School Caretaker | Reading

The Opportunity

Are you a practical, "can-do" professional who takes pride in maintaining a safe and inspiring environment? Can you be the reliable backbone of a school site in one of the Thames Valley’s most prominent educational hubs?

We are seeking a versatile and proactive School Caretaker to join a committed facilities team in Reading . Known for its historic Abbey ruins, vibrant tech sector, and exceptional transport links, Reading provides a dynamic setting for a community-focused professional. We are looking for an individual who can balance the technical demands of modern building management with the traditional trade skills required to keep a busy school running smoothly.

Core Responsibilities

• Site Security & Keyholding: Managing the daily opening and closing of the school buildings, ensuring all alarms are set, and acting as a primary point of contact for emergency out-of-hours call-outs.

• Preventative & Reactive Maintenance: Carrying out essential repairs across the campus—including basic plumbing, carpentry, redecoration, and glazing—to ensure the learning environment is safe and functional.

• Health & Safety Compliance: Executing and documenting critical safety checks, including weekly fire alarm testing, emergency lighting inspections, and water temperature monitoring for Legionella prevention.

• Grounds Management: Maintaining the school's external appearance, including litter clearance, basic landscaping, and ensuring all pathways are gritted and safe during the winter months.

• Contractor Oversight: Escorting and supervising external tradespeople (electricians, heating engineers, etc.), ensuring all work is completed to a high standard and in accordance with school risk assessments.

• Logistical Support: Managing the setup for school life—from moving exam desks and staging for evening performances to coordinating the delivery and distribution of heavy supplies.

Why This School?

• Reading’s Strategic Location: Work in a town that values professional standards and innovation, offering a well-resourced and forward-thinking work culture.

• Autonomy & Ownership: Enjoy a role that offers a high degree of independence, where your mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills are respected and relied upon every day.

• A Diverse & Active Day: Trade the desk for a dynamic environment where no two days are the same, covering everything from high-tech Building Management Systems (BMS) to hands-on maintenance.

• Professional Growth: Access to specialist training in IOSH Managing Safely , Fire Warden certification, and Manual Handling , with pathways toward Site Manager or Facilities Lead roles.

Candidate Profile

• Experience: Proven experience in a caretaking, site maintenance, or professional trade (e.g., construction, plumbing, or DIY) is essential.

• Technical Skills: A broad "handyman" skillset and a solid understanding of health and safety regulations within a public or educational building.

• Reliability: A highly dependable individual who understands the critical nature of punctuality for school openings and the importance of vigilant site security.

• Character: A proactive, resilient, and friendly professional who can interact positively with students and staff while maintaining the highest standards of site safety.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your CV today.