Maintenance Assistant/Cleaner

Place of Work: Independent Special School, Sevenoaks, TN13 1SR

Hours of Work: 20 hours / 44.6 weeks per year (Term Time Only)

3pm - 7pm, Monday-Friday

Accountable to: Head of Estates & Facilities

Direct Reports: N/A

About the School

This is a challenging but rewarding environment where dedicated staff help rebuild lives through education. Teaching respect, encouraging responsibility, building relationships, and developing resilience in students are central aspects of the role. Staff who are committed, dynamic, and resourceful find the work fulfilling.

The school is currently on an exciting journey toward being registered as a therapeutic community and welcomes staff who support this ethos.

Main Purpose of the Role

The post holder will assist in providing day‑to‑day cleaning and basic maintenance services to ensure the smooth running of the school's operations.

The role requires an understanding of both the educational and practical needs of the school, the ability to work to tight deadlines, and the capacity to operate under demanding conditions. Health and Safety practices and safe systems of work must always be followed.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure all designated areas-including classrooms, corridors, toilets, and communal spaces-are clean, tidy, and well‑maintained
• Carry out basic maintenance and minor repairs (e.g., replacing light bulbs, minor painting, basic plumbing tasks)
• Support the Head of Estates & Facilities with regular health and safety checks, and report hazards promptly
• Use cleaning materials and equipment safely and store them securely
• Refill consumables such as soap, hand towels, and toilet paper
• Assist with setting up rooms for events or meetings when required
• Follow all school policies, including safeguarding and health & safety regulations
• Support site security by ensuring windows and doors are secured as directed
• Carry out general swimming pool maintenance, including water quality checks and backwashing
• Conduct regular fire alarm tests
• Perform any other duties as directed by the Head of Estates & Facilities

Safeguarding

• Undertake relevant safeguarding training and keep knowledge updated
• Be familiar with safeguarding procedures and escalation routes
• Ensure safeguarding practices align with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance
• Promote best‑practice safeguarding in all interactions with students

Health and Safety

• Always work safely and hygienically, following all Health & Safety and Safeguarding policies

Partnership Working

• Build and maintain positive working relationships across the school
• Support and contribute to joint initiatives as required
• Develop links between the department and the wider school community
• Celebrate and share successes with students, colleagues, and parents/carers

Equality and Diversity

• Promote equality regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation
• Support individuals in expressing their uniqueness in all aspects of life

General

• Act as an ambassador for the school when representing it at events or meetings
• Engage in continuing professional development
• Uphold the school's values and ethos
• Undertake any duties reasonably required by the line manager
• Follow all school policies, especially those related to safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety
• Attend regular supervision with the line manager
• Participate in team meetings as required
• Complete any relevant training identified
• Maintain professional standards at all times
• Carry out any additional tasks requested by the line manager or Senior Management Team

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.