Old Palace of John Whitgift School Caretaker JOB DESCRIPTION Reports to: Responsible for: Building Services Manager (BSM) then Bursar through to the Head Assisting the BSM in managing the Cleaning Staff Main Purpose The school caretaker is responsible for a wide range of duties and responsibilities connected with maintaining the fabric and grounds of the school to the required standard and within regulatory requirements. Caretakers are employed on a school wide basis and not specific to any one site. The principal responsibilities are detailed below. A full time caretaker will normally work 40 hours per week on an 8 hour shift or a split shift daily basis. Hours to be worked will be agreed with the Bursar and will require flexibility to meet the school s requirements.. The caretaker may also be required to work additional hours outside normal school hours to enable the school buildings to be used for lettings. Additional payment will be made at the standard rate for lettings (time & a half outside working hours and double time on Sundays). NB Lettings do not include regular openings, or openings during normal working hours. They do not include planned/scheduled school functions, i.e. parents evenings, performances, governors meetings, etc. They will also be on call for resetting the burglar/fire alarm if they are activated in the quiet hours (i.e. out of normal working times). The payment for these call outs are double time from answering the phone to return home. Main Activities: 1. Security and Associated Duties To carry out security procedures for school buildings and grounds. To open and close the school premises, including gates, doors, windows, fire exits, etc, for the purpose of school use, lettings, out of school hours functions, maintenance and emergency services. To regularly check the proper operation and function of alarms and fire equipment and ensuring emergency exits are not obstructed, To liaise with the emergency services including calling out as required. To report acts of theft or vandalism to Head and/or police as necessary. To cover the Patrol Crossing To assist the SBM in cleaning and maintaining the swimming pool having been trained in the use of the chemicals. To patrol car parks and identify unofficial cars parked in there. To keep a list of all contractors on site and supervise them (if not CRB d) when on site.
To keep an eye on the entrances using the CCTV if necessary, and to escort off site any unofficial visitors. To rent and drive vans to transport equipments between sites or other locations e.g. Minster, as required. To ensure that the ladders are locked up and that the ladder loaning policy is adhered to. To ensure that any contractor on site, especially applicable to those that require access to the roofs, adhere to the requirements laid down in the Foundation Health and Safety manual. To not allow access to the roof unless they are content that all H&S aspects have been satisfactorily covered if in doubt see the SBM or Bursar. 2. Lettings To comply with instructions received from the Bursar or Head concerning letting procedures and carry out as per lettings agreement. To be available during the course of the letting to: a) Give assistance to the hirer relative to the facilities hired. b) Ensure that functions are properly conducted in accordance with the lettings agreement, and the behaviour of the hirer is not detrimental to the site or facilities c) Carry out any necessary cleaning of areas within the letting agreement. d) Carry out any routine maintenance to the school buildings. 3. Heating Check and control system functions. Regularly check and maintain all parts of the heating system as required with due regard to appropriate safety requirements. Report all defects to the SBM/Bursar and contact engineers as instructed. 4. School Cleaning To assist the SBM in ensuring that the Cleaning staff perform up to the set standard. To assist the SBM and to be responsible for the supervision of cleaning staff including, if the SBM is absent, undertaking induction and training schedule for new cleaning staff. If the SBM is not present to allocate priority work areas to cleaners and ensure that work is completed to a satisfactory standard. Ensure that PPE is worn at all times when undertaking cleaning duties. (presently tabards and non slip shoes) Ensure/check that the Cleaning staff are issued with relevant cleaning materials, equipments, etc., ensuring manufacturers and COSHH regulations are complied with in the mixing, use and storage of cleaning materials. To ensure materials and equipment are returned to appropriate storage area at end of cleaning session and that equipment is cleaned by the user and dust bags emptied, where appropriate, prior to storage. To report faults of cleaning equipment to the Building Services Manager. To ensure the removal of waste to appropriate disposal points. To undertake cleaning duties in the event of staff sickness or temporary vacancy.
5. The school mini bus transport service To undertake mini bus driving duties as required during the course of the day. This will be under the instruction of the Transport Coordinator. 6. Deliveries/Post To Take delivery of post, stores, material and other goods, with incoming mail is to be taken to the Head s or secretary s office as required To assist in unpacking or storing cleaning materials and equipment. To undertake Courier duties as required by the Head. To transport post from the school to the Foundation Office as required. 7. Manual Handling Duties and Furniture Moving To move such items of school furniture as required in connection with the school and other users of the school premises with due regard to current Health & Safety and Lifting & Handling regulations. 8. Energy Conservation In conjunction with the Bursar, implement all agreed policies to conserve energy. Read, record and report all meter readings as required by the Bursar and inform the Bursar of any concerns. 9. Emergencies Clean sickness and spillages as required. Deal with, or arrange to be dealt with, all bursts, leaks, floods, fires and breakages as appropriate as soon as the problem is discovered. Deal with, or arrange to be dealt with, all electrical and gas emergencies, making safe initially by turning off supply. Ensure access for emergency services, assist as necessary, and secure premises as required. To be a member on the call out rosta for Fire/Burglar alarms 10. Internal Maintenance Report all defects which require specialist repair to the Building Services Manager or Bursar. Assess electrical fittings and report defects as required. Replace bulbs/lamps and domestic fuses as required. Regularly inspect/check plumbing and report/repair defects within capabilities as appropriate. Synchronise clocks, time switches, etc, as required. Undertake minor repairs to fixtures and fittings including desks, tables and chairs as appropriate. Order and take delivery of materials to deal with repairs mentioned above. Subject to safety regulations, redecoration of any area, agreed as reasonable on instruction from the Bursar To be responsible for the supply and availability of all hygiene materials and to supervise the external contractor. Report and remove any graffiti etc, as required by the Bursar or Head. Carry out minor repairs to school equipment as agreed with the Bursar. Adhering to the purchase ordering system purchase materials for minor repairs within agreed limits from approved suppliers
Carry out minor works in order to improve the site as required by the Head and Bursar 11. External Maintenance Maintain cleanliness and general tidiness of all external hard areas; empty litter bins on a daily basis. Clean and clear all drains and gullies to ensure effective and healthy operation. Regularly inspect outside fabric of school, report/repair defects as appropriate. Inspect all fences, gates, walls, steps, lights, etc. And report/repair defects as appropriate. As required by the Head, remove/obscure all graffiti. Undertake designated gardening duties; cut the grass, weed shrub beds and borders. Keep entrance to the school, inside and outside, clean and clear of obstructions at all times. Clear leaves, snow, ice, moss and detritus as appropriate, including treatment of surfaces with salt, etc. Inspect all outside areas for dangerous materials and remove including external emergency clean of spillages. Pruning and clearance to ensure unrestricted access and use of premises including perimeter fencing. Carry out internal/external window cleaning where required. Carry out minor works in order to improve the site as required by the Head and Bursar. General: To ensure all duties are carried out in accordance within the Health and Safety regulations and adhering to the Foundation Health & Safety manual. To undertake any training and development as required. To undertake any other duties and responsibilities as determined by the Bursar (Line Manager) that reasonably fall within the scope of the role. The Whitgift Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young and elderly people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Person Specification for Caretaker Experience: Experience in DIY/practical skills is essential. Experience in caretaking in a school or a related field is desirable. Experience in dealing with contractors is desirable. Experience of driving a 17 seat minibus is desirable Skills, Qualifications or Training: Basic level of numeracy and literacy A trade qualification such as painting and decorating, plumbing or electrical would be an advantage. First Aid and Midas trained would be an advantage. Is over 21 years of age, has a full UK/EU driving licence and been driving for at least two years. (Any endorsements must be declared and up to 3 points will be considered acceptable) Must hold a D1 driving licence or equivalent qualification to drive 17 seat minibus Personal Qualities & Attributes: 1. Can self motivate and think for themselves. 2. Shows initiative, needs little supervision 3. Able to plan and organise a work routine and can prioritise a number of jobs 4. Is able to work as a member of a team and on their own 5. Is willing to be flexible with working hours, including weekends and out of normal school hours on a call out rosta 6. Is willing to take part in appropriate training 7. Is able to complete paperwork and cost materials/equipment. 8. Is able to communicate effectively with all staff and negotiate timescales for jobs 9. Is Observant notices what needs to be done 10. Deals with health and safety issues first and promptly 11. Is confident to deal with visitors and contractors on site 12. Is Honest with integrity and has high standards 13. Has a cheerful and respectful disposition and is willing to give generously to school life 14. Knows the mission and priorities of the school and supports these in his/her work