Caretaker

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale D: £26,427 to £26,847 per annum Full Time: 37 hours per week on Monday to Friday. Working pattern can be discussed at interview. Working Weeks: 52 weeks Start Date: October 2026 This role will be based at East Point Academy, Kirkley Run, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0UQ. Are you a practical, hands-on person who takes pride in creating a safe, secure and welcoming environment? Do you enjoy variety, solving problems and making sure everything is working as it should? If so, we’d love to hear from you. East Point Academy is looking for a reliable and conscientious Caretaker to join our team. This is a varied and important role where no two days are necessarily the same. From keeping our buildings and grounds well maintained, to ensuring the academy is secure and ready for students and staff each day, you’ll play a key part in the smooth running of our school. Within this the hours of attendance for work will be determined by the needs of the academy and undertaken by agreement with the principal. Key holder responsibilities may extend beyond regular working hours from time to time. This position is on a 52-week contract with the flexibility of booking annual leave in school holidays. What You’ll Be Doing The role involves supporting all aspects of the site including maintaining the school grounds, locking the site, and ensuring the site is compliant with health and safety regulations. You will ensure that the academy premises and contents are properly maintained, secured and ready to use. Be responsible for the security of the premises and its contents including the operation of fire and burglar alarms and undertaking key holder responsibilities, involving locking/unlocking entrances, checking and securing windows and internal doors, activating and switching off alarm systems, etc. Ensure that all utility related systems such as heating, lighting, plumbing and power are working properly. Help maintain and operate plant and equipment, according to the manufacturer's manual where appropriate Be responsible for the sanitary conditions, undertake internal decoration and outside duties such as clearance of drains and general tidying Be fully aware of and comply with all departmental instructions and procedures relating to health and safety at work and to recognise the responsibilities required under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. Be available to work or answer emergencies outside of regular working hours and pre-planned lettings as required About You: You’ll be someone who takes pride in your work, is confident using your practical skills and can use your initiative to deal with the everyday challenges that come with looking after a busy academy. You will have good problem-solving and communication skills, as well as a proactive and flexible attitude. You will be able to work independently and as part of a team. You should also have basic knowledge of health, safety, and security procedures to maintain a safe school environment. Essential: DIY skills to undertake minor repairs and maintenance of the site Understanding of the principle of health and safety in an education environment Ability to perform the physical tasks required by the post, including lifting, carrying and pushing various equipment to undertake the duties of the post Ability to carry out a range of administrative/clerical tasks, including record keeping, ordering and stock taking Ability to manage your own time effectively, demonstrate initiative and prioritise your workload. Desirable: Category D1 driving licence. Previous experience working in a similar role within an education setting. Why Join Inspiration Trust At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be. We offer: Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs * Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). * Free parking at most sites Personalised CPD and development programmes A structured and specific induction programme. *Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation. About Us East Point Academy in Lowestoft is the first secondary school to see the sunrise every day, and it is a fantastic place to work. The academy’s values underpin everything it does, preparing pupils to be successful both within the school and in the wider community throughout their lives. Students and staff embody these core values, creating a positive and supportive culture. Pupils are encouraged to be independent thinkers, gaining the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on the world around them. We are part of the Inspiration Trust ; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding. The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners. For information on what it is like to live and work in Lowestoft, click here. East Point Academy was inspected by Ofsted in February 2022, achieving another Good rating. “Pupils feel safe at the school. There are clear routines for behaviour which help pupils meet teachers’ high expectations. In lessons, behaviour is calm, with pupils’ attention focused on learning.” Next Steps Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and Job Description, for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the “Planning your application” section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years. If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Julie Collins, PA to Principal (juliecollins@inspirationtrust.org). To apply for this role please click the Apply button to complete the online application form. When you start your application, you will receive several emails from our application provider, Vacancy Filler. Please be aware that some email providers may mistakenly mark these messages as spam. To avoid missing important updates, we recommend checking your spam or junk folders regularly throughout the application process and marking these emails as safe. Closing date for applications: 12noon on Wednesday 16th September 2026 Interview date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026 Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.