JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Caretaker
SALARY: NJC L Grade - £26,522 FTE
HOURS: 22.5 hours per week – Monday – Friday 2pm – 6.30pm
(Term time only, plus 4 weeks).
The school:
At Holy Rood Catholic Primary School, we provide a nurturing and inclusive environment which enables everyone to make a positive contribution, both to the school and the wider community. We strive to ensure that all of our learners are able to face new challenges with confidence, in a Christian learning environment, where informed risk taking and a resilient attitude are welcomed, encouraged and achieved. By fully engaging in all aspects of school, we aim for our children to flourish as ambitious and competent individuals, always striving to achieve their full potential and going on to positively contribute in the wider community.
Holy Rood is a split-site primary school. The postholder will be required to work flexibly across both school sites and travel between sites during the working day as required. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable.
Core Purpose and Main Accountability
To provide a safe, secure, clean and well-maintained environment for pupils, staff,
visitors and the wider school community. The Caretaker will be responsible for the
day-to-day maintenance, security, cleanliness and presentation of the school
buildings and grounds, ensuring that the premises are safe, compliant and fit for
purpose at all times.
The Caretaker will work flexibly under the direction of the Headteacher and will liaise
with contractors, visitors and other site staff as required. The postholder will take
pride in maintaining high standards across both the school buildings and extensive
outdoor areas.
Key Responsibilities
Health and Safety
· Carry out regular inspections of the school buildings and grounds to identify hazards, defects or maintenance issues.
· Ensure that all areas of the site comply with health and safety regulations and school policies.
· Monitor and report defects relating to buildings, grounds, fixtures, fittings and equipment.
· Ensure safe storage and use of equipment, tools, fuels, chemicals and cleaning materials.
· Maintain clear access routes, pathways, fire exits and emergency assembly points.
· Assist with health and safety inspections and audits.
· Ensure all work undertaken does not present a risk to pupils, staff, visitors or contractors.
· Complete risk assessments relevant to site duties where required.
Routine Compliance Checks
· Weekly fire alarm testing
· Monthly emergency lighting functional testing
· Monthly visual fire extinguisher inspections
· Routine water temperature monitoring and flushing regimes where required
· Routine visual asbestos management inspections
· Playground visual inspections
· Recording and reporting findings in accordance with school procedures
Security
· Closing the school premises.
· Locking and unlocking of buildings, gates and designated areas as directed by the Headteacher.
· Operate and monitor alarm systems, CCTV and security systems where applicable.
· Conduct security checks of the premises.
· Take appropriate action regarding trespassers and security concerns in line with school procedures.
· Supervise and escort contractors and visitors when required.
· Report security breaches or concerns to the Headteacher immediately.
Building Maintenance
· Carry out general maintenance and minor repairs to buildings, fixtures, fittings and equipment.
· Undertake basic plumbing, decorating, carpentry and maintenance tasks within the limits of competence.
· Undertake redecoration works, as directed by the Headteacher
· Be involved and help oversee school and event set ups
- Undertake all porterage tasks in accordance with Health and Safety Policy
- Undertake cleaning tasks
- Carry out emergency cleaning i.e. in event of spillage, leakage, monitor building waste and ensure bins are being collected, any issues reported and dealt with promptly
- Complete any other reasonable task as requested by the Senior Leadership team.
Grounds Maintenance
· Litter picking across the entire school site, including playgrounds, fields, car parks and perimeter areas.
· Daily grounds inspections
· Monitoring and maintaining fencing, gates and outdoor furniture
· Clearing minor debris
· Monitoring drainage gullies
· Reporting hazards
· Snow and ice response
· General presentation of the site.
Cleaning and Site Presentation
- Ensure the school site is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness and presentation.
· Supervise a team of in-house cleaning staff
- Undertake cleaning duties as required.
- Monitor standards of cleanliness throughout the premises.
- Remove graffiti where appropriate and report incidents of vandalism.
- Ensure external areas remain free from litter, hazards and obstructions.
· Supporting the development and upkeep of school gardens and outdoor learning environments where appropriate.
- Ensuring all external areas remain clean, tidy, safe and welcoming.
Facilities Management
- Act as the school’s on-site representative for contractors undertaking planned preventative maintenance, statutory compliance inspections and maintenance works
- Ensure contractors provide relevant risk assessments and method statements before commencing work.
- Monitor contractor performance and report concerns.
- Maintain records relating to maintenance, inspections and compliance checks.
- Support procurement of maintenance supplies and equipment as required.
- Assist with induction and supervision of site-related staff where appropriate.
- Be flexible in working arrangements to meet the operational needs of the school.
Team Working
- Work collaboratively with all staff to support the smooth operation of the school.
- Build positive working relationships with pupils, staff, parents, contractors and visitors.
- Contribute positively to the implementation of new working practices and procedures.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
Safeguarding Children
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and young people.
- Follow the school's safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures at all times.
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately in line with school procedures.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with pupils.
- Participate in safeguarding training as required.
Holy Rood Catholic Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 2nd July 2026
Interview date: TBC
Work Location: In person
