Caretaker – Secondary School – Swindon

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

A well-established secondary school in Swindon is seeking a reliable, practical and proactive Caretaker to join its premises team. This is a varied role for someone who takes pride in maintaining a safe, secure and well-presented environment for students, staff and visitors.

The successful candidate will support the daily operation of the school site, carrying out routine checks, dealing with minor maintenance requirements, assisting with security and ensuring that any larger issues are reported appropriately.

This is a hands-on position and would suit someone who is comfortable working independently and managing a range of practical responsibilities. You will need to be able to respond to issues quickly while still ensuring routine tasks are completed to a high standard.

School Information

This is a well-established secondary school in Swindon serving a diverse student community. The school has high expectations for academic achievement, behaviour and personal development and is committed to providing students with a positive environment in which they can succeed.

The school understands the importance of its physical environment in supporting effective learning. Well-maintained classrooms, specialist spaces, communal areas and outdoor facilities contribute to creating a safe and purposeful setting for students and staff.

The Caretaker will be an important part of the school's wider support structure and will work closely with senior leaders, office staff, teachers, contractors and other premises colleagues.

The school is looking for someone dependable who can take ownership of day-to-day responsibilities and use initiative when dealing with practical issues.

Premises Team

The Caretaker will support the effective management and maintenance of the school site. The role will involve regular inspections, minor repairs, security checks and general site upkeep.

You will also assist with practical arrangements for meetings, school events and activities. There may be occasions when urgent issues arise, so the ability to prioritise effectively is important.

The successful candidate will need to understand the boundaries of their role and recognise when specialist contractors or senior colleagues need to be involved.

Key Responsibilities

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

• Carrying out regular site inspections.

• Identifying maintenance and safety issues.

• Completing minor repairs where appropriate.

• Reporting larger or specialist maintenance requirements.

• Monitoring classrooms, offices, corridors and communal areas.

• Checking outdoor spaces for potential hazards.

• Supporting daily opening and closing procedures.

• Maintaining appropriate site security.

• Monitoring access to the premises.

• Supporting visitor sign-in and security arrangements.

• Assisting contractors attending the school.

• Supporting routine maintenance and servicing arrangements.

• Carrying out basic health and safety checks.

• Maintaining records of repairs, inspections and site issues.

• Responding to urgent maintenance matters.

• Supporting room set-up for meetings and school events.

• Moving furniture and equipment when required.

• Assisting with deliveries.

• Ensuring equipment and materials are stored safely.

• Monitoring the general presentation of the school site.

• Reporting damage, hazards or cleanliness concerns.

• Supporting grounds maintenance where required.

• Assisting the wider premises team during busy periods.

• Maintaining a professional relationship with staff, students, contractors and visitors.

• Following all school procedures relating to health and safety and safeguarding.

Experience and Requirements

The successful candidate will ideally have previous experience in caretaking, facilities, maintenance, premises or a similar practical role.

School experience would be beneficial, but the school is willing to consider candidates from other environments who can demonstrate strong practical skills and a reliable approach.

You should be confident working independently and able to manage your own workload. Good judgement is important, particularly when deciding which issues can be resolved immediately and which require escalation.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Previous caretaking, premises, facilities or maintenance experience.

• Strong practical ability.

• Good awareness of health and safety.

• Excellent organisation.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Ability to prioritise effectively.

• Good communication skills.

• Professional manner.

• Reliability and punctuality.

• Ability to work independently.

• Confidence dealing with contractors and visitors.

• Good problem-solving skills.

• Ability to respond calmly to urgent situations.

• Commitment to maintaining high standards.

• Flexibility and willingness to assist colleagues.

• Understanding of the importance of safeguarding in a school environment.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful Caretaker will be expected to follow all safeguarding, security and health and safety procedures.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all other relevant pre-employment checks.

Application

If you are a dependable and practical individual looking for a permanent caretaking position within a busy secondary school, this is an excellent opportunity.

Please send your CV as soon as possible. Applications will be considered promptly for an as soon as possible start.