School Caretaker

Overview

Polaris Community is hiring an experienced School Caretaker to support two small-to-medium school sites in Batley and Huddersfield. This is a full-time role offering a basic salary of £26,402 for 37.5 hours per week.

The schools are part of a supportive, nurturing environment focused on helping pupils reach their potential. The organisation invests in specialist education and tailored support for young people who need a more individual approach to learning. The successful candidate will help maintain safe, well-run premises and contribute to a positive setting that encourages engagement, self-discipline and achievement.

Polaris Community has been working to improve the lives of young people for over 30 years. Its SEN schools across the UK aim to provide a safe, supportive and ambitious learning environment, and all inspected services have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Key Duties

• Keep two school sites clean, secure and safe, covering the buildings as well as outdoor areas.
• Handle day-to-day cleaning, routine upkeep, minor repairs, refurbishment tasks and general maintenance.
• Support and oversee cleaning staff where required.
• Help maintain health and safety standards across the schools.
• Carry out porterage tasks, including moving furniture and equipment.
• Look after school furniture, fixtures and fittings, and escalate issues to the Headteacher.
• Complete small repair work and practical DIY tasks.
• Organise larger maintenance work and obtain quotations from contractors.
• Manage daily and occasional cleaning duties such as litter picking, waste disposal and spill clean-ups.
• Arrange annual deep cleans for classrooms, staff rooms, kitchen areas, dining spaces, food technology rooms and other regularly used areas.
• Maintain cleaning equipment and supplies, including stock control and replacement ordering.
• Act as the main key holder and protect the security of the school premises.
• Open and close the premises as needed, including outside normal school hours when necessary.
• Check at the end of each day that windows, doors and gates are secured, lights are off, and gas and electrical appliances are switched off.
• Set alarm systems, respond to alarms or call-outs, and report any possible security concerns in line with agreed procedures.
• Inspect CCTV, alarm systems, locks, fire safety equipment, security gates and perimeter fencing, ensuring repairs are progressed when needed.
• Advise the Headteacher on safety and security matters to support a compliant and safe environment.
• Complete and record regular health and safety inspections, including checks for legionella risk, play equipment, safety equipment and site hazards.
• Provide safe access to the schools during cold weather conditions.

Requirements

• Prior caretaking experience in a school setting.
• Background in building maintenance.
• Experience working with security systems, including alarms.
• Strong understanding of health and safety rules and regulations.
• Practical DIY ability.
• Good people skills for dealing with contractors and visitors while protecting the school’s interests.
• Strong reading, writing and numeracy skills.
• Comfort working in an environment with SEMH children.
• Full driving licence and access to a personal vehicle.
• Willingness to travel between both school sites.
• Must complete an enhanced DBS check; Polaris will cover the cost.
• Applicants should be suitably qualified and eligible, in line with equal opportunities and safeguarding expectations.
• Must be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

About the Employer

Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from qualified and eligible candidates. The organisation expects all staff to support its safeguarding commitments and contribute to the wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults.