Lead Caretaker

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Caretaker to join our fantastic team at MEA Central

This is a permanent, full-time role 35 hours per week, all year round, with a starting salary of £29,064 Grade 5. The successful candidate will join us in September 2026.

About the role:
As Lead Caretaker, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Site Manager and overseeing the day-to-day management and maintenance of the school site. You will be responsible for:

• Managing and developing the school’s buildings and specialist facilities

• Acting as a keyholder and managing site security, including alarms and CCTV

• Delivering hands-on site caretaking, including cleanliness and site presentation

• Leading in the delivery of the school’s Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme

• Ensuring statutory checks are completed and recorded (fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, etc.)

• Supporting grounds maintenance and maintaining safe access during all weather conditions

• Coordinating repairs, overseeing contractors and managing the estates helpdesk system

• Line manage other members of estates team, including recruitment, performance, and development

• Monitor health & safety compliance across the site and address any issues promptly

• Take a proactive role in site security and emergency response

• Work closely with cleaning and catering contractors, where required

• Support school events by managing site set-up and logistics
  

Who we’re looking for:

We’re seeking a dedicated and experienced professional with:

• Significant experience in a similar site/estates management role, ideally in a school or similar environment

• Excellent knowledge of health and safety, hygiene procedures, and site compliance

• Confidence managing staff and external contractors

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work flexibly and independently

• Hands-on maintenance skills and the ability to respond to emergencies effectively

• IT literacy and experience using facilities systems and records

• Relevant health & safety training and a full driving licence would be advantageous.

How to Apply

Please follow the online application process to be considered.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.

Working for Prospere Learning Trust

Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including.

• High quality CPD for all roles

• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan - annual cash back allowance for a range of every day health care expenses

• Generous Pension Contribution - over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years' service

• Cyclescheme - save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free

• Employee Assistance Programmes - including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines

• Credit Union - regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans

• Flexible working options - we're happy to talk flexible working where possible

• Mental Health First Aid in every school

• Blue Light Card - discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more

• bYond cashback card - spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases

Visit our website to learn more about our Trust: Welcome to Prospere Learning Trust

Job Application Information

Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self-disclosure form.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references.

Safeguarding Commitment

All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Equality Statement

Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

For application support, contact us on 0161 527 7953 or email jobs@prospere.org.uk