Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
Cleaner
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Cleaner
Person Specification & Job Description: School Cleaner
Notes to Job Applicants
You must clearly demonstrate on your application how you meet each criterion (essential and desirable), including how and to what extent. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Criteria are assessed as follows:
- Shortlisting: Based on essential criteria (Section 1)
- Interview stage: Additional essential (Section 2) and desirable (Section 3) criteria
- In cases of high demand, desirable criteria may be applied sequentially as shortlisting filters.
You’ll also need to evidence alignment with EA’s Core Values.
🔥 Essential Criteria
1. Health & Safety Training
Before starting, you’ll need to complete mandatory training, provided and required by EA Cleaning Services, under Health and Safety legislation.
✅ Additional Essential Criteria (Assessed at Interview)
Experience & Qualifications
- Experience cleaning in a school environment
- Knowledge of cleaning methods and machinery
- Understanding of health and safety requirements, including COSHH
Skills & Attributes (EA Game Changing People Model)
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines under pressure
- Effective communication in English (verbal & listening)
- Strong organisation & planning skills
- Team player with a flexible approach
- Willingness to follow clear instructions
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Values & Ethics
Demonstrate alignment with EA’s values, particularly around:
- Equality of opportunity
- Commitment to excellence in service delivery
- Removing barriers to learning for children and young people
🎯 Desirable Criteria
(Considered at shortlisting/interview if eligibility is high)
- Three+ months’ cleaning experience outside a home environment
- Hands-on use of commercial cleaning tools (e.g., buffing machines)
- Strong adherence to EA’s values (equality, safeguarding)
🚨 Disclosure of Criminal Background
Working in or around a school setting is regulated activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007. If shortlisted, you’ll need an Enhanced Criminal Background Check before employment, at a cost of £33.
📜 Job Description
Job Title: Cleaner
Reports To: Cleaning Supervisor (or authorised manager)
Job Purpose
As part of a team, safely perform full cleaning duties across school premises, following directive from the line manager.
📌 Duties & Responsibilities
1. Main Cleaning Tasks
- Sweep, vacuum, mop, buff, spray-wax, deep scrub, and polish floors using machinery.
- Deep-clean carpets/matting (remove stains).
- Clean toilets, showers, fixtures, and fittings.
- Dust, wipe down surfaces up to 3.35m, and polish furniture as needed.
- Empty and clear internal litter bins & dispose of waste.
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2. General Conditions & Compliance
- Uphold all Health & Safety regulations:
- Health and Safety at Work Order (NI)
- COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
- Codes of Practice & legislation
- Follow guidelines for sick leave coverage (as per EA policy).
- Report all absence via EA’s procedure.
- Wear issued PPE (protective clothing, enclosed shoes).
- Maintain upheld equipment and report problems immediately.
- Complete all necessary paperwork on time.
3. Training Requirements
- Undergo induction, refresher, and grade-ups training as required.
- Accept higher-grade training where legally mandated (payment only under EA’s policy).
Equality Policy
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer and adheres to NI Act 1998 (Section 75), promoting good relations and equality at all times.
For further details see: Summary of Terms & Conditions
(Previously posted terms retained in full for reference.)
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