Facilities Assistant

Academy Facilities Assistant

Salary: Outer London Business Support Scale, Grade 3\4 (Spine Points 14 – 21) FTE £28,519.00 -£30,626.00 including London Weighting, plus a salary adjustment of £1,188.29 - £1,276.08 per annum (depending on spine point) for working above full-time equivalent hours.

Location: The Link School Satellite Sites: Satellite, Mollison Drive (Access via Lancastrian Road, Wallington, SM6 9JN) & The Cottage, 3 Carew Manor Cottages, Church Road, Wallington SM6 7NH.

Working Pattern 38.75 hours per week, Monday to Friday 07:45-16:00 hours (all year round), with a 45mins lunch break.

The Link School specialises in meeting the needs of 160 students from 4-19 with Speech, Language and Communication difficulties including autistic spectrum conditions and Pathological Demand Avoidance. In addition to the Primary and Secondary sites, it also has a satellite provision which provides a safe and nurturing environment for autistic young people who show demand avoidant profiles.

Situated in the London Borough of Sutton all four sites are easily accessible by public transport and well placed to draw upon a wide range of leisure, recreational and educational facilities having easy access to Surrey and London.

The school provides a warm, safe, friendly and nurturing environment, which helps pupils to learn, express their ideas, communicate, develop friendships and grow in confidence and self- esteem.

Staff provide pupils with an outstanding education based on strong practitioner research and the holistic curriculum offer that promotes strong personal and social education as well as cognitive development. It is a rewarding and inspirational place to work. To find out more about us visit our website.

1. Site Maintenance

• Undertake all aspects of maintenance work of fixtures and fittings.
• Planning and managing a maintenance schedule in consultation the Facilities Business Partner and School Business Manager with regard to building plant and vehicles.
• Carry out repairs or improvements to the level of qualification, knowledge and experience required.
• Advise the School Business Manager and Facilities Business Partner concerning repairs and maintenance needed. Liaise with School Business Manager for purchases and advise when work is completed or of any issues which cannot be solved using own initiative.
• Keep equipment, tools and machinery in a secure manner.
• Undertake internal decoration in all areas if required and as directed.
• Keep records relating to company due diligence and regulations as directed by the Facilities Business Partner / School Business Manager.
• Report any defects of the building, furniture fittings and equipment via the facilities helpdesk or the health and safety reporting system as required.

2. Facilities

• Carry out high level cleaning including light fittings, diffusers etc., using the appropriate access equipment for which training is required.
• Make sure all detectors are kept free of cobwebs/obstructions, which could hinder their performance.
• Check external lighting regularly that all bulbs are working and appropriately adjust timers.
• Ensure toilet areas are kept clean and safe as needed whilst on duty
• Replenish paper products in toilets as required.
• Be vigilant of any strangers on site and report as necessary.
• Undertake general portage duties to ensure delivery of stock, stationery, supplies and equipment to the correct place within the site, remove furniture and set out of rooms as required.
• Prepare the school site for meetings and special events and clear up after these activities.
• Locking of the school buildings including the securing of all windows and internal / external doors.
• Ensure that the facilities are adequately heated and lit, appropriate to weather conditions.
• Ensure the correct signs are on display, e.g., fire safety, first aid signs and health and safety.
• All paperwork, including digital records, should be stored in an organised, accessible manner to allow swift retrieval required. This is essential for compliance, audit readiness, and transparency.

3. Grounds Maintenance

• Check and maintain drains and gullies, driveways and paths.
• Ensure safe access to school site e.g. snow clearance.
• Clear litter and ensure that the school grounds are maintained in a clean & tidy state.
• Ensure fences and boundaries are appropriately maintained.
• Take appropriate action to prevent trees and plants causing damage to property or injury to persons.

4. Health & Safety

• Perform duties in line with health and safety regulations and take action where hazards are identified. Report serious hazards to line manager immediately.
• Assess the risks involved in cleaning and maintenance duties around the school and take reasonable precautions for your own work in line with HASAWA Duty of Care
• Ensure all records for maintenance are current and that any statutory checks are maintained as directed by the Facilities team/School Business Manager.
• Undertake regular health and safety checks of buildings, grounds, fixtures, fittings and equipment.
• Conduct Health & Safety Risk Assessment and ensure records are maintained for inspection.
• Carry out emergency repairs to ensure the health and safety of pupils and staff.
• Carry out safety and damage minimisation procedures in the event of, fire, flood, breaking and entering, accident or other major damage.

5. Other

• Undertake any relevant training as required.
• Keep aware of company policies and procedures.
• To work as a member of the staff team to contribute positively to effective working relationships within the school.
• Conduct any other duties commensurate with the post as required.

The Link School is part of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, an established family of specialist academies and college centres that provide for over 1500 pupils and students with a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs. To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website.

Closing Date: 4th September 2025

Interviews will take place on: 15 September 2025

Safeguarding Statement

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.