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Facilities Assistant

Job details
Posting date: 13 January 2026
Salary: £19,500 per year
Hours: Part time
Closing date: 02 February 2026
Location: Gunnislake
Remote working: On-site only
Company: Acorn Care and Education
Job type: Permanent
Job reference: 300275FAJ

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Summary

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Title: Facilities Assistant

Location: Copper Fields School, Gunnislake PL18 9EH

Salary: £19,500.00 per annum

Hours: 25 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 1.00pm - 6.00pm

Contract: Permanent, 52 Weeks

Start Date: February 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

We’re looking for a practical, reliable and hands-on Facilities Assistant to join our team at Copper Fields School. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a vital role in creating a safe, compliant and welcoming environment where pupils and staff can thrive every day.

If you take pride in your work, enjoy variety and like seeing the immediate impact of what you do, this role offers real purpose and satisfaction.

About the Role
As a Facilities Assistant, you’ll be a key member of the maintenance team, supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the school site. From maintaining buildings and grounds to responding to urgent issues, your work will help ensure our school consistently meets company standards and external regulatory requirements.

No two days will be the same. You’ll be involved in a wide range of tasks that keep the school looking its best and operating safely and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Carry out general site maintenance including gardening, repairs, painting and decorating, carpentry and basic plumbing
Support reactive maintenance tasks alongside planned maintenance, refurbishments and repairs
Contribute to a planned programme of maintenance, ensuring accurate record keeping
Maintain buildings, equipment, plant and grounds to a high professional standard
Ensure the site is always safe, tidy, well-presented and welcoming
Advise staff on the safe use, condition and replacement of plant, machinery and equipment
Liaise with external contractors and report progress or issues to the Facilities Manager or senior staff
Complete weekly site walks to identify and report health and safety concerns and improvement needs
Support the on-call rota and respond promptly to urgent maintenance issues
Work efficiently and cost-effectively, ensuring best value in all maintenance activities
Contribute to risk assessments and safe systems of work
Ensure tools, equipment and chemicals are used, stored and handled correctly in line with COSHH and manufacturer guidance
Keep all tools and equipment in good working order and fully accounted for
Experience and Qualifications

Experience in general maintenance across a variety of tasks
Strong awareness of health and safety requirements
Good working knowledge of plant, machinery and maintenance equipment
A proactive, practical and reliable approach
Pride in maintaining high standards and a safe environment
This role suits a proactive and practical individual who takes pride in their work and understands the importance of a safe, well-maintained environment in supporting pupils, staff and the wider school community.

About Us

Copper Fields School provides full-time specialist co-education for up to 60 pupils aged 4-16, who have a primary need of Autism Spectrum, communication and language and often additional needs.

Our vision to empower our learners to achieve their best outcomes is achieved through high quality education, in preparation for life. Our wonderful setting in Gunnislake facilitates a nurturing approach for students who have found the mainstream environment unable to meet their needs and a barrier to them being the best they can be. We pride ourselves on our culture of everyone being a unique individual. Together we achieve, through recognising and harnessing our strengths. We aim to unearth hidden talents and interests, inspire and empower.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista:
Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.


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