Cleaning Site Operative (Part Time)
About Holmewood House School
Holmewood House is a prestigious independent Prep School of 400 pupils aged 3-13 years, set amidst 32 acres of the most beautiful Kent countryside, just outside Tunbridge Wells. The School is a happy and supportive working environment, where we pride ourselves on the exceptional provision for our pupils and staff in all areas.
Holmewood House provides a broad, well-balanced curriculum with outstanding teachers in what is very much a family school where the positive relationships between the teachers and children allows staff to get to know and understand the individual needs of each and every child. They foster their talents and nurture their growth through a challenging and exciting curriculum.
The school wholeheartedly believes that emotional and social well-being, self-esteem, happiness and confidence are of prime importance and are in themselves inextricably linked to academic progress. Staff are excited by the curiosity and thirst for learning that each child, regardless of their ability, naturally displays. They work hard to allow each child to ask why, to query and to have the time to develop their thoughts into fresh discoveries and innovations and, in doing so, overcome the challenges faced. The end result is the celebration of learning – a reward in its own right!
The wonderful environment and outstanding facilities provide a strong framework upon which the ethos of ‘allowing children to be children’ can be achieved. Childhood is full of exciting new experiences which, parents and teachers relive, through the eyes and laughter of the children.
The relationship between home and school is of fundamental importance in ensuring every child is surrounded by the love, care and guidance which they require as they make their way through their educational journey. In short, the partnership allows the children to enjoy the most important journey of all: childhood.
For further information about Holmewood House please visit our website: www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk
The Role
The Cleaning Operative role is a critical role in the school to ensure that it is clean and tidy daily prior to the students and staff arriving for lessons/work. Reporting to the Operations Manager/Site Supervisor the role will be assigned areas of the school that they will be for responsible for to ensure that they are clean and tidy. These areas may be reviewed and changed based on operational needs.
Role requirements
· To ensure that all areas are hoovered/swept/mopped daily
· Ensure that all windows sills etc are wiped daily
· Ensure that all bathrooms and white goods are all cleaned daily
· Wipe down all tables both student and staff
· Empty all bins and replace bags daily
· Undertake periodic deep cleans
· Ensure that all bathrooms and toilets are replenished with requirements
· Ensure that all laundry requirements are met
Person Specification
· Experience in cleaning schools or large buildings
· Ability to be flexible
· A commitment to achieving high standards, a strong attention to detail and a passion for making spaces perform to their best
· A willingness to play a part in a supportive team, which helps each other to achieve its goals
· A willingness to learn and broaden your skillset as part of our Site Team training and development programs
· You must also be willing to undergo Safer Recruitment vetting checks, including a DBS check
Skills and Abilities
· Possess the highest level of professionalism and integrity
· Self-motivated, proactive and committed
· Able to work individually and as part of a team
· Able to prioritise effectively
· Able to maintain confidentiality at all times
· Able to manage own workload effectively
· Able to respond swiftly, calmly and effectively to the unexpected
Knowledge
· Knowledge of Health and Safety as well as Health and Safety policies and risk assessments.
· Knowledge and effective implementation of the School’s safeguarding policies.
Hours
This is a permanent position for 15 hours a week, starting after 6pm, term time only plus inset days in addition to a 3-week holiday period deep clean which all domestic staff participate in.
There will be the possibility of additional hours being available during Easter and Summer School Holidays.
Term time
6.00pm – 9.00pm
School events
The post holder will be required to work when certain school events take place e.g. sports and speech day and any other requirements
Overtime may be required or offered in certain circumstances to cover sickness etc and this will be paid.
Salary
Competitive dependent upon experience.
Notice Period
Either party can give one month’s notice.
Pension & School Benefits
The successful candidate will be offered a range of benefits including an employer contributory pension, free parking and free lunch/refreshments.
Start date
3rd September 2026
Offer
The successful applicant will be offered the role subject to the satisfactory completion of a number of background checks including but not limited to; an enhanced DBS check, the taking up and verification of references, the verification of career history and fitness to undertake the role.
Safeguarding
The school adopts a rigorous safer recruitment process which is adhered to in the appointment of all new members of staff. As part of the safer recruitment process, all applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including, but not limited to, checks with past employers and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Application
If you wish to be considered for this role, please complete the application form which can be found on our website and email to: [email protected].
The closing date for applications is Monday 10th August 2026 at 9.00 am, however the school reserves the right to short-list and interview candidates ahead of the closing date.
If you would like more information on the role or require a hard copy application form please contact, HR Manager on 01892 860000.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
