Introduction
School caretaker or site manager is definitely not a nine-to-five
job - with early starts and some evening duties, this type of work
suits people with a flexible approach who enjoy the challenge of a
varied routine. Whilst all caretakers and site managers are
concerned with making sure that teachers and pupils can work in
clean and safe surroundings, the duties can vary considerably in
schools of different size. In smaller schools the term 'caretaker'
tends to be used; in larger schools, where the work often involves
supervising cleaners and other workers, the term 'site manager' may
be preferred. Caretakers/site managers are employed by school
governing bodies within local authorities that provide education
services.
Work Environment
Caretakers and site managers work indoors - in classrooms,
cloakrooms, corridors, halls and offices - and outdoors, in the
school grounds. They are on their feet most of the day, and the
work involves lifting and carrying. For tasks such as
cleaning and repair work they may wear overalls, protective
footwear and gloves. They work on their own or part of of a
team, but meet a variety of people during the working day,
including the school's staff, pupils, parents and outside
contractors.
Daily Activities
Caretakers and site managers are responsible for the safety,
security and cleanliness of school premises. On a daily basis they
walk round the school and grounds, checking cleanliness and
tidiness, looking for damage and items needing repair. They unlock
the premises in the morning and lock up at night. Other duties
vary, but may include:
- cleaning or supervising cleaners;
- controlling access to the premises, maintaining security and
reporting incidents, such as vandalism, to the police and head
teacher;
- reporting items needing repair, carrying out basic repairs
(such as replacing broken window panes or fixing leaking taps),
arranging for outside contractors to do more complicated
repairs;
- looking after the school's swimming pool;
- maintaining the school's grounds, or supervising staff carrying
out this work;
- dealing with lettings in the evenings and at weekends.
Caretakers/site managers plan their own routines, to suit
day-to-day requirements and the needs of the school.
Skills & Interests
Caretakers and site managers need to be:
- capable of establishing good working relationships with the
head teacher, office and teaching staff, pupils, parents, cleaners,
etc;
- flexible in their approach to planning the working day;
- well organised, conscientious and reliable;
- practical, with basic DIY skills;
- able to undertake physical elements of the role.
Entry Requirements
Academic qualifications are not required. Entrants of all ages can
apply. Training may include short off-the-job courses - for
example in first aid, health and safety matters, use of electrical
appliances and cleaning.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
Every school employs a caretaker or site manager, but there can be
a lot of competition for posts. Promotion generally involves
moving to a larger school, taking on greater responsibility for
supervising other staff, such as assistant caretakers, cleaners and
gardeners.
Further Information & Services
Asset Skills www.assetskills.org
British Institute of Cleaning Science www.bics.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.