Minibus Driver

Our client is seeking a professional and reliable Minibus Driver to join the dedicated team of their award-winning educational establishment. The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and comfort of pupils during their journeys to and from school, as well as for extra-curricular activities and trips.

While the full role is for both morning (06.00 - 09.00) and afternoon shifts (15.30-18.00), applications from candidates wishing to work only mornings or only afternoons will be considered. There is also the possibility to be considered for the additional duty of Minibus Co-ordinator to act as a liaison with the school’s chosen transport organisation partner, for which hours will be increased by half an hour a day.

Specific Responsibilities

Transportation of students: Safely and punctually transport pupils between designated pick-up and drop off points and the school site in the mornings and afternoons as well as for occasional off-site school activities.

Vehicle Maintenance: Conduct daily vehicle safety checks, ensuring the minibus is clean, roadworthy, and compliant with all legal requirements. Reporting any maintenance needs promptly. You will also be expected to ensure the minibus has enough fuel onboard to complete any journey.

Safety and compliance: Adhere to all road safety regulations and school policies, including The Highway Code and the requirement to report all road traffic accidents and near misses to the school. Observe all relevant legal requirements for drivers including reporting accidents to the police as well as reporting medical conditions to the DVLA.

Safeguarding: Adhere to legislative requirements for working with children, including safeguarding protocols and the requirement for reporting of behaviour incidents to the Safeguarding Lead.

Risk Management: Actively participate in the regular review of the minibus risk assessment and the effectiveness of mitigation actions.

Professional conduct: Maintain impeccable standards of behaviour and driving, ensuring a positive and reassuring presence for students, parents and colleagues. Demonstrate a high level of responsibility, punctuality and reliability.

Communication expectations: Act as a courteous and professional representative of the school, liaising effectively with students, staff and parents. Make use of the communication tools and systems stipulated by the school only.

Ad hoc duties: Support the school with additional transport requirements, such as sporting fixtures and school trips as necessary.

Skills & Qualifications

Essential:

• You must hold a full, valid, clean UK driving licence; D1 entitlement would be an advantage but is not essential.
• Current MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness) qualification or the willingness to undertake the training provided by the school
• Current Paediatric First Aid qualification or the willingness to undertake the training provided by the school
• Proven experience in a similar role, ideally involving the safe transport of children
• Demonstrated competence in driving safely under various weather and road conditions
• An awareness of the possible risks involved in transporting children and an understanding of the mitigation actions which need to be put in place to safeguard children
• In-depth knowledge of road safety rules and regulations
• Must meet all legislative requirements for working with children, including an enhanced DBS check (school to facilitate)
• The ability to deal with children’s behaviour calmly and professionally, following all school rules and training in this area
• Good IT skills to use any online systems, tools or apps required for the role, e.g. parent communication apps, GPS, etc.
• Possess excellent communication skills and the ability to interact positively, politely and professionally with children, staff, parents and the general public
• Willingness to work flexible hours as required
• A professional appearance and an understanding of the responsibility of representing the school while driving the minibus and interacting with other road users
• High sense of responsibility in caring for children with reliability, trustworthiness, and a strong sense of duty
• Composure and patience, especially when dealing with young passengers
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to maintain schedules, while driving carefully within the speed limit

Desirable:

• Previous experience working in a school or educational setting
• Knowledge of the Cambridge area and surrounding roads
• Mechanical Knowledge: Basic understanding of vehicle maintenance and the ability to perform routine checks
• Good physical health and fitness to meet the demands of the role
• Excellent vision and hearing, corrected if necessary