Staff Profile: Meet Tom Chaplin

Creating a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment for our schools is key to our pupils’ success. One person working behind the scenes to make it all happen for Howard Community Academy is their Caretaker, Tom Chaplin.

From overseeing day-to-day site operations to assisting with a major renovation project, his dedication ensures that the school remains a welcoming place for pupils, staff, and visitors.

In this article, we hear about his journey from former pupil to caretaker, the recent transformation of the school site, and what a successful day looks like in his role.

What is your role within Howard Community Academy?

“I began my journey at Howard Community Academy over seven years ago as an Assistant Caretaker. Although it was my first role in site management, it was not my first time at the school; I attended Howard as a pupil! It has been a rewarding experience to return and now work alongside some of the teachers and teaching assistants who once taught me.

“Today, I am the Caretaker. My responsibilities include overseeing all site operations and maintenance, securing the site each day, coordinating contractors, and, most importantly, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for staff, pupils, and visitors.”

Howard Community Academy was recently part of a major renovation project. Why were these improvements to the learning environments crucial for the school?

“The school site was originally built for a middle school, designed with older pupils in mind. Before the renovation, some parts of the building had not seen significant upgrades in over 50 years and were in a state of disrepair. Since transitioning to a primary school, it became clear that the facilities needed to be adapted for younger pupils, both in design and safety.

“The renovations were essential for creating a new, safe and happy environment for the pupils to learn in. The project began in June 2023 and was carried out in seven phases, starting with Key Stage 1 classrooms. Each phase involved closing 4 to 5 classrooms at a time. We were fortunate to have access to our large sports hall, which we transformed into temporary learning spaces to ensure that teaching could continue with minimal disruption.

“Alongside this, I was also working on the day-to-day operational tasks, ensuring that the school’s site was running smoothly so that pupils could receive the best possible education.

“The project wrapped up in March 2024, with approximately 95% of the work completed within the planned timeframe. The transformation is incredible; it feels like a brand-new school.”

How did you help to assist the academy and contractors during the build periods?

“Along with Site Manager, Chris, I worked closely with contractors to coordinate work and address any queries they had. Open and clear communication was essential to keeping the project on track. When delays occurred, we collaborated with the contractors to find solutions and stay on schedule.

“The pupils coped so well during the renovations, and it was lovely to see the smiles on their faces when they saw their new learning environments for the first time.”

How are you supported within your day-to-day tasks by Anglian Learning’s central team?

“I work closely with Kevin Cornwell, Premises and Operations Manager and Claudine Bateman, Director of Operations at Anglian Learning. Whenever I encounter an unfamiliar site issue, they are quick to offer support and guidance. If external contractors are needed, they are working to get things moving as quickly as possible. I find this is the case across Anglian Learning, with everyone happy to help. I recall on one occasion, Jonathan Culpin, CEO, helping to move some bricks during one of his visits to the school!

“I have recently completed the IOSH Managing Safely course through the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, which helps ensure we maintain our site to the highest safety standards. Although the course was online, I had the full backing of Alison Weir, Headteacher of Howard Community Academy, as well as Kevin and Claudine, who all made sure I had protected time to study.”

To you, what determines a successful day?

“Making sure that anyone who visited our school felt safe, and that any issues were dealt with effectively and efficiently.”