Driver

Willow Vale School; Taunton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Volunteer opportunities

Training provided

Job summary

Willow Vale School is seeking caring drivers to support children and young people by providing safe transport between school sites and community venues in the Bridgwater and Taunton areas.

We welcome both paid driving roles and volunteers. Successful applicants will undergo safeguarding checks (DBS) and receive appropriate training. The role offers the chance to make a real difference in the local community while supporting students with SEND and SEMH needs.

Qualifications

• Holds a full UK driving licence (essential).
• D1 licence entitlement is desirable and enables driving across the full fleet, though roles exist for those without it.
• Patient, calm and professional when working with children and young people.
• Understanding of SEND and SEMH needs or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Safely transporting students to and from school.
• Transporting resources between sites.
• Driving between school sites, specialist provisions and community venues.
• Supporting educational visits and off-site learning.
• Building positive, calm and respectful relationships with students.
• Using behaviour support and de-escalation strategies (training provided).
• Supporting young people with mobility or additional needs.
• Carrying out routine vehicle safety checks.
• Ensuring vehicles remain clean, safe and presentable.
• Providing occasional vehicle cleaning or operational support.

Skills

Full UK driving licence

D1 licence entitlement

Patient and calm

Understanding SEND/SEMH needs

Reliable and flexible

Team player

Job description

We are looking for caring, reliable and community-minded Drivers in both the Bridgwater and Taunton areas, to support children and young people attending our school.

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

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

Alongside this, there will also be the requirement to transport lunches and resources between school sites.

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 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 several vehicles across our sites 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 students to and from school each day
• Transporting resources between sites
• Driving between sites, specialist provisions and community venues
• Supporting educational visits, off-site learning and enrichment opportunities
• Building positive, calm and respectful relationships with students
• 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

We're Looking for Someone Who:

• 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 training as appropriate to the role.

Safeguarding Statement

Willow Vale School is 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.

Willow Vale School is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.