use their own initiative.
• Be comfortable working alongside a Caretaker Manager and following instructions.
• Have good communication skills and be confident using a two-way radio.
• Be trustworthy and understand the importance of school security and confidentiality.
• Be flexible and willing to assist with a variety of cleaning, maintenance and site duties.
• Live within approximately 20 minutes of the school.
• Hold a full, valid driving licence and be able to travel to the school reliably.
• Be available to work Monday to Friday, from 2:30pm to 6:30pm.

What to Expect from Applicants

• We are looking for candidates who are dependable, hands-on and willing to take on a varied role supporting the smooth running of a school site.
• Applicants should be comfortable balancing cleaning responsibilities with general maintenance, grounds upkeep and minor repairs. They must understand the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness, particularly in toilets, halls and communal areas, while following appropriate procedures when dealing with bodily fluids.
• The successful candidate will work closely with the Caretaker Manager, communicate effectively with colleagues and help ensure that the premises are safe, secure and ready for use. Previous school experience would be advantageous, although candidates with relevant experience in commercial cleaning, facilities maintenance, building maintenance or similar environments are also encouraged to apply.
• Due to the working hours and location of the role, applicants must be able to commit to the required hours of 2:30pm to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday, live within approximately 20 minutes of the school and hold a full, valid driving licence.

Why Work with Smile Education?
Smile Education are an agency with a difference. We are education specialists with a proven track record of supporting both experienced education professionals and those looking to develop their careers within the education sector.

We work closely with schools to connect reliable, committed candidates with opportunities where they can make a positive difference to the school environment.

To Be Successful in Your Application, You Should Have Experience in One or More of the Following:

• School caretaking or site assistance.
• General maintenance and basic DIY.
• Grounds maintenance and outdoor upkeep.
• Commercial or school cleaning.
• Cleaning toilets, halls and large communal areas.
• Facilities management or building maintenance.
• Health and safety procedures and safe cleaning practices.
• Operating site security systems or using two-way radios.
• Working collaboratively with site teams and school staff.
• Maintaining clean, safe and secure premises.

If you are a reliable, practical and hardworking individual looking for a part-time caretaking opportunity, we would love to hear from you!

SM1LES

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.