Head Grounds Operative/Groundsman

Closing Date - Monday 28th October 2024

Interview Date - Week Commencing 4th November 2024

Start Date - ASAP

Core Hours - 7:00am - 3:00pm Monday - Friday

Salary - Competitive Salary

Contract Type - Permanent

We are seeking an experienced Head Grounds Operative or Groundsman to join the Estates team at The Blue Coat School. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake various duties and to work well alone and as part of a team.

Benefits of working at our school

The Blue Coat School is a diverse and vibrant community. We pride ourselves on cultivating a staff community who are innovative and dynamic teachers, knowledgeable and passionate support staff, and creative, forward-thinking leaders.

All staff have access to a range of benefits including ongoing CPD, a delicious free lunch each day during term time, remuneration on fees, access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, use of fitness facilities, social and wellbeing events and free on-site parking.

Support Staff are enrolled into a direct contribution pension scheme with generous employer contributions and associated benefits.

Head Grounds Operative Areas of responsibility:

• Direct and manage the Grounds Operatives with their day-to-day duties.
• Carry out reactive maintenance works across the campus grounds.
• Plan grounds project work and consult the Estates and Compliance Manager where necessary. 
• Maintain an excellent presentation of the campus grounds.
• Work in conjunction with the PE department to fulfil pitch and facility requirements.
• Attend the campus outside of normal working hours when required to carry out essential maintenance of the grounds and/or when directed by the Estates and Compliance Manager.
• Where required, work with the Caretaker on works outside of normal working hours.
• Carry out car parking duties where required.
• Assist the maintenance Operatives with the setup of various school events, when required.
• Carry out scheduled and routinely compliance works. This includes but is not limited to checking outdoor facilities safety and the general condition of the trees across the campus. 
• Continue to attend training courses to stay current and relevant within their role. 
• When required, assist the Maintenance Operatives with their role. 

Groundsman Areas of responsibility:

• Carry out reactive maintenance works across the campus grounds.
• Carry out planned grounds project work where directed by the Estates and Compliance Manager. 
• Maintain an excellent presentation of the campus grounds.
• Work in conjunction with the PE department to fulfil pitch and facility requirements.
• Carry out car parking duties where required.
• Assist the maintenance Operatives with the setup of various school events, when required.
• Carry out scheduled and routinely compliance works. This includes but is not limited to checking outdoor facilities safety and the general condition of the trees across the campus. 
• Continue to attend training courses to stay current and relevant within their role. 
• When required, assist the Maintenance Operatives with their role.

Purpose of Post

• To promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and young persons for whom the post holder has responsibility and with whom the post holder comes into contact.
• To maintain the highest level of confidentiality in all matters including those relating to pupils, parents and colleagues.

General Duties and Responsibilities

Professional

• Exercise loyalty to the Headmaster and to the School, upholding and maintaining its traditions and ethos
• Support and assist the Headmaster and his Senior Leadership Team in providing a happy, secure, safe and stimulating environment in which the children can reach their full potential.
• Support the Headmaster in fostering parental involvement and in keeping parents informed of school policy, the curriculum and other matters of importance in conjunction with other senior colleagues.
• Comply with all regulatory requirements.
• Comply fully with the requirements as set out in the DfE document ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and any relevant supplementary guidance.
• Comply fully with the requirements as set out in the HM Government document ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ and any relevant supplementary guidance.
• Abide by the School’s current systems and structures as outlined in policy documents including the First Aid and Health, Health and Safety and Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies, and take appropriate action in accordance with all such documents as and when necessary.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with governors, colleagues, potential parents, current parents, agencies and children.
• Take responsibility for one’s own professional development, attending INSET courses and other relevant courses and conferences as required. 
• Be punctual and adaptable, and dress in a smart but practical manner.
• Maintain the confidentiality of the School’s affairs and those of its parents and pupils.

Full job descriptions and person specification can be viewed in the Information Booklets below.

All members of staff are required to promote and safeguard the welfare of children they are responsible for, or come into contact with, and to adhere to, and ensure compliance with, the School’s child protection procedures and staff guidance at all times.

Full job descriptions and person specification for the post can be viewed in the Information Booklets. Application forms, together with a supporting letter addressed to The Estates and Compliance Manager, Mr Frankie Paterson should be returned to recruitment@thebluecoatschool.com by 9am on Monday 28th October 2024. Please also state which role you are applying for.

Interviews will take place Week commencing 4th November 2024. There will also be an opportunity to tour the school on the interview day. At interview, applicants must provide original documents to confirm their identity and right to work in the UK. They must also bring proof of qualifications where relevant for the post. The documentation required by applicants is listed in the Recruitment Policy which is available on the school website and from the School. All other attributes will be assessed using the contents of the application form, at interview and with the professional references.

The post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (including a Barred List check), a satisfactory online check, a satisfactory medical fitness declaration and satisfactory references. Confidential references will be sought prior to interview.

The Blue Coat School is an equal opportunity employer.

Please note, we reserve the right to close posts and commence interviews at any time, once we have received sufficient applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.