JOB PROFILE
What Is a School Caretaker?
IN THIS JOB PROFILE
You Will Learn.
- What does a School Caretaker do?
- What are the responsibilities of a School Caretaker?
- What qualifications does a School Caretaker need?
- How much does a School Caretaker earn?
- Who employs a School Caretaker?
- What are the progression opportunities for a School Caretaker?
- What makes a good School Caretaker?
- Where are the latest School Caretaker jobs and how to apply for them?
What Is a School Caretaker?
A School Caretaker is responsible for maintaining and securing a school premises. School Caretakers handle various tasks, including building maintenance, groundskeeping, health and safety inspections, security monitoring and cleaning. They ensure that the school environment is safe, clean and conducive to learning.
From repairing facilities to managing outdoor areas, School Caretakers play a vital role in maintaining the overall functionality and appearance of the school. School Caretakers work closely with staff, contractors and external service providers, providing support and assistance in various areas.
What Are the Responsibilities of a School Caretaker?
While working as a School Caretaker, you will be required to:
- Maintain cleanliness in classrooms, hallways, offices, toilets and other areas within the school. Conduct minor repairs and maintenance tasks, such as fixing leaky taps, changing light bulbs and repairing broken furniture.
- Take care of the school grounds, including lawn maintenance, gardening and clearing leaves or snow from outdoor areas.
- Ensure the safety and security of the school premises by monitoring access, maintaining secure doors and windows, and reporting any suspicious activities.
- Implement safety procedures, such as fire drills, and maintaining safety equipment like fire extinguishers and alarms.
- Assist in setting up and organising spaces for school events such as furniture, setting up audiovisual equipment, and ensuring the venue is clean and presentable.
- Overseeing the general maintenance of equipment and machinery within the school, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining cleanliness in accordance with hygiene standards.
- Promptly address any hazards or potential risks.
- Collaborate and communicate with school staff, administrators, and external contractors to address maintenance issues.
- Conduct regular inspections of the school premises to identify maintenance needs.
- Keep track of cleaning supplies and equipment. This involves monitoring stock levels, placing orders, and maintaining an organised storage area.
- Promote and implement environmentally friendly practices within the school, such as recycling programs.
- Conduct routine checks of facilities such as toilets, sinks and hand dryers to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Ensure emergency exits are clear, fire extinguishers are in working order, and alarms are functional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Become a School Caretaker
In the UK, the qualifications required for a School Caretaker can vary depending on the specific school and the responsibilities of the role. While there are no strict mandatory qualifications, certain skills and attributes are typically sought after.
How Much Does a School Caretaker Earn?
The salary range for a School Caretaker in the UK typically falls between £16,000 and £24,000 per year. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of this range, while more experienced or senior Caretakers may earn salaries closer to the higher end.
It's worth noting that these figures are approximate and can differ based on factors such as the size of the school, its location and the responsibilities assigned to the Caretaker.
Who Employs a School Caretaker?
In the UK, a School Caretaker is typically employed directly by the school or educational institution. The specific employer can vary depending on the type of school and its governing body.
What Are the Progression Opportunities for a School Caretaker?
With the skillset and experience possessed by a School Caretaker, there are plenty of opportunities for progression. Certain larger institutions require multiple caretaker roles, which may include the position of a Senior or Head Caretaker.
With some additional training and experience in maintenance as well as health and safety, you could also progress into the position of a Facilities Manager or even a Health and Safety Manager.
What Makes a Good School Caretaker?
Key skills of a School Caretaker include:
- Competence in basic maintenance and repair tasks to fix minor repairs.
- Knowledge of proper cleaning techniques to ensure the school is clean and sanitary.
- Familiarity with health and safety regulations and procedures to ensure that you are maintaining a safe environment for students and staff.
- Good communication skills are vital for effective interaction with school staff, contractors and visitors.
- Organisational and time management skills for prioritising tasks, managing schedules and ensuring efficient completion of responsibilities.
- Problem-solving so you can resolve issues effectively.
- Attention to detail so you can identify maintenance needs, safety hazards and cleanliness requirements.
- Possessing good customer service skills, being approachable and demonstrating a friendly manner to show a positive and supportive school environment.
- Record-keeping skills to maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, inventory and safety inspections.
- Being vigilant and having a good understanding of security protocols and procedures so you can report any suspicious activities and contribute to maintaining a secure environment.
- First aid skills so that you can handle minor injuries or medical emergencies that may occur on the school premises.
- Emotional intelligence to possess empathy, patience and the ability to handle stressful situations with composure.
Career Insights.
Searching for School Caretaker Jobs?
If you're searching for your next career opportunity, why not take a look at all the latest School Caretaker vacancies available in your area now?
We work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We offer placements at:
- Primary Schools
- Secondary Schools
- Special Education Needs Schools
- Colleges
Why not get in contact with one of our specialists who can advise on current and upcoming opportunities?
Meet the School Facilities Team.
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