Assistant School Keeper and School Gardener (Combined role)

Engayne Primary School

Severn Drive

Upminster

Essex, RM14 1SW

Tel:  01708 223492

Email:  contact@engayne.co.uk

Headteacher: Mrs S Sankey

 

Assistant School Keeper and School Gardener

Scale:  Grade 1/2, Spinal Points 3-5

Hours: 30 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.  25 days annual leave, increasing to 27 days after 5 years service.

Salary:  £27,729 - £28,521 p.a. Full time equivalent

Actual Salary:  £23,108 - £23,768 p.a. (Plus occasional extra hours at standard pay rate)

Contract:  Permanent

Start Date:  1 September 2025 or earlier if possible (during August)

 

Due to the impending retirement of both current post holders an opportunity has arisen to join our vibrant, thriving community here at Engayne. Applicants must be willing to work with children on projects and support the school with its love of outdoor learning, Forest school, gardening and allotment.

We are seeking to appoint a permanent part time assistant School Keeper/School Gardener, to work alongside our full time Site Manager and Senior Leadership Team to ensure our premises are safe, clean and secure at the end of the day. The working hours are 1pm to 7pm Mon-Fri, overtime at standard pay rate is sometimes required, possibly including an occasional Saturday morning on a rota basis.

Hours may be increased/reduced to suit the growing seasons, for example more hours during the summer/less in the winter spent on grounds maintenance.

The successful candidate will also be expected to cover for the Site Manager during his holiday periods (which are usually during school holidays.)

The role involves:

• Cleaning, including cleaning at height;
• Emergency repairs;
• Site safety and security;
• Portering, which may include heavy lifting;
• Maintaining the school flower beds/ lawn areas/Forest school/Hedgerows
• Use of power tools including mowers, brush cutters and hedge trimmers
• Monitoring the use of the school site by other people;
• To be available during clubs and other events on site as needed.

Essential requirements:

• Good DIY and building maintenance skills;
• Awareness of health and safety requirements;
• Flexibility, and the ability to work as part of a team;
• Willingness to undertake further training as required (including Forest school accreditation)
• Willingness to undertake a swimming pool 'Pool Plant Operators' course

Desirable:

• Ability to use a computer for maintaining records and email
• Experience of working in a school and with children.

For full details please see the job profile and person specification.

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged and can be arranged by ringing Mr Rickett, School Business Manager on the school number 01708 223492.

 

Please apply online

Closing date:  Monday 16th June 2025     

Interviews:  Friday 20th June 2025