Caretaker - Primary School - Rotherham

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

Are you a practical and reliable individual who takes pride in maintaining a safe, clean and well-presented environment? A primary school in Rotherham is seeking an experienced Caretaker to join its site team on a full-time, permanent basis.

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day running and maintenance of the school premises. This is a hands-on role where no two days will necessarily be the same. You may be completing routine maintenance in the morning, preparing rooms for a school event later in the day and responding to an unexpected facilities issue before finishing your shift.

The school is looking for someone dependable who understands the importance of keeping an educational environment safe and functional for children, staff and visitors.

School Information

This is a well-established primary school in Rotherham with a strong community focus. The school aims to provide children with a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment in which they can learn and develop.

The condition of the premises is an important part of creating that environment. The Caretaker will work closely with school leaders and administrative staff to ensure the site is maintained effectively and any concerns are addressed promptly.

The successful candidate will be trusted to work independently while also communicating regularly with the wider school team.

Caretaker - Key Responsibilities

The role will involve a broad range of practical and premises-related duties, including:

• Carrying out daily checks of the school buildings and grounds.

• Ensuring classrooms and communal areas are safe and ready for use.

• Identifying maintenance issues and reporting them appropriately.

• Completing minor repairs where competent to do so.

• Monitoring the condition of doors, windows, fixtures and fittings.

• Checking that external areas are safe for children and staff.

• Supporting general upkeep of playgrounds and outdoor spaces.

• Assisting with deliveries and ensuring goods are received appropriately.

• Moving furniture and equipment when required.

• Preparing rooms for meetings, assemblies, events and other activities.

• Supporting school events with room setup and clear-down.

• Managing keys and access to the premises.

• Supporting opening and closing procedures.

• Checking security of doors and windows.

• Assisting with alarm and security procedures.

• Reporting defects or hazards promptly.

• Maintaining appropriate site records.

• Supporting fire safety procedures and routine checks.

• Liaising with contractors when they attend the site.

• Providing access to authorised contractors.

• Ensuring contractors follow relevant site procedures.

• Supporting emergency responses when required.

• Maintaining a professional and tidy site.

• Completing reasonable additional premises duties requested by school management.

The role is varied, and the successful candidate should be prepared to respond to changing priorities. In a primary school, the environment needs to remain safe and accessible throughout the day, particularly in areas such as playgrounds, corridors and classrooms.

Practical Maintenance

You should be comfortable completing basic maintenance tasks within your competence. These could include minor repairs, replacing fittings, assembling furniture or dealing with straightforward premises issues.

You will not be expected to carry out specialist electrical, gas or other regulated work unless appropriately qualified. Where specialist attention is required, you will report the issue and support the school's arrangements for professional contractors.

The school will value someone who takes a proactive approach. If you notice a damaged fixture, leaking tap, unsafe pathway or other issue, you should be confident raising it rather than waiting for someone else to identify the problem.

Health and Safety

Maintaining a safe school environment will be one of your key responsibilities. You will need to complete routine checks and ensure hazards are reported and dealt with appropriately.

You should understand the importance of fire safety, secure access, accident reporting and safe working practices.

Because the school is a primary setting, particular attention must be paid to areas used by younger children. Outdoor equipment, gates, playground surfaces and classroom facilities must be kept in an appropriate condition.

Caretaker - Experience and Requirements

The school is looking for someone with practical experience in caretaking, premises management, facilities, maintenance or a similar environment.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Previous experience in a caretaking or premises-related role.

• Practical maintenance ability.

• Good awareness of health and safety.

• Ability to identify and report hazards.

• Good organisation and time management.

• Ability to work independently.

• Reliability and punctuality.

• Good communication skills.

• Ability to work professionally with contractors and visitors.

• Basic computer and administrative skills.

• Ability to respond calmly to unexpected problems.

• Pride in maintaining a clean and well-presented environment.

• Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare.

Relevant qualifications in maintenance, facilities, health and safety or a related trade would be beneficial.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is central to every role within the school. The successful Caretaker will be expected to follow all school procedures and maintain professional boundaries when working around children.

You will also be expected to report concerns, accidents, hazards or suspicious activity through the appropriate channels.

Application

To apply for this Caretaker position in Rotherham, please send your CV as soon as possible. The school is looking to appoint a reliable and practical candidate who is available for an ASAP start.