Education Authority Northern Ireland
Cleaner
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Cleaner
School Cleaner – Job Description
Responsible To
Cleaning Supervisor or other authorised person
Job Purpose
Undertake, as part of a team, the cleaning of any area within the premises, as designated by the line manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Floor cleaning:
- Sweep, suction clean, mop, dry buff, spray clean, spray wax, machine scrub and dry
- Strip and re-polish floors using appropriate equipment
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Soft surface cleaning:
- Clean and remove stains from carpets and matting using the correct methods
-
Sanitary and surface cleaning:
- Clean toilets and showers, including fixtures, fittings, and surfaces
- Wash and dust ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings (up to 3.35M.), and furniture where applicable
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General cleaning:
- Empty and clean internal litter bins and remove litter to designated collection points
General Conditions
All duties must comply with:
- (a) Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978
- (b) Acts of Parliament, statutory instruments and regulations
- (c) COSHH Regulations
- (d) Codes of Practice
All duties are carried out in standard working conditions, including:
- Covering colleagues on sick leave as per Education Authority’s procedure
- Reporting absence and sick leave following Education Authority’s guidelines
- Wearing issued protective clothing and appropriate flat-soled enclosed-toe footwear
- Reporting defects in cleaning equipment immediately
- Completing necessary paperwork and undertaking assigned tasks within their grade and competence
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Training
Employees must:
- Accept training for higher level tasks (payment only applies if required by the Authority)
- Undergo induction and refresher training for duties including their own grade
Additional Requirements
- Must demonstrate good relations, equality of opportunity, and compliance with equity legislation (Northern Ireland Act 1998, Section 75).
- The post involves regulatory work under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007.
- Must hold an enhanced criminal disclosure check (cost: £33).
Person Specification (Essential & Desirable Criteria)
General Notes for Candidates
✅ Each criterion must be addressed in your application. ✅ Shortlisting depends on essential criteria (Section 1 & 2). ✅ Desirable criteria may affect the shortlist order.
Section 1: Shortlisting – Essential Training Requirement
“The successful applicant must complete training provided by the Education Authority to meet health and safety obligations. Shortlisting will be verified via application form.”
Section 2: Essential Criteria (Measured at Interview)
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1. Qualifications & Experience
Requires evidence of knowledge in:
- Requirements of a School Cleaner
- Cleaning methods and machinery
- Health and Safety (including COSHH regulations)
2. Skills & Abilities
Must demonstrate (in line with EA’s Game-Changing People Model):
- Use of initiative and work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Effective communication and ability to follow English-language instructions
- ** Organisation and planning skills**
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Flexible approach and willingness to follow instructions
3. Values & Orientation
Must align with EA’s Values: Equality, commitment to excellence, and commitment to education equity.
Section 3: Desirable Criteria (May Influence Shortlisting)
- Three months’ experience cleaning in a non-domestic environment
- Experience with commercial cleaning tools (e.g., buffing machinery)
Safeguarding Note
Regulated activity remuneration: Enhanced Disclosure required for roles involving children/youth—costs will be provided at pre-employment stages.
Equality Note
“The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.” Values commitment to removing barriers to learning for all pupils.
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