Job Description

Full
How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first.
That's why we're proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW - and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Job Title: Facilities Assistant
Location: Copper Fields School, Gunnislake PL18 9EH
Salary: 19,500.00 per annum
Hours: 25 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 1.00pm - 6.00pm
Contract: Permanent, 52 Weeks
Start Date: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
We're looking for a practical, reliable and hands-on Facilities Assistant to join our team at Copper Fields School. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a vital role in creating a safe, compliant and welcoming environment where pupils and staff can thrive every day.
If you take pride in your work, enjoy variety and like seeing the immediate impact of what you do, this role offers real purpose and satisfaction.
About the Role
As a Facilities Assistant, you'll be a key member of the maintenance team, supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the school site. From maintaining buildings and grounds to responding to urgent issues, your work will help ensure our school consistently meets company standards and external regulatory requirements.
No two days will be the same. You'll be involved in a wide range of tasks that keep the school looking its best and operating safely and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities

• Carry out general site maintenance including gardening, repairs, painting and decorating, carpentry and basic plumbing
• Support reactive maintenance tasks alongside planned maintenance, refurbishments and repairs
• Contribute to a planned programme of maintenance, ensuring accurate record keeping
• Maintain buildings, equipment, plant and grounds to a high professional standard
• Ensure the site is always safe, tidy, well-presented and welcoming
• Advise staff on the safe use, condition and replacement of plant, machinery and equipment
• Liaise with external contractors and report progress or issues to the Facilities Manager or senior staff
• Complete weekly site walks to identify and report health and safety concerns and improvement needs
• Support the on-call rota and respond promptly to urgent maintenance issues
• Work efficiently and cost-effectively, ensuring best value in all maintenance activities
• Contribute to risk assessments and safe systems of work
• Ensure tools, equipment and chemicals are used, stored and handled correctly in line with COSHH and manufacturer guidance
• Keep all tools and equipment in good working order and fully accounted for

Experience and Qualifications

• Experience in general maintenance across a variety of tasks
• Strong awareness of health and safety requirements
• Good working knowledge of plant, machinery and maintenance equipment
• A proactive, practical and reliable approach
• Pride in maintaining high standards and a safe environment

This role suits a proactive and practical individual who takes pride in their work and understands the importance of a safe, well-maintained environment in supporting pupils, staff and the wider school community.
About Us
Copper Fields School provides full-time specialist co-education for up to 60 pupils aged 4-16, who have a primary need of Autism Spectrum, communication and language and often additional needs.
Our vision to empower our learners to achieve their best outcomes is achieved through high quality education, in preparation for life. Our wonderful setting in Gunnislake facilitates a nurturing approach for students who have found the mainstream environment unable to meet their needs and a barrier to them being the best they can be. We pride ourselves on our culture of everyone being a unique individual. Together we achieve, through recognising and harnessing our strengths. We aim to unearth hidden talents and interests, inspire and empower.
For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.
Why join Options Autism?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista:

• Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*You'll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
#1

Skills Required