Minibus Driver

Lift Schools; Essex; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Schools is seeking a reliable minibus driver to help ensure pupils travel safely to and from school.

You will perform daily safety checks, supervise boarding, and work with the team to support the smooth running of the school day.

We value punctuality, responsibility, and a calm, safeguarding-minded approach; previous minibus experience is welcome.

Qualifications

• Must hold the appropriate driving licence to drive the school minibus.
• Be at least 21 years old and hold licence for at least 2 years.
• Able to communicate clearly with children and adults.
• Calm, responsible approach to pupil safety.
• Willing to work independently and follow instructions.
• Basic understanding of health and safety and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Drive the school minibus daily as required.
• Carry out and record daily safety and inspection checks.
• Ensure pupils board and alight safely with seat belts on.
• Follow procedures in case of accident, breakdown or safeguarding concerns.
• Complete driver training and refresher courses.
• Demonstrate health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities.

Skills

Driving licence category D

Category D entitlement

Clear communication

Calm under pressure

Health and safety awareness

Good judgement

Job description

About The Role

We're looking for a reliable, calm and safety-focused minibus driver to join our team and help ensure our pupils get to and from school safely every day.

At our school, we know transport is more than just getting from A to B. You'll play an important part in our pupils' day, helping them feel safe, welcomed and ready to learn. This role is about responsibility, good judgement and making sure every journey runs smoothly.

You'll carry out daily safety checks, drive pupils to and from school, and make sure everyone travels safely and comfortably. You'll work closely with our wider team to support the smooth running of the school day.

Key responsibilities

You Will

• drive the school minibus on a daily basis as required;
• carry out and record daily safety and inspection checks of the minibus, and report any concerns quickly;
• make sure pupils board and leave the minibus safely, and travel securely with seat belts fastened;
• follow school procedures in the event of an accident, breakdown, emergency or safeguarding concern;
• complete minibus driver training, assessment and refresher training as required;
• show a responsible attitude to health and safety, and have a good understanding of safeguarding.

What we're looking for

You Will Need

• the appropriate driving licence to drive the school minibus, and to meet our insurance requirements;
• to be at least 21 years old and have held your licence for a minimum of 2 years;
• the ability to communicate clearly with children and adults, and seek support to overcome any barriers;
• a calm and responsible approach to the safety and welfare of pupils;
• the ability to work independently, exercise good judgement and follow instructions;
• a basic understanding of health and safety, child protection procedures and confidentiality.

We'd also welcome anyone with previous experience in a similar role or category D entitlement on their licence.

Above all, we're looking for someone who is reliable, punctual and genuinely committed to keeping our pupils safe. Does that sound like you?

About Our School

Lift Tendring is a large 11–19 mixed comprehensive school rated Good by Ofsted. With over 1,800 young people on roll, we strive to be a catalyst for change, ensuring that every child receives an excellent education, not just as a privilege, but as a right. We offer a broad and ambitious curriculum, inspire high aspirations for all and believe passionately in promoting academic excellence alongside the arts, creativity and sporting success.

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail or arrange a visit, please contact Michael Cerny, School Operations Manager, at [e-mail].

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 62 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 35,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

How we support you

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to grow throughout your career with Lift Schools. From high-quality professional development and career progression to wellbeing support and opportunities to connect and collaborate across our network, we invest in you so you can do your best work. Discover how we'll support you to thrive, develop and grow your career in the way that's right for you: How we support you.