School caretaker/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 local authorities that provide education services.

Work Environment

Caretakers/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, but meet a variety of people during the working day, including the school’s staff, pupils, parents and outside contractors.

The normal working week is 37 hours, but is essential to be flexible about working times, because it may be necessary to open the school in the evenings and at weekends. Paid overtime and/or breaks during the middle of the day may be offered.

Daily Activities

Caretakers/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
• reasonably fit, because the work involves lifting and carrying.

Entry Requirements

Academic qualifications are not required. Entrants are usually mature people with previous work experience.

Training may include short off-the-job courses - for example in first aid, health and safety matters, use of electrical appliances.

NVQ/SVQ in Cleaning and Support Services - Level 2 (Caretaking) is available.

Estimated salary range

Basic salaries are usually in the £11,300 - £11,400 possibly rising to £13,000+ in some areas, but may be higher in larger schools. Paid overtime may be available.

A caretaker’s house, usually in the school grounds, may be offered at a reasonable rent.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

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 cleaners and gardeners.

With experience it is possible to move into related areas such as caretaking in public buildings, housing estates or hospitals, or cleaning management.

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