A welcoming primary school in Reading is seeking a proactive, practical, and dependable School Caretaker to manage day-to-day site operations, security, and maintenance on an ongoing, full-time basis starting ASAP.

Job Overview

As School Caretaker, you will play a vital role in ensuring the school campus is safe, secure, warm, and well-maintained for pupils, staff, and visitors. Working closely with the Headteacher and School Business Manager, you will take hands-on responsibility for site security, routine repairs, health and safety compliance checks, and contractor liaison. This is a permanent, full-time role (split-shift or straight day shift patterns available).

Key Responsibilities

• Perform daily morning opening and evening lock-up procedures, setting security alarms and ensuring site perimeter integrity

• Carry out routine minor repairs, maintenance, painting, and DIY tasks across internal rooms and external grounds

• Conduct scheduled health and safety checks (fire alarm tests, emergency lighting, water temperature testing for legionella, playground equipment checks)

• Manage heating, lighting, and boiler systems to maintain optimum learning conditions

• Supervise cleaning staff and liaise with external maintenance contractors and trade technicians

• Respond to emergency call-outs, severe weather clearance (gritting pathways), and site security incidents

The School & What’s on Offer

• Supportive primary school community with a dedicated operations team

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and generous annual leave allowance

• Full-time, permanent contract starting ASAP

• Salary: £23,000 – £26,000 (depending on experience)

• Convenient Reading location with dedicated staff parking on-site

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in general maintenance, caretaking, trades, or facilities upkeep (school setting advantageous)

• Practical DIY skills (basic plumbing, carpentry, painting, and mechanical troubleshooting)

• Good knowledge of basic Health & Safety at Work practices and COSHH regulations

• Physical fitness and willingness to undertake manual handling tasks

• An active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

How to Apply

Please send your CV at your earliest convenience to be considered for this permanent Caretaker post in Reading for an immediate start.