Bank Minibus and Van Drivers

About the job

Key information

Bank Minibus & Van Drivers / Volunteer Drivers

Help Children and Young People Reach Their Potential

We are looking for caring, reliable and community-minded Minibus and Van Drivers to support children and young people attending our Partnership of local SEND schools and specialist provisions.

Our pupils include children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as pupils attending Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). Many may have autism, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, communication differences, medical needs or require additional support to access education and opportunities within their community.

What will I be doing?

We are seeking individuals who can help provide safe and dependable transport to and from school, between school sites, to specialist provisions, therapeutic appointments, educational visits and community activities.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys working with young people, has some spare time available, and would like to make a genuine difference in their local community. We particularly welcome applications from those who may be retired, semi-retired, work flexibly, or are looking for a rewarding role that fits around other commitments.

Paid and Volunteer Opportunities Available

We can offer paid work via a bank staff arrangement at Grade 14, providing regular opportunities for the right people.

We also welcome enquiries from individuals who would prefer to support us as volunteer drivers. Whether you can commit to a few hours each week or would simply like to become part of our wider volunteer community, your support could have a significant impact on the lives of local children and families.

We currently operate a fleet of vehicles across our Partnership and are keen to maximise their use in supporting children to access education, specialist provision and valuable opportunities in the wider community.

What the Role Involves

• Safely transporting pupils to and from school each day
• Driving between Partnership schools, specialist provisions and community venues
• Supporting educational visits, off-site learning and enrichment opportunities
• Building positive, calm and respectful relationships with pupils
• Using appropriate behaviour support and de-escalation strategies (training provided)
• Supporting young people with mobility, communication or additional needs
• Carrying out routine vehicle safety checks
• Ensuring vehicles remain clean, safe and presentable
• Providing occasional vehicle cleaning or operational support activities

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

• Holds a full UK driving licence (essential)
• Holds a D1 licence entitlement (desirable), which would enable driving across our full fleet of vehicles. However, we also operate vehicles that do not require a D1 entitlement, so applications are welcomed from anyone with a full UK driving licence.
• Is patient, calm and professional when working with children and young people
• Has an understanding of, or willingness to learn about, SEND and SEMH needs
• Can manage challenging situations confidently and respectfully
• Values safeguarding, inclusion, dignity and respect
• Is dependable, flexible and able to work as part of a supportive team

Full Training and Support Provided

Successful applicants will receive appropriate training, including:

• MiDAS Driver Training
• Safeguarding Training
• First Aid Training
• Behaviour Support and De-escalation Techniques

DBS check

Enhanced DBS required

Supporting documents and information

Do you have some spare time on your hands? Would you like to do something worthwhile, support local children and families, and make a meaningful difference in your community?

Whether you are interested in becoming a paid bank driver or a volunteer driver, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact us or submit an application below.

Safeguarding Statement

Polden Bower School and the wider Bower Learning Partnership are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

As this role involves regular contact with children and young people, all appointments (including volunteer positions) will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, online searches, satisfactory references, medical clearance and proof of the right to work in the UK where applicable.

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where children, young people and adults are treated with dignity, respect and kindness. Safeguarding responsibilities form an integral part of every role within our Partnership.

The Bower Learning Partnership is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

For more information, please email: HR@poldenbower.org.uk

Apply on the Polden Bower and Avalon School Federation website