Package Description

School Caretaker/ Maintenance Operative

Location: Altrincham and Stockport. Please note that this role will work across two education sites. 

Salary:  From £26,208 DOE dependent on skills and experience 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We are seeking an enthusiastic, committed professional to join us as a Maintenance Operative to carry out a full range of duties to provide high standards of maintenance, cleanliness, general security of the school premises. Applicants must have a minimum of 2 years trade experience.

Role Responsibilities (may include but not limited to):

• Be responsible for unlocking school premises outside of normal school hours and deactivating security alarm systems as required.
• Undertake and record regular checks on fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, playground equipment, legionella risks, ladders and fire extinguishers using on-site Maintenance Record Books and report any problems arising.
• Identify and report building, furniture or fitting deficiencies to the Head Teacher and to undertake any remedial actions. This may involve arranging emergency repairs Via in-house CAFM System (Track Plan).
• Undertake range of maintenance duties as directed by the Head Teacher, that contribute to the maintenance of the school premises (eg carpentry, plumbing and decorating, fitting shelves/ notice boards, annual carpet deep cleaning etc) plus any other reasonable activities as requested by the Head Teacher or the Estates Team.
• Create and manage a rolling decoration program to be planned and completed during school holiday periods.
• Manage contractors on site when carrying out repairs and maintenance, monitor the safety of their working practices/quality of work.
• Take meter readings, including Gas, Electrical & Oil where required.
• Be responsible for general tidiness and safety of outside areas.
• Keep drains clear of obstructions.
• General grounds maintenance including grass cutting and hedge trimming where necessary. Maintain, if required, tubs and planters around school.
• Always ensure safe pedestrian access, including keeping paths and entrances clear of leaves and moss, as well as gritting and snow clearing during severe weather.
• Treat car park and playground areas with salt/grit as appropriate 
• Ensure yard and steps are free from leaves, moss, and mud and keep drains clear of obstructions.
• Keep signage clean and free from algae.
• Regular inspection of the grounds to ensure safety around the site.
• Maintain staff and pupil toilet facilities ensuring they are in working order, addressing blocked toilets and blocked drains if and when required.
• Set out/put away furniture for school events/breakfast clubs etc and undertake general porterage as required by the Head Teacher.
• Make appropriate arrangements for the collection of waste.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A full, clean UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle 
• A committed and passionate view of students with SEND
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a similar role with the willingness to undertake training, possibly off site and to attend meetings required to satisfactorily carry out the above requirements. There will be a requirement to use both manual and power tools for appropriate repair and maintenance tasks. Cleaning equipment, including cleaning chemicals, will be used on regular basis. Training will be arranged, as necessary.
• The ability to work without direct supervision ie during school holidays, following lone working guidelines, as necessary.
• Flexibility - on occasions there may be a requirement to stay beyond designated finishing time in return for overtime payment or time off in lieu. Due to the variation of our activities the working day will need to be of a flexible nature, generally this will be 37.5 hours over 5 days per week, to include ½ hour lunch break
• Please note that this role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check

EPIC benefits of working for Keys Group:

• NEST enhanced pension scheme
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys Group and split a £500 referral bonus between you
• 25 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays 
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to a blue light discount card 
• Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues
• Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
• Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts  
• Life assurance

More can be found about Keys Group and our Therapeutic Education Services here 

School tours are highly welcomed as a part of our interview selection process.

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications. 

Keys Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, suitable employment references and online searches to safeguard our young people. In addition, this post is exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974.

Keys Group are very proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant that means we have made a commitment to welcoming service personnel, veterans and military families into the group. We are delighted to have veteran friendly policies, offer a Veterans Peer Support Network within our teams and are able to offer Military Awareness and support to our colleagues.

As part of our commitment, we will offer a guaranteed interview to current and former service personnel providing that they meet the criteria of the role that they are applying for. If you feel that you meet the criteria for this, please ensure that you have your military experience detailed on your CV for one of our resourcing team to get in touch.

Keys Group