Caretaker – Primary School – Gloucester

Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Paid to scale

A welcoming Primary School in Gloucester is seeking a reliable, practical and conscientious Caretaker to join its premises team on a full-time, permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced caretaker, maintenance professional or facilities worker who takes pride in maintaining a safe, clean and well-presented school environment.

The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring that the school's buildings, grounds and facilities are maintained to a high standard. You will support the daily operation of the school site and work closely with school leaders and other members of the support team.

The role will suit someone who is hands-on, organised and capable of managing routine responsibilities while responding calmly to unexpected maintenance or site issues.

School Information

This is a well-established Primary School in Gloucester committed to creating a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment for pupils, staff and families.

The school recognises that children learn best when they feel safe, comfortable and supported. Maintaining a clean, secure and well-functioning site is therefore an important part of the school's wider commitment to pupil wellbeing.

The school has a strong sense of community and values positive relationships between pupils, staff and families. The successful Caretaker will become an important member of the wider support team and will have regular interaction with staff across the school.

The school is looking for someone dependable who can take ownership of their responsibilities and ensure that the site is ready for use each day.

Premises Team

The Caretaker will be responsible for a broad range of practical and operational duties across the school site.

This will include routine maintenance, security, health and safety checks, setting up rooms and general upkeep of the buildings and grounds.

The successful candidate will be expected to work proactively, identifying issues before they become significant problems and ensuring that concerns are reported or addressed appropriately.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the school buildings and grounds to a high standard.

• Carry out regular site inspections.

• Identify and report maintenance issues.

• Undertake minor repairs where appropriate and within competence.

• Ensure classrooms and communal areas are safe and functional.

• Assist with opening and securing the school premises.

• Check doors, windows, gates and other access points.

• Support the school's security arrangements.

• Assist with setting up classrooms and rooms for meetings and events.

• Move furniture and equipment safely when required.

• Monitor the condition of school facilities.

• Assist with deliveries and storage.

• Maintain appropriate records of maintenance tasks.

• Report hazards and potential health and safety concerns.

• Support fire safety arrangements.

• Assist with emergency procedures.

• Monitor outdoor areas, paths, playgrounds and entrances.

• Help maintain grounds and outdoor facilities.

• Liaise with contractors and external maintenance providers.

• Assist contractors working on site.

• Ensure contractors follow appropriate site procedures.

• Support waste management and general site organisation.

• Check lighting, heating and other basic building services where appropriate.

• Assist with routine compliance checks.

• Ensure maintenance requests are dealt with promptly.

• Keep relevant tools and equipment organised.

• Use equipment safely and appropriately.

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in areas falling within the caretaker's responsibilities.

• Respond to urgent site issues.

• Support school events and activities from a premises perspective.

• Work closely with senior staff regarding site priorities.

• Follow all school policies and health and safety procedures.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will ideally have previous experience in a caretaking, facilities, maintenance or site-based role.

You should be practical, dependable and comfortable working independently. The role requires someone who can identify problems and take appropriate action rather than waiting to be instructed on every task.

The school will value someone who takes genuine pride in the appearance and condition of the site.

You should demonstrate:

• Previous experience in a caretaking, maintenance or facilities position.

• Strong practical skills.

• Good attention to detail.

• A proactive approach to maintenance.

• Good organisational skills.

• Reliability and punctuality.

• The ability to prioritise work.

• Strong communication skills.

• The ability to work independently.

• The ability to work effectively with colleagues.

• Confidence dealing with contractors and visitors.

• Awareness of health and safety requirements.

• Basic computer and record-keeping skills.

• A professional and approachable manner.

• Flexibility when responding to changing site requirements.

• A commitment to maintaining a safe environment for children.

Trade experience or relevant qualifications would be advantageous, although strong practical experience will also be considered.

Daily Responsibilities

The successful Caretaker will help ensure that the school is prepared for pupils and staff each day. This includes checking the site, responding to maintenance issues and ensuring that key areas are safe and accessible.

During the school day, you may be required to respond to practical issues, assist staff with room arrangements or deal with minor repairs. You will also contribute to longer-term maintenance by identifying issues that need external attention.

The role requires flexibility because priorities can change depending on weather, school events, building requirements or unexpected issues.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The Caretaker will work throughout the school site and must therefore maintain a high level of awareness and follow all safeguarding procedures.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment and safeguarding checks.

Application

If you are a practical, reliable and hardworking Caretaker looking for a permanent opportunity within a welcoming Primary School in Gloucester, this could be an excellent role for you.

The school is looking for someone who can take ownership of the premises, maintain high standards and contribute positively to the smooth running of the school.

To apply, please send your CV as soon as possible.