Handyman

# Job Description – Maintenance / Handyperson

**Jack & Jill's Forest Nursery and Preschool – Hackney**

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Location

** 14–16 Kenworthy Road, Hackney, London, E9 5TD

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Contract

** Zero-Hours – As and When Required

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Pay

** Negotiable, dependent on experience and qualifications

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Reporting To

** Head Office Management Team

## About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, reliable and practical Maintenance Operative to support the general upkeep, repair and improvement of our nursery in Hackney.

This is a varied, hands-on role involving general building maintenance, plumbing, electrical maintenance, decorating and repairs to indoor and outdoor equipment.

As the role involves working within an early years setting, the successful candidate must have a strong understanding of health and safety and be committed to maintaining a safe environment for young children.

## Key Responsibilities

• Carry out general building repairs and maintenance, including fixing doors, handles, locks, hinges, cupboards and furniture.
• Undertake painting, decorating, minor carpentry, plastering and general refurbishment.
• Complete plumbing repairs, including unblocking drains, repairing toilets, taps, sinks and minor leaks.
• Identify and resolve electrical maintenance issues within the limits of relevant qualifications and competence.
• Repair and maintain outdoor equipment, fencing, gates, wooden structures and garden fixtures.
• Assemble, install and securely fix furniture, shelving and equipment.
• Identify and report building defects, hazards and maintenance concerns.
• Carry out preventative maintenance and support health and safety inspections.
• Support nursery improvement projects and general upkeep of the premises.
• Ensure all maintenance work is completed safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to the nursery.
• Maintain safe working areas, ensuring tools, chemicals and hazardous equipment are inaccessible to children.

## Experience and Skills Required

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Essential

**

• Previous experience in general building and property maintenance.
• Practical experience in plumbing, electrical work and general repairs.
• Experience in painting, decorating and basic carpentry.
• Strong understanding of health and safety requirements.
• Ability to work independently, identify problems and provide practical solutions.
• Reliable, flexible and able to respond to maintenance needs as required.
• Ability to provide evidence of relevant qualifications, training and experience, particularly in electrical and plumbing work.

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Desirable

**

• Previous experience maintaining schools, nurseries or similar environments.
• Relevant trade qualifications or certifications.
• Experience maintaining outdoor play equipment and structures.

All specialist electrical, plumbing or other regulated works must only be undertaken where the individual is appropriately qualified, competent and authorised.

## Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Jack & Jill's Forest Nursery and Preschool is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

As the successful candidate will be working in an environment where children may be present, they will be required to

• Complete an appropriate DBS check, subject to legal eligibility.
• Provide satisfactory employment references and evidence of their right to work in the UK.
• Provide evidence of relevant trade qualifications and training.
• Complete internal safeguarding and health and safety induction training.
• Follow all nursery safeguarding, health and safety and professional conduct policies.
• Never be left responsible for supervising children or undertake intimate care routines.
• Ensure maintenance activities do not create risks to children, staff or visitors.
• Report any safeguarding or safety concerns immediately.

## Working Arrangements

This is a zero-hours position, with work offered according to the nursery's maintenance requirements. There are no guaranteed minimum hours.

Working hours will be arranged as required, and some maintenance tasks may need to take place outside nursery operating hours.

The hourly rate is negotiable, depending on experience, skills and qualifications.

## About You

We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, is proactive in identifying maintenance issues and can confidently manage a wide range of repairs.

The ideal candidate will be practical, dependable, professional and understand the importance of maintaining a safe, well-presented environment where young children can learn and thrive.

Jack & Jill's Forest Nursery and Preschool is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safer recruitment.