Housekeeper/Cleaner (Fixed Term contract to end of July 2025)

The Dorset Centre of Excellence, which includes the Coombe House School buildings, is looking to recruit a Housekeeper / Cleaner. Ideally you will have previous housekeeping and cleaning experience in a similar environment, but we are still keen to hear from you even if you don’t – it is important to us that we have the right person for the team and someone with a passion for cleaning! 

You will work as part of a small, efficient team carrying out a range of cleaning duties in all areas of the site. This includes classrooms, bathrooms, office spaces and leisure facilities.  

More about the role: 

• To carry out cleaning tasks set out in the teams cleaning schedule, including vacuuming, mopping, cleaning windows and paintwork/pipes/doors/radiators and all surfaces, cleaning toilets and bathrooms including sanitary fittings and surrounds. 
• Spot cleaning of spillages, emptying and cleaning bins. 
• Replenishing supplies in toilets, etc (daily) and ensure appropriate cleaning supplies are available. 
• To report the breakdown of any cleaning equipment or perceived hazards in the workplace. 

You must be able to work with a variety of staff (including in a school setting) and build good working relationships.  

We are looking for someone who:  

• Takes pride in their work and is a good team player. 
• Can demonstrate a good practical aptitude. 
• Can deal with the physical demands of the job. 
• Ideally has experience of using cleaning equipment and materials and understands key aspects of Health and Safety when cleaning.  
• Can demonstrate compassion and understanding of children and young people with social communication, social emotional and learning needs. 

Please review the job description and person specification for further information about the role.  If you would like to work in this unique and beautiful environment, please complete the application process.  

About the Dorset Centre of Excellence:   

The Dorset Centre of Excellence is located at the eastern edge of Shaftesbury, approximately 2.3 miles from the town centre. The site is accessed via a private road and enjoys a secluded setting within its grounds. The accommodation extends to over 160,000 sq ft, set within in grounds of 55 acres.  

Coombe House School located at the Dorset Centre of Excellence meets the needs of children and young people with social communication, social emotional and learning needs, and all are supported by an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).    

What the Dorset Centre of Excellence can offer you:  

• A workplace set in beautiful surroundings. 
• Competitive salary. 
• Pension (10% employers’ contribution). 
• Little perks of appreciation including free tea/coffee/milk. 
• Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool), at specified times. 
• Wellbeing support, including qualified Mental Health First Aiders on staff body.  
• Access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme.  
• Continuous professional development and training 

This post involves working with children or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them and will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.  

Closing date for applications:  Sunday 23rd February 2025 

Full time salary:

£25,183 (pro-rated for a fixed period) 

Hours:  

07.00-15.00 Monday to Thursday, 07.00-14.30 on Friday (37 hours/wk) 

Contract terms: 

Fixed term to the 31st July 2025  

Start Date:  

As soon as possible  

NOTE: We will close the post earlier if sufficient suitable applications are received. 

We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.