Premises Assistant

Introduction

Blackheath Prep is an independent prep school for just over 370 boys and girls aged 3 to 11. Founded in 1996, it occupies a beautiful five-acre site close to Blackheath village. Its original Georgian and Victorian buildings have been extended and adapted to include large playgrounds and extensive playing fields, tennis courts and a Forest School area. In April 2023 we were delighted to announce our merger with Eltham College to form a new family of schools. 

It is a remarkable school with outstanding facilities, a formidable track record in academic success and impressive achievements in Music, Sport, Drama and Art.  Children go on to a range of independent and maintained secondary schools, with a large proportion being awarded academic scholarships at schools such as Eltham College Senior School, Alleyn’s, Colfe's, Dulwich College, James Allen’s Girls’ School, Sevenoaks School and City of London Schools and/or places at top Grammar schools such as Newstead Wood and St Olave’s.

The Role

We are seeking to appoint a Premises Assistant to join our dedicated Premises and Grounds team at Blackheath Prep. The team are responsible for ensuring the School site is safe, inviting and well maintained. The premises staff provide essential support in the efficient day to day running of the school throughout the year. The range of activities undertaken is wide and varied and may include setting up for events, escorting contractors and decorating.

Principal Duties

· Support all members of the premises team.

· Carry out minor maintenance repairs in accordance with the post holders’ skills and qualifications.

· Oversee the pond care.

· Carry out cleaning duties if required.

· Keep site clean, tidy and free from litter and rubbish.

· Assist in emergency evacuations.

· Conduct daily and weekly audit checks of the school site.

· Daily gate duties.

· Oversee sprinkler alarm checks and water temperature audits.

· Assist with the external hire events on Saturdays.

Person Specification

· Excellent team working ethic with the ability to use initiative and work on own when required.

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to interact with people at all levels, particularly young people of all ages.

· Confidence and assertiveness combined with the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with difficult situations.

· Excellent timekeeping skills with a clear ability to prioritise work, solve problems and seek help when needed.

· Excellent attention to detail and high standards.

· Tact, humour and assurance.

A full job description and person specification is available within the candidate information pack.

Terms of Appointment

· The post is available ASAP on a permanent, full-time basis (40 hours per week)

·  Salary is offered at £27,352 per annum, with the occasional opportunity for overtime.

·  Benefits include school fee remission (subject to the child meeting the entrance requirements of the school), life assurance and pension scheme  

· Wellbeing benefits including free annual eye test, annual flu vaccination and access to our Employee Support helpline 

· Travel benefits include Season Ticket Loan, Bike2Work scheme and electric car salary sacrifice scheme

· Free staff lunch and tea/coffee is provided during term time

How to Apply

Please send by email a completed application form and equal opportunities form, together with a covering letter to Emma Over, HR and Recruitment Assistant: recruitment@blackheathprep.co.uk 

Closing date for applications is 9am, Tuesday 16 July 2024.

***Please note that the recruitment campaign might end earlier as the applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so please do not delay in applying***

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all other safer recruitment checks, including checks on social media.