Job Description

Summary

We are seeking a multi-skilled, building-savvy, competent and good-natured maintenance caretaker to be responsible for the upkeep and general maintenance of the buildings and grounds at our two school sites (99 and 127 Herne Hill), ensuring they are safe, secure and well-maintained.

The role offers a flexible work schedule at the rate of about 50% (30-70% to suit the successful candidate's profile and preferences).

We offer competitive salaries and will establish an appropriate compensation package based on the successful candidate's experience and working hours.

School background

Herne Hill School is a well-established independent Pre-Preparatory and Pre-School in South London. It is the largest stand-alone independent school in the country focusing exclusively for two-year-olds through to Year 2.

Since its foundation in 1976, it has had only one purpose: providing young children with the best possible start for a successful and balanced academic life. There are nearly 300 pupils on roll, split into the Kindergarten at our new, dedicated and state-of-the art site at 99 Herne Hill, which then feeds into Pre-Reception, Reception, Year 1 and ultimately Year 2 classes at our main site at 127 Herne Hill.

There are approximately 70 staff members (about 25 teachers and peripatetic instructors, 40 teaching assistants and five support staff), who are overseen by the Headteacher, Ngaire Telford, and the Director/Proprietor, Dominik Magyar. Everyone works towards fulfilling our common purpose:

"At Herne Hill School, we prepare young children for life ...
by providing the finest individual education ...
... based on a bedrock of love and care."

The school's ethos of Love Care Excellence encapsulates our commitment to excellence and our belief that love and care are prerequisites for a top-quality education. The school's atmosphere lives this philosophy. It is a caring, friendly, fun, supportive and well-resourced environment conducive to optimal learning and development. Our website and the last ISI inspection report, which can also be found there, provide a good overview of our values, approach to teaching and learning and modus operandi.

The school operates on two nearby sites. The main site at 127 Herne Hill is comprised of three buildings (a Grade II listed Victorian Vicarage, Mulberry and Oak), a large astro-turf playground and a vast woodland area with activity centres for the children. The Kindergarten site at 99 Herne Hill is comprised of a late Victorian mansion, which was completely refurbished in 2020-21, a newly built annexe (the Bach) and a large, naturalistic play garden.

The role

The vacancy has arisen due to the impending retirement of our amazing Robert 'Bob-the-builder' following 3+ decades of building and maintenance services at the school. Rob will remain available for a smooth hand-over as well as ongoing ad-hoc support until his successor is well-established.

We are essentially looking for a multi-skilled 'handy person' builder type who can quickly respond to and resolve most ad-hoc, urgent needs as and when they occur (e.g. plugged-up drain, leaking tap, automatic door not opening, etc.), carry out ongoing upkeep and maintenance (e.g. changing water filters, fixing a broken drawer or handle, etc.) and liaise with a variety of external contractors on bigger building issues or periodic pre-emptive maintenance (e.g., plumbers, electricians, fire/intruder alarm providers, elevator, air conditioning, etc.).

We work with an established, excellent crew of contract cleaners who clean the school daily during term-time and carry out deep cleaning as necessary during the holidays. They currently also open up the premises in the morning and check that the grounds are safe for usage but this duty could potentially become part of the maintenance caretaker's role.

We also work with a range of external builders and contractors who carry out more major building works and repairs or provide specialist maintenance services, typically during the holidays. The maintenance caretaker's role is therefore one that essentially lies in between, including coordination with the specialist contractors on the one hand and the cleaners on the other hand. He or she will report to the Bursar.

As a consequence, even though the ultimate duties and responsibilities will invariably need to be tailored to the successful candidate's skills set, working hours and availability/location, the main ones will likely include:

Building maintenance and repairs

Undertaking basic repairs, renovations and maintenance tasks as needed, such as fixing leaks or minor plumbing issues; replacing door handles, water filters, light fixtures, etc.; repairing damaged walls or floors; or assembling furniture.

Equipment management

Overseeing the maintenance, upkeep and good working order of school equipment, fixtures and fittings, machinery as well as safety and security features such as smoke detectors, security systems, emergency lights, etc.

Groundskeeping

Maintaining the school grounds, including tidying up, ensuring pathways are clear and assisting with landscaping/gardening (trimming bushes, some planting, watering, etc.).

Health & safety

Conducting regular inspections to identify and address potential hazards, ensuring the school environment is safe for pupils, staff and visitors.

Security

Monitoring the premises, locking and unlocking the buildings whenever required, and potentially managing access control systems.

Communication, coordination and record keeping

Working with school staff and a variety of external contractors and maintenance technicians (e.g., pull-out seating, elevator, air conditioning, etc.) to ensure smooth operations and address maintenance-related issues, and contributing to the record keeping of works/repairs.

Event setup and support

Preparing facilities for meetings and events, including setting up furniture and equipment.

Additional duties and responsibilities we expect all of our employees to also meet include:

Promoting good staff morale, setting an example of professional behaviour and getting along well with others on the team by demonstrating strong commitment to team culture, always placing overall team success above self

Participating in appraisal reviews of yourself and others

Participating in meetings and school events

Contributing to the development, image and wellbeing of the whole school

Person specification

While we can imagine a range of applicant profiles, our ideal candidates will:

Possess as wide a range as possible of construction and maintenance skills such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical, mechanical services, electronics, etc.
Previous experience in property management or a related field would be helpful but we are open to considering candidates who have experience in other maintenance or management roles
Not essential but a plus: Enjoy gardening and taking care of outdoor environments/landscaping Be fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children
Share our commitment to excellence, high standards and expectations, including an inherent ability to pay attention to detail
Have a particularly warm, kind, helpful and caring personality, with an ability to remain calm and multi-task
Be able to perform physically demanding tasks
Have drive, energy, enthusiasm and a 'can do' attitude to problem-solving
Be flexible, adaptive, innovative and creative
Have a positive outlook on life with a good sense of humour
Be a constructive team player who will successfully work with fellow staff members and contractors
Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Be organised and efficient

Safeguarding and child protection

Herne Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share that commitment. The School's safeguarding policy is available on our website.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a self-declaration of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children.
The School will perform all required pre-employment checks on successful candidates, including with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and, where appropriate, a check of the Barred List maintained by the DBS. Any offer of employment will be conditional on obtaining satisfactory results for all checks.
It is an offence to apply for the role if they are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

How to apply

Please download the application form from our website hernehillschool.co.uk. Once completed, email it to bursar@hernehillschool.co.uk, addressed to the Bursar, Mrs Anne Thompson.

The is no specified application deadline as the post is currently vacant. As a consequence, early applications are highly encouraged and will be processed as received.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: Up to 30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Canteen Discounted or free food Free fitness classes
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person