About Us
York Steiner School is a thriving independent school for children aged 3–16, offering an inspiring Steiner-Waldorf education.
We are looking for a skilled, experienced and enthusiastic Operations Officer to work alongside a dedicated staff team to ensure the school is a safe and welcoming environment.
The Role
Excellent communication is key to this role as it involves working with external contractors and teaching and non teaching staff at the school in relation to health and safety, estates and other key operational activities. The role involves keeping up to date with changing legislation and guidance to ensure compliance.
You will be joining a warm, nurturing and vibrant community of staff, parents and children. We work collegiately and the children are at the heart of all decision making at the school.
This role reports into the Business Manager and works closely with the Finance and HR/Admin teams.
Key Accountabilities
Compliance and Health and Safety
To support all aspects of York Steiner School H&S and compliance across the entire school.
To implement North Yorkshire Council’s H&S procedures to be compliant for
H&S Premises Inspection
H&S paperwork audit
Fire Risk Assessment
To advise and support teachers preparing Risk Assessments from a H&S perspective for school activities.
To be responsible for keeping up to date with changing legislation and guidance to ensure compliance.
To be responsible for COSHH Management.
To create risk assessments and oversee H&S at 2 school fairs. Attendance on the day (includes two working weekends per academic year) is required but there is time off in lieu.
To manage the asbestos register and legionella reports working with school appointed professionals and the upkeep the paperwork and records.
IT support
To oversee the IT security software and be the first point of contact for school IT issues with our external provider.
Data protection (GDPR) and other regulatory requirements.
Line Management, Communication and Training
Attending training relevant to the role.
To build good working relationships with the Finance Manager, HR/Admin Manager, and Caretaker.
Communicate effectively with the Headteacher, SENDCo, teachers, non-teaching staff, students/children and parents.
Participate and attend staff training days/sessions and school open days.
School trips and medicines
To oversee medicines and first aid in school and manage, log and act upon accident reporting.
To be the Lead Educational Visit Coordinator to sign off H&S for school trips, training provided and to liaise with admin support.
External Contractors
To manage external facilities contracts i.e. print/photocopier, coffee machine.
Liaison with external contractors for project work.
Fire Safety
To manage Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) in a timely manner.
To be Lead fire Marshall within school, coordination of fire marshals and schedule training.
To be responsible for carrying out weekly testing and termly fire evacuation drills.
Additional Responsibilities
Comply with all school policies and procedures, especially safeguarding, health & safety and IT policy.
Lead on sustainability, energy efficiency and resource management initiative to develop a school-wide sustainability action plan (DfE requirement coming in 2025).
Ensure the school site, facilities and equipment are safe, well maintained, and fit for purpose.
Maintain and review school operational policies (H&S, trips, GDPR, fire safety, estates policies).
Prepare compliance reports for governors / trustees via the business manager.
Oversee site security, access control, keys/fobs.
Coordinate with contractors for out-of-hours access.
Statutory Requirements
Responsibility for electronic record keeping to meet both statutory and school requirements e.g. school management systems and safeguarding systems.
Follow the staff code of conduct when interacting with children.
Report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with the schools safeguarding policy.
Apply
Please apply online explaining how you meet the person specification.
Applications close Friday 19th September 2025. Interviews will be held shortly thereafter.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Experience and Training
A good knowledge of H&S policy and procedures
Experience of H&S administration (desirable)
Completion of at least one recognised Health and Safety qualification e.g. IOSH, COSHH, or willingness to complete in the first term of employment
Previous experience of working in a school environment (desirable)
An understanding of Steiner Waldorf Education and the Ethos of York Steiner School (desirable)
Experience of dealing with and managing contractors
First Aid at work Qualification or willingness to complete training
IT skills including Microsoft Office and G suite
Skills & Knowledge
A proven track record of successfully overseeing H&S / policy in the workplace
Maintaining accurate records
Excellent organisation, time management & workload planning skills
