Premises and Transport Assistant

As the premises and transport assistant at Hadlow Rural Community School, you will be responsible for ensuring high standards of maintenance, cleanliness and security across the school and grounds at all times. You will also transport students safely to and from school while driving the school bus.

The School values a positive, supportive and productive working environment, fosters career development for staff and prioritises wellbeing.

• Open and close the premises at agreed times, ensuring building and perimeters are secure.
• Set up areas for internal and external functions, moving furniture, equipment and supplies around the premises.
• Ensure that regular maintenance takes place and the site remains clean and accessible.
• Carry out statutory compliance checks including fire alarms, water testing and room audits.
• Carry out repairs and maintenance across the premises when required.
• Submit maintenance requests and place orders when necessary.
• Carry out regular health and safety checks and risk assessments, keeping appropriate records.
• Ensure that hazardous substances and equipment are stored safely in accordance with COSHH regulations.
• Maintain outdoor areas, including courtyard, playground, field and teaching spaces.
• Organise removal of rubbish from the site.
• Act as a key holder and respond to emergencies outside school hours.
• Drive the school bus as part of each arranged shift.
• Help manage school lettings during evenings and weekends.
• Carry out external visits, such as collecting small parts at short notice.
• Liaise with cleaning staff to provide necessary materials and equipment.
• Organise external contractors for maintenance work that cannot be done in-house.
• Work with the Facilities Manager to manage department activities efficiently and maintain a safe working environment.
• Promote safeguarding to ensure the safety and security of our students.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Headteacher.

• Awareness of Health and Safety procedures.
• Ability to lead in the absence of the premises manager and to work as part of a team.
• Commitment to achieving the highest standards of quality and customer care.
• First aid trained (desirable).
• Basic understanding of plumbing and electrical, with a good DIY aptitude (desirable).
• Ability to maintain a calm approach amid the many demands of school life.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Driving licence is essential; PVC licence desirable (training will be provided).

• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Ability to work using own initiative.
• Flexibility in approach to work.
• Ability to prioritise workload and delegate work accordingly.

Hadlow Rural Community School (HRCS) opened in September 2013 and offers a unique educational opportunity to students across the Weald of Kent. The school sits on a 20‑acre rural campus and has a current roll of just under 400 students. HRCS relocated to a £7 million new build in 2016 and is well known for enabling its young people to excel and flourish through academic and land‑based vocational studies.

The school promotes vocational and enrichment opportunities, maintaining small class sizes (25–26 students) and fostering a culture of respect, high expectations and shared commitment to the ethos “Effort Achieves.”

• Working within an idyllic rural setting.
• Open‑door policy with Headteacher & SLT.
• Welcoming environment – SLT Staff Wellbeing Champion.
• Competitive salary, staff priority in school admissions.
• CPD prioritised through appraisal and access to school car.
• Reduced directed time (50 hours) and electric car chargers.
• Staff loyalty days, free parking, paid leave for key life events and free duty meals.
• UK Health Insurance, free tea and coffee, wellbeing weeks (3.30 pm closure), sick pay.
• Comprehensive induction, pension contributions, personalised CPD support line.
• Aspirational leadership support, occupational health support, funded NPQs/higher level training.
• Staff social events, access to teacher training, staff wellbeing & workload group.
• Small class sizes, Kent Rewards.