School Caretaker / Site Premises Assistant

Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

Salary: £22,500 - £25,000 FTE (Suffolk County Council Grade 3-4, depending on experience)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent (37 hours per week)

Reporting To: Premises Manager / School Business Manager

Are you a proactive, hands-on individual with strong DIY skills and a passion for creating safe, well-maintained environments?

A welcoming school in Bury St Edmunds is seeking a reliable School Caretaker / Site Premises Assistant to ensure the school premises remain safe, warm, secure, and operational for staff, students and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

Site Security & Premises Management

• Act as primary keyholder for morning opening and evening lockdown of the site.
• Operate and monitor intruder alarms, CCTV, fire alarms, and access control systems.
• Participate in an out-of-hours emergency call-out rota for alarm activations or severe weather issues.
• Welcome and oversee external contractors, visitors, and emergency services.

Maintenance & Grounds

• Perform minor DIY repairs, including basic plumbing, re-lamping, painting, carpentry, and lock adjustments.
• Monitor heating, lighting, and water systems for efficient daily operation.
• Keep grounds, walkways, driveways, and car parks clean, clear, and hazard-free.
• Manage seasonal weather prep, including gritting and snow clearance in winter.

Health & Safety Compliance

• Conduct and log routine checks: fire alarm tests, emergency lighting, water temperature readings (Legionella control), and playground checks.
• Keep fire exits and emergency routes clear at all times.
• Maintain COSHH compliance for all cleaning and chemical storage on site.
• Report structural or high-risk health and safety hazards promptly to management.

Porterage & Event Support

• Set up rooms and move furniture/equipment for assemblies, exams, parents' evenings, and community hires.
• Manage daily waste clearance, recycling facilities, and external bin areas.
• Respond promptly to urgent indoor clean-up requests during the school day.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Education: GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Skills: Practical DIY skills, physical fitness for manual handling and ladder work, and strong communication skills.
• Attributes: Reliable, punctual, trustworthy, and comfortable working around children and young people.

Desirable

• Prior caretaking, maintenance, or facilities experience (school environment preferred).
• Working knowledge of Health & Safety rules (COSHH, Working at Height, Manual Handling, Legionella).
• Trade qualification (plumbing, carpentry, electrical) or H&S/First Aid certification (IOSH).

Safeguarding & Compliance

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, pre-employment health screening, and satisfactory professional references in line with Suffolk County Council and DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV highlighting relevant facilities, maintenance, or DIY experience. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an initial screening interview.