SEND Transport Driver & SEND Support

Position: SEND Transport Driver
Location: Essex - including Colchester, Chelmsford, and surrounding areas
Contract Type: Part-Time / Full-Time / Term-Time Only (Flexible Hours)
Salary: Competitive - Based on Experience

Are you a caring and confident individual with a genuine passion for supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? We are seeking an experienced SEND Transport Driver to safely and compassionately transport children to and from school or specialist settings across Essex.

This is more than a driving role - it’s about building meaningful connections with students, creating a calm, safe, and nurturing journey, and being a familiar, friendly face they can trust each day.

As a SEND Transport Driver, you will play a vital role in the daily lives of the young people you support. You will ensure their journey to and from school is safe, comfortable, and emotionally reassuring. Many of the students may feel anxious about travel or change, so your calm, friendly presence can set the tone for a positive day.

You’ll be expected to establish positive rapport, engage warmly in conversation, and tailor your communication to each child’s individual needs. Whether it’s offering a smile in the morning, helping with their seatbelt, or offering reassurance when needed, your role is key in creating a consistent, trusting relationship.

• Safely transport children and young people with SEND to and from educational settings

• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with students, parents, and carers

• Create a warm, friendly, and safe environment on every journey

• Understand and respond to individual needs - including sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or communication differences

• Liaise with schools and families to ensure consistent care and a smooth travel routine

• Maintain a clean, roadworthy vehicle and follow all safeguarding and safety procedures

• Promote a positive atmosphere where children feel valued, seen, and respected

• Experience working with or supporting children with SEND (essential)

• A calm, patient, and nurturing approach

• Full, clean UK driving licence (essential)

• Confidence in managing challenging behaviours or anxious passengers

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Experience driving accessible vehicles or minibuses (desirable)

• Good local knowledge of Essex - especially Colchester, Chelmsford, and surrounding areas

• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undergo one)

• Commitment to safeguarding and child wellbeing

• Be part of a compassionate, child-focused team

• Flexible hours that work around your lifestyle

• Ongoing training in SEND awareness, safeguarding, and first aid

• Opportunity to make a daily, lasting difference to children and families in your community

If you’re someone who believes that every child deserves a positive start and end to their day, and you’re ready to be a calm and consistent presence in a young person’s life, we would love to hear from you.