Estates Assistant

Holme Grange School
Job Description & Person Specification

Job Title:

Estates Assistant

Responsible to:

Estates and Facilities Manager

Hours:

Full time - 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday with a 30 minute break (Hours are flexible)

Purpose of Job:

The Role

To carry out day to day maintenance of the school buildings, its services and grounds in
order to ensure the school is maintained in a safe and efficient functional order.

The performance of all the duties and responsibilities shown below will be under the reasonable direction of the
Estates and Facilities Manager, Estates Supervisor, Bursar, Headteacher or other Senior Manager if appropriate.
Under the direction of the Estates Supervisor the Estates Assistant will be required to assist with the security of
the premises and its contents, ensuring that the school's facilities and grounds are maintained to a high standard
whilst meeting the operational needs of a day school

Whilst the primary requirements of the appointee will be to meet the gardening and grounds needs of the School
they will also be called upon to carry out various other duties as required. These may include, as well as other
maintenance jobs, assisting the other grounds and maintenance staff in carrying out their duties (particularly in
times of staff absence) and the provision of the occasional delivery and collection service for which the use of a
small van is available. The post holder will be required to drive the School’s minibus for which a formal
qualification (as arranged by the School) will be expected to be achieved.

This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. It will be reviewed regularly and
may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after due consideration

General Requirements

Previous experience in an estate or facilities management role is desirable

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• A good understanding of building maintenance including mechanical and electrical systems
• A good understanding of compliance, health and safety and other statutory regulations
• Hold a valid driver's license
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Previous experience in pitch maintenance for Cricket, Football, Rugby and Athletics desirable but not essential

An ideal Candidate will:

be reliable, flexible and readily available to support the needs of the school
have effective communication skills and good interpersonal skills

• Have a proactive approach to general maintenance
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• work well as part of a team and independently
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be confident and a reassuring presence whilst maintaining a professional relationship with students
be able to give instructions and manage situations involving different groups of people
have basic IT skills (familiar with use of email, mobile phone messaging etc.)
be calm in an emergency and flexible to respond to unexpected situations

Heathlands  Road,  Wokingham,  Berkshire, RG40  3AL

0118 978 1566                   school@holmegrange.org

www.holmegrange.org

 Headteacher Mrs Pippa Adams MEd FCCT

Holme  Grange  Ltd  trading  as  Holme  Grange  School  registered

in  England  No.

9000240  Registered  office  at  Holme  Grange  School,  Heathlands  Road,  Wokingham
RG40  3AL  Registered  as  a  charity  No.  309105

Main Duties

This is a 'hands-on' appointment and the Estates Assistant is expected to be fully involved with the daily duties
being flexible and responsive. It is essential that the candidate is able to demonstrate their ability to work as
part of an effective team. The ability to prioritise work and identify, diagnose and solve problems before they
affect the operation of the school is essential.

Being committed to the safeguarding of children

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• Occasional out of hours work is required, however notice will be given in advance.
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Liaise with the Estates Supervisor regarding work to be carried out
Carry out compliance and legislative checks to ensure the School remains fully compliant
Report any faulty appliances, damaged furniture/equipment and any other potential hazards
Ensure the maintenance of the School estate is maintained to the highest standards. This may include;

o Grass cutting, leaf and litter clearance to maintain a clean and tidy appearance.
o To weed kill as necessary (training will be provided if required)
o To keep all hedges properly trimmed and fences in good condition
o To keep all external areas and other hard surfaces clean and tidy.
o To maintain the woodland path to the athletics field.
o Tending to the flower beds, hanging baskets, vegetables etc.
o Maintain the Adventure Playground, Willow Village, Forest School and Outdoor Learning Areas
o Maintain all the woodland areas with the assistance of outside contractors
o Assist with the management of the School Polytunnel
o Assist with the maintenance of the School ‘Farm’ including mucking out and general up keep of the

pens as well as changing bedding, administering medication and feeding (when required) and working
to maintain the animals welfare

o Keeping any sheds or outbuildings and areas in which waste is stored in a clean and tidy condition
o Clearing snow as well as gritting roads, paths and any areas to which pupils, visitors or staff have access
o Cleaning and maintenance of School signs and lighting
o Repaint any areas of walls or woodwork etc which are deemed necessary
o Undertake minor electrical and plumbing duties as required
o Undertake general carpentry / joinery duties as required
o Ensure all extraction vents and lighting are kept clean; replacing any defective units
o Maintain gutter clearance to ensure rainwater flows without blockage
o Record water temperatures as required.
o To play a part in the learning experience of the pupils where needed
o Advise on the repair or replacement of faulty equipment.
o Assist in the Grounds Maintenance when required which may include: Setting up pitches for matches

and attending to maintenance of the all-weather pitches etc.

Report any accident or any illness of an infectious nature

Ensure that all equipment used is clean and well maintained and put away after use
To demonstrate non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of work

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• Understand and ensure the implementation of the H&S policy, emergency and Fire procedures
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Promote and ensure the good reputation of the School both on and off site
• Maintain and demonstrate a positive attitude towards pupils, staff and others
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• Maintain complete confidentiality of all matters concerning the School, pupils, staff and related work
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• Unlock the School in the mornings
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Participate in, when required, staff or pupil meetings and attend training sessions as required
Participate in agreed systems of appraisal and individual performance review
Ensure the security of the School is maintained at all times

Provide cover for the School Bus Run – either morning or evening (or both)

Heathlands  Road,  Wokingham,  Berkshire, RG40  3AL

0118 978 1566                   school@holmegrange.org

www.holmegrange.org

 Headteacher Mrs Pippa Adams MEd FCCT

Holme  Grange  Ltd  trading  as  Holme  Grange  School  registered

in  England  No.

9000240  Registered  office  at  Holme  Grange  School,  Heathlands  Road,  Wokingham
RG40  3AL  Registered  as  a  charity  No.  309105