Assistant Caretaker

Assistant CaretakerApril/May 2026 Start Date Application Pack for the Role ofCHEAM | Assistant CaretakerRole OverviewCheam, a wonderful co-educational prep school on the Berkshire/Hampshire border, is looking for anAssistant Caretaker to join our Facilities Management team at Cheam. This is a hands-on, full-time rolehelping to ensure a safe, secure and tidy site, ideally suited to someone with general handy(wo)manskills and a basic understanding of building maintenance.The successful candidate will become one of three first-line responders dealing with day-to-dayoperational needs, as well as supporting delivery of a structured programme of planned preventativemaintenance and other minor projects. Team members receive training and development in relevantskills. Larger, specialist or technical works that require specific trade or professional qualifications arecontracted out, with the the Cheam team providing onsite liaison and oversight.Like other team members, the Assistant Caretaker reports to the Facilities Manager, an experiencedprofessional insourced from Cheam’s chosen FM partner, Calber. This innovative arrangement enablesan appropriate balance between in-house and contracted-out works, ensuring daily demands can bemet in parallel with routine checks and other works required for maintaining regulatory compliance.The Facilities Manager reports directly to the school’s Director of Finance & Operations (DFO).Cheam is a busy school throughout the year, with a discerning parent body and customer base. Duringterm-time, the team’s shift pattern is designed to ensure maximum support during the school’s corehours as well as sufficient cover throughout the full school day. Shift patterns outside term-timebenefit from greater flexibility, provided that routine maintenance and pre-planned project work iscompleted on time. Like all staff who act as brand ambassadors, the highest standards of professionalbehaviour are expected at all times.About Cheam SchoolCheam was founded in 1645 and is one of the oldest prep schools in the world. Cheam is an IAPSboarding and day school with over 300 pupils, boys and girls from age 3-13 years. Cheam prides itselfon its excellent all-round record academically, musically, artistically and on the sports field and isespecially highly regarded for its Character education. The facilities are outstanding.  On completingtheir education at Cheam, children move on to the top Public Schools in England, including Eton,Wellington, Marlborough, Radley, Harrow, Winchester, Bradfield and St. Mary’s, Calne. The school isnon-selective yet achieves consistently high standards academically, through an inspirational anddedicated team of teachers. Cheam School is situated in a stunning rural location ten minutes from Newbury and fifteen minutesfrom Basingstoke, just off the A339. It is surrounded by smaller towns and villages from which it drawsmany of its pupils. www.cheamschool.co.ukCheam School, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8LD CHEAM | Assistant CaretakerKey ResponsibilitiesHelp maintain a safe, secure and tidy siteWear issued PPE and maintain and use tools and equipment safely and appropriatelyCarry out routine caretaking duties, such as opening and securing buildings & checking premisesPerform routine checks to meet regulatory standards (e.g. water temperatures, emergency lighting) Take regular meter readings to monitor utilities consumption and enable timely reorderingHelp manage goods inward and other deliveries safely and efficientlySupport regular testing of the fire alarm and lockdown systemsReport identified hazards, defects or other risk items to the Facilities ManagerSupport delivery of the School’s planned preventative maintenance programmeRespond to urgent maintenance issues and triaged maintenance requests including minor repairsLiaise with, and supervise, contractors working onsite, as requiredSupport initiatives designed to increase recycling and reduce waste, working in partnership withthe Grounds team, Catering team, pupil-led Eco-Committee and the School’s waste contractorEnsure key equipment and infrastructure remains operational (e.g. clean CCTV camera lenses,replace lightbulbs, clear guttering, unblock drains)Set up furniture and equipment for key School events in the published termly calendar (e.g. exams,parents evenings, performances, sports day, open days)  Help with the general upkeep and ongoing safe operation of the site (e.g. basic plumbing, furniturerepairs, litter picking, lighting open fires, salting paths, managing traffic)www.cheamschool.co.ukCheam School, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8LDwww.cheamschool.co.ukCheam School, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8LDCHEAM | Assistant CaretakerSkills, Qualifications and ExperienceEssentialGeneral handy(wo)man skills with a basic understanding of building maintenanceAwareness of health and safety procedures and a commitment to safe working practicesGood team player with a flexible, positive ‘can-do’ attitude and a willingness to support a widevariety of tasks within a small team. Equally able and comfortable working independently.Reliable, punctual, courteous and trustworthyGood organisational skills with the ability to work calmly during periods of intense activityBasic IT skills to read and send emails. Willingness to learn how to retrieve files and fill in pre-created maintenance record files within ExcelFull clean UK driving licenceGood sense of humourDesirablePrevious experience in a caretaking, maintenance or facilities support role would be beneficialPrevious experience working in a school or educational environment would be beneficialFamiliarity with facilities systems and software (e.g. for logging maintenance requests)Knowledge of safeguarding procedures within a school settingPlumbing &/or electrical experience would be beneficialwww.cheamschool.co.ukCheam School, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8LDCHEAM | Assistant CaretakerHours of Work and SalarySalary will be competitive, according to experience and qualifications. This is a full-time non-teaching role, working 40 hours per week during term time and holidays. Themandatory term-time shift pattern is 9.00am-6.00pm Monday to Friday, although as a six-day-a-weekSchool, occasional Saturday and evening work may be required to meet operational requirements. Toaccommodate this, flexible working arrangements, time-off-in-lieu (TOIL) and overtime are thereforeavailable.School Holidays and Days OffLeave entitlement is 20 days paid holiday in each holiday year (between 1 September and 31 August),not including public holidays. Depending on operational requirements, annual leave is normally takenduring School holidays. Staff are expected to attend INSET days just before the start of each term andmay be required to complete specific training immediately after the end of term.Benefits Generous pension scheme. Professional development, including mentoring and a variety of training opportunities.School lunches, snacks and refreshments provided during term time.Use of the school gym and Cheam’s wonderful facilities.Wellbeing focus with access to physio, counsellors and regular team socials.Free onsite parkingwww.cheamschool.co.ukCheam School, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8LDCHEAM | Assistant CaretakerWorking at CheamOur staff are Cheam’s greatest asset. From the inspiring and experienced teachers to the efficient andfriendly support teams, everyone contributes to the special environment at Cheam. It is the perfectplace for staff to thrive and grow. We are looking for a candidate who has confidence, integrity,humility, fun and humour and is happy to give their time, expertise, skill and intellect to makingCheam a great place for children and colleagues. At Cheam, we are not only committed to academicexcellence but also to the personal growth and character development of each and every pupil. Staff atCheam are expected to take an active role in helping children reflect upon and grow their characters,using an initiative, the Cheam Diploma, as a platform to guide and support this process.Click on the logos below to read our wonderful reviews and listings“Having worked in a number of schools, when I found Cheam, itfelt the most like home. The team, the amazing site and thepositive, can-do attitudes are what makes it a great place to workand live.”“It’s a privilege to work in such a beautiful setting, with abrilliant group of colleagues who make coming to workworthwhile.”“The feeling of camaraderie amongst the staff and being partof the Cheam team. It’s a very special community.” CHEAM | Assistant CaretakerHow to Apply To apply, please complete the application form and equal opportunities form found on our website atwww.cheamschool.co.uk and please include a covering letter. Unfortunately we are unable to acceptapplications without a completed application form.Covering letters and application forms should be submitted via email to Kathryn Hathaway, Head ofCompliance and HR to hathawayk@cheamschool.co.uk - alternatively you can post your application tothe address below.Key Dates Closing date for applications: Monday 23 March 2026 at 5pmrdInterviews will be held shortly afterwards. Start date: April/May 2026The school reserves the right to call someone to interview before the application closing date.Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity and InclusionCheam School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young peopleand expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must undergo child protection screening,including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.We are also committed to a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. If you believe your personalvalues would fit with the Cheam values and ethos we would love to hear from you. Whatever yourbackground, if you lead by example, show resilience, kindness and seek always to integrate and share,please get in touch.www.cheamschool.co.ukCheam School, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8LD