18 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    As soon as possible

  • Closing date

    17 May 2026 at 11:59pm

  • Date listed

    29 April 2026

Job details

Job role

  • Catering, cleaning and site management

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Full time: Monday to Friday – 36 hours / 5 days per week Shifts between 7am – 6.30pm

Contract type

Permanent

Full-time equivalent salary

£32,535

What skills and experience we're looking for

Site Services Officer | Opossum Federation

Based in Waltham Forest. The successful candidate will be assigned a primary base in either the North or South of the borough, with a remit to provide strategic support across the Federation’s sites (Dawlish, Newport, Oakhill, and Thorpe Hall). A flexible approach to location is essential to support wider school projects and operational cover.

Salary: £32,535 (Scale 5, Spine Points 12–16)

Contract: Permanent, All Year Round | 36 Hours Per Week

Start Date: ASAP

The Opossum Federation is seeking to appoint a dedicated and proactive Site Services Officer to oversee the operational safety and physical environment of our primary school sites. This is a pivotal role within our federation, ensuring that our facilities provide a secure, inspiring, and high-quality learning environment for all pupils and staff.

As a key member of the site team, you will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, security, and health and safety compliance across our four schools. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the safeguarding culture of our diverse educational community.

Key responsibilities:

  • Estate Management: Executing routine maintenance, seasonal repairs, and ensuring the general upkeep of school buildings and grounds.
  • Operational Security: Ensuring sites are secure and accessible for daily operations.
  • Health & Safety: Monitoring and maintaining a safe environment in accordance with statutory requirements and school policies.
  • Team Leadership: Supporting the cleaning team to ensure consistently high standards of hygiene and presentation.
  • Stakeholder Liaison: Communicating effectively with school leadership, contractors, and external visitors to support school events and operational needs.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a disciplined approach to facility management and a commitment to the well-being of the school community. We are looking for:

  • Proven experience in building maintenance or caretaking, ideally within an educational or public-sector setting.
  • The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities under pressure, and meet strict deadlines.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to liaise with diverse stakeholders.
  • A flexible approach to working hours, with the capacity to work staggered shifts between 7:00 am and 6:30 pm.
  • A firm commitment to the Federation’s safeguarding and data protection protocols.

To apply:

To learn more about this role and the Opossum Federation’s mission, please visit our website: https://www.newport.waltham.sch.uk/

To Apply: Please submit your completed application form to Chloe Foulger at hr@opossumed.org.

Please note: Only applications submitted on the official school form will be considered.

  • Closing Date: 17.05.26
  • Interviews: 22.05.26

Safeguarding Statement: The Opossum Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, and a self-disclosure form.

What the school offers its staff

The Opossum Federation is a federation of schools (including Newport, Dawlish, Oakhill, and Thorpe Hall Primary Schools) that places a high premium on staff development and a sustainable work-life balance.

By joining the Federation, staff become part of a collaborative learning community that focuses on "Enriching lives, unleashing possibilities, and building futures."

Professional Development (CPD)

The Federation is widely recognised for its "Pathway to Success" model, ensuring every staff member has a clear route for career progression.

  • Bespoke CPD Programmes: Tailored training that encourages staff to flourish, including access to national programmes and internal consultancy.

  • ECT Induction: A comprehensive, two-year induction programme for Early Career Teachers (ECTs), featuring an annual conference and mentorship in collaboration with partners like UCL and the Harris Institute.

  • Leadership Pathways: Opportunities for career progression across the different schools within the Federation, including coaching and mentoring.

  • Professional Bursaries: Financial support for further professional study (subject to conditions).

  • Collaborative Planning: Staff work across schools to share resources, subject expertise, and best practices, which significantly enhances professional learning.

Wellbeing & Workload Support

The Federation has been praised by Ofsted for its proactive approach to reducing staff stress and managing workload.

  • Workload Reduction: A structured, "planned and prepared" curriculum and collaborative planning across the federation are designed to reduce the time spent on individual admin and prep.

  • Thrive Mental Wellbeing: All staff have access to the Thrive service for 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support.

  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Confidential support for personal and professional challenges.

  • Supportive Leadership: A culture where leaders are described as "approachable and helpful," with a genuine commitment to a healthy work-life balance.

Employee Benefits

Beyond the standard competitive salary scales, the Federation offers a range of practical perks:

  • Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax-free bike purchases to encourage healthy, green commuting.

  • Modern Technology: Schools are well-resourced with Google for Education integration and dedicated devices for staff.

  • Welcoming Environment: A diverse and inclusive workplace where staff are treated as "family" in a "warm, caring second home."

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Visas cannot be sponsored.
If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

About Thorpe Hall Primary School

School type
Local authority maintained school, ages 3 to 11
Education phase
Primary school
School size
362 pupils enrolled
Age range
3 to 11
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report
Email address
hr@opossumed.org
Phone number
02085274062

Arranging a visit to Thorpe Hall Primary School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hr@opossumed.org.

School location

Similar jobs nearby

Caretaker

Belvedere Junior School

Mitchell Close, Belvedere, Kent, DA17 6AA

General Catering Assistant

Avanti Court Primary School

Carlton Drive, Barkingside, Essex, IG6 1LZ

Lettings Assistant

Aylward Primary School

Pangbourne Drive, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4RE

Lettings Caretaker

Avanti Schools Trust

Wemborough Road, Stanmore, HA7 2EQ

Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed

Find more school jobs in London