Key Role Information

Salary
£8,377.00 - £8,508.00 pro rata (£24,796.00 - £25,185.00 FTE) per annum
Job type
Part Time
Contract type
Permanent
Closing
03/07/2026 10:00
Interview
Week commencing 6/7/26
Start
21 July 2026
Contract term
AYR - All year round
Pay grade
Support Staff | 3 - 4
Department
Premises
Key stage
Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2
Hours per week
12.50
Weeks per year
52.143
Visa sponsorship
No

Your Role

A rewarding role at the heart of our school 

Make a real difference - join our friendly team at Orchard Head J, I & N School! 

We’re looking for a reliable, enthusiastic Cleaning Assistant to help keep our school a safe, welcoming and hygienic place for our children, staff and visitors. If you take pride in your work and enjoy being part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you. 

What you’ll do 

  • Help maintain clean, hygienic classrooms and shared spaces across school 
  • Refill and replace essential cleaning consumables 
  • Carry out basic record‑keeping as directed 
  • Report any faulty equipment or maintenance issues 
  • Play a key role in ensuring our school is a safe, inviting environment for everyone 

We’re looking for someone who: 

  • Has a friendly, positive attitude and can communicate well with staff and pupils 
  • Can work confidently both as part of a team and independently 
  • Is hardworking, dependable and takes pride in keeping spaces clean 
  • Ideally has experience in a similar cleaning role 

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys practical, hands‑on work and wants to make a real contribution to the heart of our school. 

Hours & Contract 

  • 12.5 hours per week 
  • Monday - Thursday, 15:30 – 18:00, Friday 15:30 – 17:30 
  • All year round 
  • Permanent contract 

How to apply 

To apply, complete an application form via our website.  

About Orchard Head, J, I & N School 

Orchard Head is a warm, welcoming and caring school where children are polite, enthusiastic and a pleasure to work with. We’re proud of our strong academic outcomes, but even more proud of the supportive atmosphere that helps every child feel happy, confident and included. 

Staff describe Orchard Head as a positive, friendly workplace where everyone feels valued and part of a team. If you enjoy working with children and want to join a kind, supportive school where every role truly makes a difference, Orchard Head is a fantastic place to be. 

For further information about our school, please visit our website. 

What we offer 

Be part of a team that values your wellbeing, development and work–life balance. As a member of our school community, you’ll benefit from: 

 

  • West Yorkshire Pension Fund 
  • Training and development opportunities 
  • Wellbeing package (flu jab, eyecare, physiotherapy and more) 
  • Family-friendly policies 
  • Cycle to Work scheme 
  • Discounts through Blue Light Card, gyms and major retailers 
  • Generous annual leave entitlement (starting from 26 days, increasing to 31 days after 5 years service – plus 8 statutory bank holidays)  

You can find more information about staff benefits and what it’s like to work with us in our ‘Working for Us’ booklet and on our website

About Pontefract Academies Trust 

Orchard Head J, I & N School is part of Pontefract Academies Trust, recently recognised as one of the top 10 trusts nationally for staff satisfaction (Edurio 2025). We’re excited about our upcoming partnership with Ark Schools, creating even more opportunities for staff across both trusts.  Please click here to find out more about the Pontefract Academies Trust and Ark Schools merger. 

Further information 

Qualifications

Willingness to undertake training relevant to the postessential
Cleaning and support services N/SVQ Level 3 OR equivalent experience or equivalent qualification, or willingness to train to achieve thesedesirable
Support Work in Schools (SWiS) - Level 2desirable
English and Maths GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent qualificationdesirable
Grace C/4 or equivalent qualification

About Us


Orchard Head Junior, Infant and Nursery School

Mrs K Stevenson

recruitment@patrust.org.uk

Orchard Head Lane
Pontefract
West Yorkshire
WF8 2NJ

Safeguarding Information

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone.


The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare.  Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.