A CARETAKER who has transformed Herne Junior School in Petersfield is leaving his ‘500 bosses’ – the children and staff – this week.

John Roberts (69) is retiring on Friday after 14 years at the school in Love Lane which he says has been the best job he’s ever had.

“I?am going to be lost without the school,” admitted John, of The Causeway, who was a self-employed builder for more than 40 years before taking up the school role. “I am the oil in the engine here and I?am very proud of what I have achieved.”

When John arrived the school was looking dated and in need of a revamp.

It was open plan and John put in walls between the 17 classrooms. He has also turned a courtyard into a beach themed space, another into a Japanese garden and created a Narnia area in woodland in the grounds.

He has assembled eight sheds, built and erected 200 metres of fencing, put up the flagpole and designed the school sign.

“I don’t think there are many places you can cast your eye over across the whole of the school where John hasn’t built or refurbished something,” said headteacher Tony Markham.

Apart from the large projects he has undertaken, there is the day to day maintenance of the school and the more mundane tasks such as unblocking the drains.

Rescuing balls from the roof for the children has been another regular job – he reckons he has had to retrieve around 15 a month.

“I have 500 bosses here, there’s always someone who wants a job done,” he said.

John describes himself as the “invisible man” in the school, working behind the scenes to make sure things run smoothly.

But deputy headteacher Peter Castle says the children realise how lucky they have been to have John around, and know how much he has done for the school.

“They are really upset he is going,” added Peter. “Especially the Year 6 children who have known him for four years.”

There is no rest for John though as he has extensions to build at home, although his wife Tanya has told him he must take a month off.

He has also been asked to take on building work by one of his own clients. John took on the caretaker role at the school after getting fed up with working on his own, and he never looked back.

“It has been the best job I’ve ever had,” he added.