Overview
Part-time to include a Sunday: two days a week, 52 weeks per year (one day must be Sunday). Hours: 07:45am to 16:30pm. Occasionally, the post holder may be asked to work additional hours to cover for other staff absence or specific events.
King Alfred School (KAS) is a progressive independent school in idyllic grounds in North London. Our independence means that we can take a holistic approach to education, value the progress young people make in every area and experiment with innovative ideas. We are seeking a Caretaker who will be responsible for providing caretaking and grounds maintenance support to the school's two sites, Manor Wood & Ivy Wood, including the maintenance of sports facilities. They will work in a small, friendly team to ensure the grounds and sports facilities are safe, well maintained and presentable. They will also work alongside the two Gardeners and provide some general caretaking support to include security, health and safety and emergency response works.
Responsibilities
* Carry out caretaking and grounds maintenance for the school’s two sites (Manor Wood & Ivy Wood), including maintenance of sports facilities.
* Work with two Gardeners and provide general caretaking support, including security, health and safety, and emergency response tasks.
* On Sundays, be responsible for all site-related matters: unlocking and locking buildings, liaising with hirers, carrying out caretaking tasks, and assisting with farm management as directed by the Head of Estates.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* Experience of providing grounds maintenance services.
* Willingness to learn about different security systems across the school and take responsibility as a key holder.
* Willingness to work in all weathers and conditions (including the school farm).
* General understanding of tools and basic maintenance tasks.
Desirable
* Level 2 Certificate in Sports and Amenity Turf Maintenance or other practical horticultural training is desirable.
* Experience of working in a school setting.
* Experience of the safe and effective use of fertilisers, herbicides, and insecticides, coupled with a sound knowledge of organic gardening methods and skills in propagation (additional training can be given). Pesticide training is desirable.
* An understanding of health and safety issues appropriate to school grounds and sports maintenance.
* Full, clean driving licence
Training and Personal Qualities
* Training will be provided to the right candidate.
* Personal Qualities Essential: A patient and friendly manner with a flexible approach to work and a willingness to work as part of a team.
* Good communication skills, including the ability to receive, record and transmit messages accurately and quickly.
* Hard working with an ability to meet the demands of a busy school.
* Self-motivated, able to take initiative and work without direct supervision, particularly on a Sunday.
* Strong at building relationships and eager to work with students, staff and contractors.
Other factors
* The post holder will be expected to maintain a level of fitness appropriate to the responsibilities of the post, including the ability to move heavy items of equipment.
* Reasonable adjustment will be made to working arrangements to accommodate a person with a disability who otherwise would be prevented from undertaking this work.
Benefits
* 26 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (pro-rated for part-time staff).
* Free lunch during term time.
* Contributory Pension Scheme (5% employee contributions, 10% employer contributions) and associated life assurance scheme.
* Termly opportunity to participate in car parking permit scheme.
* Use of School gym facilities.
* Staff CPD.
* Cycle to Work Scheme.
Application and Safeguarding
To apply for this role please visit our website and apply via our online Application Form. Closing date for applications: Midnight, Tuesday 23 September 2025.
All members of the King Alfred School community are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers, social media checks, and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974: All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 2013 provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are “protected” and not subject to disclosure to employers. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website or at Unlock.
We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at The King Alfred School is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. For more on King Alfred’s diversity and inclusion statements, please see our DEI statement and KAS Against Racism policy.
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