Job Description:

School Caretaker

Tradewind Recruitment are recruiting for a reliable and proactive School Caretaker to join a welcoming primary school in Sheffield S6 on a long-term temporary basis.

This role starts on 24th August 2026 and will run initially until October half-term, with the potential to continue as the school has an open vacancy. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced caretaker, site supervisor, premises assistant or maintenance professional who takes pride in keeping a school site safe, secure and well maintained.

About the School

You will be joining a warm, community-focused primary school where staff, pupils and families work closely together to create a positive learning environment.

The school offers:

• A caring and supportive staff team with a strong community feel.
• High expectations for pupils' learning, behaviour and personal development.
• A positive school environment where pupils are encouraged to be polite, respectful and ready to learn.

Role Summary

• Job Title: School Caretaker
• Location: Sheffield S6
• Phase: Primary
• Start Date: 24th August 2026
• Contract Type: Long-term temporary
• Duration: Initially until October half-term, with potential to continue
• Working Pattern: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, split-shift school caretaker hours, with exact shift times confirmed by the school
• Pay: £14.24 - £16.50 per hour

Key Responsibilities

As School Caretaker, you will help ensure the school site is safe, secure, clean and well maintained. Duties may include:

• Opening and securing the school site each day.
• Carrying out routine site checks and reporting any maintenance issues.
• Undertaking basic repairs, DIY, painting, decorating and general maintenance.
• Supporting health and safety checks across the building and grounds.
• Ensuring pathways, playgrounds and outdoor areas remain safe and accessible.
• Liaising with contractors and supporting access to the site.
• Managing deliveries, porterage and room set-ups when required.
• Supporting cleaning, waste management and emergency cleaning where needed.
• Monitoring heating, lighting, alarms and general site facilities.
• Responding professionally to day-to-day premises issues.

Candidate Requirements

To be considered for this School Caretaker role, you should have:

• Previous experience in caretaking, site supervision, facilities, maintenance, estates or a similar practical role.
• Good basic DIY and maintenance skills.
• A good understanding of health and safety in a workplace setting.
• The ability to work independently and use initiative.
• A reliable, flexible and professional approach.
• Good communication skills when working with school staff, visitors and contractors.
• A relevant qualification in facilities management, health and safety, maintenance or similar would be beneficial.

Pay and Progression

This School Caretaker role pays between £14.24 and £16.50 per hour.

The highest available rate of £16.50 per hour may be offered to candidates who can demonstrate strong recent school caretaking, site supervisor or premises experience, confident practical maintenance skills, a good understanding of site health and safety, and the ability to manage opening, closing, contractors and routine site checks with minimal supervision.

Candidates with relevant health and safety training, facilities management experience, first aid, safeguarding awareness, COSHH knowledge or previous work in a school environment may be particularly well suited to the higher pay level.

Why Apply?

This is a strong opportunity for someone who enjoys practical, varied work and wants to play an important role in the smooth running of a primary school.

Role selling points:

• Long-term temporary role with potential to continue.
• Varied premises role covering security, maintenance, safety and site support.
• Opportunity to make a visible difference to the daily life of a busy primary school.

Tradewind benefits:

• Competitive weekly pay through PAYE.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant.
• Access to a wide range of school support roles across Sheffield and surrounding areas.

Free National College CPD Access

Through Tradewind Recruitment, you will receive a free National College subscription to support your professional development.

Recommended free courses for this role include:

• Health and Safety in Schools
• Safeguarding for Support Staff
• Fire Safety Awareness in Education Settings

Required Vetting

Successful applicants will complete standard vetting checks before starting, including:

• A DBS on the Update Service, or be willing to make a new application.
• Professional references.
• Relevant qualifications, where applicable.

Why Tradewind?

Tradewind Recruitment has supported education professionals for over 20 years, helping candidates find roles that match their skills, availability and career goals. We offer honest advice, regular communication and access to a wide range of school opportunities.

Call Tradewind Recruitment today and discover why thousands of educators have trusted us for over 20 years to help them find the right opportunities, in the right schools, with the support they deserve.