School facilities

What is a School Cleaner?

01 January, 2023

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In this blog you will learn: 

  • What a School Cleaner is. 

  • What the responsibilities of a School Cleaner are.  

  • What qualifications a School Cleaner needs.

  • What skills a School Cleaner needs.  

  • Who employs a School Cleaner.

  • The average salary of a School Cleaner. 

  • Where the latest School Cleaner jobs are and how to apply for them.

What is the role of a School Cleaner?

In the UK, a School Cleaner plays a vital role in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for students, staff, and visitors. Their responsibilities extend beyond cleaning and encompass the overall well-being of the school community. 

A School Cleaner typically begins their day by inspecting the premises and identifying areas that require immediate attention. They ensure that classrooms, corridors, offices, and communal spaces are clean, sanitised, and free from clutter. This includes dusting, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors, as well as cleaning windows, desks, and other surfaces.

Furthermore, School Cleaners often collaborate with other staff members to respond to specific cleaning requirements, such as spills, accidents, or unexpected incidents. They may work closely with the caretaker or facilities team to address any maintenance issues that arise, ensuring a safe and functional learning environment.

What are the responsibilities of a School Cleaner?

While working as a School Cleaner, you will be required to: 

  • Maintain a clean and hygienic environment for students and staff.

  • Inspect the school for areas that require attention. 

  • Dust, sweep, mop and vacuum.

  • Restock washroom supplies.

  • Maintain washrooms to ensure they are hygienic at all times.

  • Handle waste management and dispose of waste accordingly.

  • Respond to unexpected cleaning requirements such as spillages.

  • Work alongside the school caretaker to take care of maintenance issues.

What qualifications does a School Cleaner need?

To work as a School Cleaner, formal qualifications are not always mandatory. However, there are certain requirements and skills that can enhance employability in this role. Basic literacy and numeracy skills are important to understand cleaning instructions and maintain records. 

Additionally, having prior experience in cleaning or janitorial work can be advantageous. Employers often value attributes like reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. 

Familiarity with health and safety practices, including knowledge of cleaning products and their appropriate usage, is also beneficial. 

While specific qualifications may not be required, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is essential for school cleaning positions.

What skills does a School Cleaner need? 

Key skills of a School Cleaner include: 

  • Good attention to detail to ensure no cleaning jobs are missed or any areas are left in an unhygienic manner. 

  • Communication skills to effectively liaise with other staff members and caretakers.

  • Perseverance to complete tasks to a high standard and ensure that maximum hygiene levels are maintained.

  • Good time management to prioritise which areas of the school building need attending to urgently.

  • Good physical fitness as this job will require spending long durations of time standing and moving around the school grounds.

  • Understanding of health and safety regulations to ensure these are always met when cleaning. 

  • Ability to work in a team or individually as the job may require both.

  • Good initiative to take control of cleaning jobs and react to unexpected spillages or accidents. 

Who employs a School Cleaner?

A School Cleaner can be employed across a variety of educational settings including primary schools, secondary schools, academies and colleges. 

What is the average salary of a School Cleaner?

The salary of a School Receptionist is around £16,000 to £20,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on several factors such as the location, level of experience, and the type of school.

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