Purpose of the job

We have a new and exciting opportunity to recruit a Gardening and Maintenance Apprentice. Working in our established team you will be supported in developing your knowledge and skill set in our maintenance team at Winchester House School. The main focus will be learning Gardening skills to ensure that the Gardens within the gardens are kept clean, tidy and enhance the look of the school.

The post holder, and the rest of the Maintenance and Estates Team, will be responsible for the provision of a safe, secure, clean, warm and stimulating environment for pupils, staff and visitors and ensure that Health and Safety requirements are complied. The needs of the school will require a flexible approach to hours of work including some work at weekends.

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

About Winchester House

Winchester House School was founded in 1875 and moved to its present 18-acre site in the centre of Brackley in 1922. The heart of the School is situated in Manor House, an attractive building dating from the early 1800s. Winchester House comprises a fully co-educational nursery, pre-prep and preparatory school, offering an outstanding education to children aged 3-13 with day, occasional and weekly boarding available.

The nursery/pre-prep school is located in delightful self-contained classrooms. The School prides itself on small class sizes, individual care, high academic standards and a vast range of sports, music and activities. Specialist teaching starts in Reception with music, sport and ICT and from Year 5, all classes are taught by specialist subject teachers. Tutor groups are no larger than 13 children. Modern classrooms and facilities include 3 separate science laboratories and a full ICT Suite. An impressive astro-turf was opened in 2014 and can be used as a full-size hockey pitch, nine tennis courts or two seven-a-side hockey pitches. Winchester House also has a large indoor sports hall, 5 netball courts, an outdoor swimming pool and a ‘Secret Garden’ which is used as for a variety of activities. The School offers a blend of the traditional and the innovative, the formal and the relaxed and has a deserved reputation for academic, sporting, musical and dramatic success within a happy, stimulating atmosphere.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Head of Estates, to take responsibility for ensuring that all grass is cut in a timely manner so that the grounds are kept tidy and safe
• To strim all areas as required, under the direction of the Head of Estates
• To be responsible for litter picking throughout the site
• Within skillset, to assist with weed killing throughout the site
• To learn how to prepare flower beds, and then take responsibility for ensuring that they are maintained
• To learn how to prune the plants on site and then take responsibility for ensuring that they are kept tidy
• During the change of seasons, to keep the main drive clear of leaves, dirt and debris
• To assume responsibility for keeping the ponds on site tidy and safe for site users
• To assist the Head of Estates with the provision first class playing surfaces, sports pitches and other grounds areas at all times
• To assist with the preparation, implementation and monitoring of weekly, monthly and annual maintenance programmes within remit
• To help with grounds-related activities relating to the sporting programme (e.g. maintenance timetables for playing surfaces, car park control etc.)
• When directed by the Head of Estates, to help with the management of the Astro pitch, ensuring that all necessary cleaning and maintenance is completed.
• If required, to assist with the maintenance of all trees and hedges on site, especially those with protection orders
• To provide front line grounds services in adverse weather conditions, including snow/ice clearance from pathways around the sites
• Within skillset, undertake works as directed by the Head of Maintenance enabling the school to be maintained in a state of good repair in order for lessons and other activities to proceed with minimum disruption.
• To comply with current Health & Safety legislation, School Policy and good working practices in relation to both the use of school premises and personal duties and responsibilities.
• To work with the rest of the Maintenance and Estates team with moving furniture and other items of equipment around the school as requested to enable lessons and other activities to take place without disruption or delay.
• To have a basic understanding of legislation relating to grounds-related chemicals and dangerous substances; to promote safe working practices at all times when grounds staff are using these
• To assist with conducting risk assessments, developing contingency plans and be able to respond to emergencies. Actively promote safe practices of self and others. Respond to emergencies by using emergency equipment and calling assistance
• Ensuring records and log books are sufficient for all relevant activities as appropriate to job role
• To assist with the distribution of deliveries of orders, to ensure that supplies and equipment required by pupils and teachers and other staff are available when and where required.
• To assist with the provision of front line grounds services in adverse weather conditions, including snow/ice clearance from pathways around the sites

Knowledge & Skills

• Must be willing to undertake the apprenticeship pathway which will require a commitment to complete Horticulture or landscape construction operative (Level 2) or another relevant course agreed by the school.
• Must be Committed to the full 2 years of the apprenticeship pathway.
• Must have the desire to learn through a combination of on-the-job training and through an external provider course.
• Must have good level of numeracy, accuracy and an eye for detail
• Must be able to develop good relations with staff and pupils and the wider school community
• A basic understanding of Health & Safety requirements is desirable, although training will be provided
• Must be fit and capable of heavy work and lifting
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions including rain, snow, etc.
• A driving licence is desirable.
• Must be able to take direction
• Must possess a sense of humour.
• Must be willing to undertake the apprenticeship pathway which will require a commitment to complete Horticulture or landscape construction operative (Level 2) or another relevant course agreed by the school.
• Must be Committed to the full 2 years of the apprenticeship pathway.
• Must have the desire to learn through a combination of on-the-job training and through an external provider course.
• Must have good level of numeracy, accuracy and an eye for detail
• Must be able to develop good relations with staff and pupils and the wider school community
• A basic understanding of Health & Safety requirements is desirable, although training will be provided
• Must be fit and capable of heavy work and lifting
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions including rain, snow, etc.
• A driving licence is desirable.
• Must be able to take direction
• Must possess a sense of humour.
• The desire to complete a relevant course. E.g. Horticulture or landscape construction operative (Level 2).

Application

To apply now, please download the application form for this job here. We look forward to receiving your application.