Job Description

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: Maintenance Assistant

Location: Higford School, Near Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9ET

Salary: 12.50 per hour

Hours: 25 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start Date: October 2025

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth, we are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Maintenance Assistant to join the dedicated team at Higford School, part of Options Autism.

About the Role

We are seeking a reliable, proactive, and hands-on Maintenance Assistant to support our on-site Facilities Team. You will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the school's buildings, grounds, and equipment, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for our pupils and staff.


This role involves both planned and reactive maintenance and contributes directly to the smooth running of the school. You'll support site safety, compliance with health and safety standards, and help maintain a professional and welcoming environment for everyone on site.

Key responsibilities include:

Carrying out general repairs, maintenance, and refurbishment across the school site Conducting regular site checks and ensuring compliance with planned preventive maintenance (PPM) schedules Supporting fire drills, alarm testing, and other health and safety procedures Maintaining external areas, ensuring they are safe and clear Liaising effectively with contractors and suppliers Using, maintaining, and storing tools and chemicals safely in line with COSHH regulations Contributing to risk assessments and promoting a culture of safety

Essential Criteria

Experience in a trade or maintenance role Knowledge of health and safety procedures and regulations Strong communication and teamwork skills Reliable, discreet, and resilient

Desirable Criteria

Experience in an education or care setting First Aid qualification Understanding of safe working practices

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on work, takes pride in their environment, and wants to make a real difference to the daily running of a school supporting autistic children.

About Us

Options Higford is a specialist school set in 28 acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside. We provide a high quality, holistic education for up to 60 autistic students who also have associated behavioural needs. Class groups have five students in with at least 1:1 staffing. We provide personalised curriculums for each student based on their individual needs and aim to support them to make progress academically, socially, with skills for life, regulating their emotions and accessing the community.


For over 16 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 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils 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. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:

Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions "Your Wellbeing Matters" - access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:

A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad Cycle to Work Schemes Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with 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.

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