Caretaker

Job Description

Job Purpose

To contribute to the smooth running of the School by carrying out a range of caretaking duties including security and supervision of the site and related equipment, and other caretaking duties including porterage, cleaning and maintenance.

Duties

The duties of the post as outlined will be subject to the appropriate risk assessment, safe systems of work and appropriate equipment being available and the relevant competencies of the post holder.

Security and Supervision

To act as a key holder, carrying out security procedures for the buildings and grounds. The routine and non-routine opening of premises and grounds. Responding to calls outside normal working hours as a result of break-ins etc. and or/the setting off of the burglar alarm(s).

Providing access, where possible, to the premises and classrooms in the event of snow or minor flooding or similar emergency situations.

Dealing with enquiries from officers and employees of the Local Education Authority, workers and contractors and, where appropriate, advising the Headteacher of their presence.

Attempting to prevent unauthorised access onto the school premises or grounds.

Monitoring and ensuring the cleanliness of the School premises and furnishings.

Caretaking and maintenance

Undertaking cleaning of allocated area(s), and secondary cleaning.

Washing internal walls e.g. classrooms, corridors, including cleaning at a high level where appropriate safety equipment is available and a safe system of work has been defined in accordance with Health and Safety requirements.

Window cleaning, including cleaning at a high level where appropriate safety equipment is available and a safe system of work has been defined in accordance with Health and Safety requirements.

Washing and cleaning of diffusers and replacing bulbs/tubes. (If this involves work at a high level - comments relating to equipment apply detailed above.)

Monitoring the standards of cleanliness of the premises and furnishings and reporting any deficiencies to the Headteacher

Drawing the attention of the appropriate authorities via the Headteacher to any repairs or maintenance work required at the premises which is beyond the competence of the caretaking staff.

Carrying out minor first line repairs and maintenance which are not beyond the scope and capability of the postholder including:

plumbing work - e.g. repairing a leaking pipe, simple installation work, such as plumbing in a new tap, or replacing washer etc;

Redecoration as appropriate

· Plastering work such as repairing cracked or broken plaster, making good damaged walls for example, following the removal of say, shelving or similar fittings;

· Fencing and boundary repairs, e.g. mending broken fencing panels or stakes, repairing holes in chain link fences etc;

· Glazing work, such as replacing smaller windows, re-beading or re-puttying glass panes, internal and external. Note: Specialist contractors would be used for repairs to large window panes or double glazed units or windows at a high level;

· Ensuring that all areas within the site are free from litter and that all drains and gullies are free-flowing and clean.

· Taking delivery of stores, materials and other goods and conveying them to their points of distribution. Dispatching laundry, goods, materials etc.

· Ensuring that adequate supplies of cleaning materials and other supplies are available.

· Operating the heating plant so that the required temperatures are maintained in the premises and an adequate supply of hot water is available. Carrying out frost precaution procedures.

Ensuring that all caretaking and cleaning equipment is in a safe and working condition and arranging for repair as appropriate.

Carrying out routine procedures or checks on ancillary equipment, e.g. checking batteries, automatic pumps and areas subject to flooding.

Carrying out school based procedures in the event of fire, flood, breaking and entering, accident or major damage.

Completing a rota of statutory duties and ensuring log books are kept up to date.

Other duties

Testing portable electrical equipment if trained and accredited to do so.

Planning of own work.

Undertaking letting and related duties as appropriate in accordance with the provincial agreement.

Preparing the school premises and site for out of school activities.

Completing claims for caretaking fees for lettings and making out forms for the requisition of stores and repairs.

Advising the Headteacher or an authorised representative of the hours worked.

General

To be able to work independently and use initiative.

To participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for identification of learning, development and training opportunities in discussion with line manager.

To comply with individual responsibilities, in accordance with the role, for health & safety in the workplace

Ensure that all duties and services provided are in accordance with the School's Equal Opportunities Policy

The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.

At all times to carry out the duties in accordance with school-based policies and Health and Safety procedures.

Such other duties relating to the use of the premises as may be necessary from time to time in accordance with established local practice or within the reasonable requirements of the Headteacher and Governing Body.

The duties may be varied by the Headteacher and/or Governing Body to meet changed circumstances in a manner compatible with the post held.

CARETAKER/CLEANER IN CHARGE (Primary) (Cleaner/caretaker 'D')

ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
QUALIFICATIONS
Good reading and writing skills

Ability to count and undertake general mathematical calculations
Knowledge of First Aid
EXPERIENCE
Experience of caretaking and/or buildings maintenance/security

KNOWLEDGE
Basic understanding of Health & Safety

Understand and implement child protection procedures

Good knowledge of security, heating plant and other building systems

SKILLS

Ability to undertake DIY tasks

Ability to use general cleaning products

Ability to complete basic forms

DECISION MAKING SKILLS
Demonstrate ability to resolve routine problems independently

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Working with partners

Know when, how and with whom to share information

Ability to exchange routine verbal information clearly

Seek support to overcome communication barriers with children and adults
SELF MANAGEMENT
Ability to establish rapport respectful and trusting relationships with others

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Ability to follow instructions

Basic understanding of the learning experience provided by the school

Understand and support the importance of physical and emotional wellbeing

Team work

Ability to work effectively with a range of adults

Ability to manage own time effectively

Good organisational skills

Awareness of and commitment to equality

Understand the school's behaviour management policy

Understand and support the differences in children and adults and respond appropriately

Be prepared to develop and learn in the role

Information about the School

Attain Academy Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We respect and value cultural and religious diversity and will not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, religion, race, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, culture, or disability. You must be a UK resident, have the right to work in the UK, and be willing to complete a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.

Our Vision: Working together towards success for all

Attain Academy Partnership aims to provide an outstanding education for all children in all schools, relevant to the world in which they live. We would like all members of Attain to become:

• Ambitious, capable learners who are resilient and independent • Enterprising, creative contributors who have a real love of learning • Ethical, informed citizens who value differences and inclusively • Healthy, confident individuals who contribute to a mutually supportive environment

We want to create a community of outstanding schools with the highest aspiration and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for all our learners:

• An unshakable belief in the intrinsic value of every individual within our community • Exciting and creative climates for learning within a safe and supportive environment • Sustainable collaboration and sharing of best practice • Personal and professional development for all members of staff • Accountability based on honesty and responsibility in all our relationships

We believe: • That every pupil deserves a good education that enables them to be the best they can possibly be • That every individual in our community of schools (our pupils, staff, families, carers and friends) is important and has something to contribute • In building an exciting and creative climate for learning within a safe and supportive environment • In working together and sharing best practice • In ensuring the personal and professional development for all members of staff so that they have a rewarding and a fulfilling career within our community of schools • In accountability based on honesty and responsibility in all our relationships

A copy of our child protection policy and practices, a copy of our policy on employing ex-offenders, the recruitment and selection policy statement which includes data protection information and privacy notice for applicants can be found on www.attain.essex.sch.uk.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.