Job Description

Abbotsholme is a co-educational, boarding and day school set in a large, beautiful estate on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. We are committed to a holistic philosophy of education, striving to nurture and develop pupils' strengths and abilities through excellence in academic studies, superb pastoral care and a unique and broad-ranging extra-curricular programme. Abbotsholme is a day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 2-20, providing a progressive education for today's world. We develop enquiring minds and independent thinkers through respect, honesty, humility, integrity and courage.

A vacancy has arisen with the school for an enthusiastic and motivated part-time School Bus Driver to join our thriving and successful department. The successful candidate will be expected to be fully committed to our school, working to a high standard.

Main Objectives

To drive Company vehicles to provide an efficient, reliable, quality service in accordance with safety legislation and company procedures.

To follow the instructions as per the work schedule / information or the directions of the Transport Manager/Operations Manage

When driving to ensure the safety of passengers, vehicles, employees and other road users.

Candidates without full Category D1 status (ie grandfather rights) must be willing to undergo training to achieve this qualification paid by the school but subject to a repayment of training costs agreement.

Relationships

1) Directly responsible to Transport Manager / Operations Manager

2) Regular and direct working relationships with Office Staff, Drivers, Teaching Staff, TAs, Boarding Staff

3) Direct working Relationships with Students/Parents

4) Indirect Working Relationships with Company Directors

Key Responsibilities

To drive any Company vehicle in accordance with the legal requirements and Company procedures following duties allocated by the Operations Staff.

To communicate with passengers in a clear concise and polite manner and to ensure they are respected and made to feel welcome regardless of age, sex, race, colour or culture.

When allocated a scheduled bus route, to complete the passenger list accurately and to forward completed documents to the Transport Manager in accordance with Company procedures.

To follow all legislative requirements concerning Drivers' hours regulations, including the use of tachographs, if appropriate.

To ensure that any vehicle is driven with due care and attention, ensuring the safety of the passengers and general public. To ensure that defensive driving is practiced throughout every journey, being aware of potential hazards and how to avoid them, complying with Company procedures when parking or handing over vehicles.

To ensure the Driver 'First Use', daily walk around and defect procedure is fully completed to ensure safety and road-worthy condition of the vehicle.

To ensure that passengers with special needs are given every assistance and attention, and to be able to control passengers within legislative and Company procedures.

To report any incident that involves injury, damage to any passenger, pedestrian or third-party property immediately, in line with Company procedures.

To handle any emergency which may arise, including following procedures in the event of a vehicle fire.

To ensure that routes and timetables are observed, as required by the Company's commitment to the students and parents, and to cope with external factors which may occur preventing the completion of planned journeys, and ensuring that problems are reported to the Company as soon as possible.

To ensure prompt and accurate completion of all appropriate reports.

To promote the company generally and do everything possible to enhance the company's image through appearance and behaviour, ensuring that they report for duty sober, in smart uniform and on time.

To ensure the cleanliness of all vehicles is kept to a high standard during duties.

To carry out additional duties as requested by your Supervisor/Manager.

Health & Safety Responsibility

Maintain and observe the company's policies on Drug and Alcohol use, Mobile phone use, Health and Safety and Fire Regulations

Set an example by carrying out duties in a safe manner and ensuring that no one is put at risk.

Disciplinary and Training

The company will cover CPC training costs, drivers must attend all compulsory training sessions, and meetings were required.

Failure to follow the Highway code, CPC and PSV driver regulations as well as company policy will result in disciplinary action. Revocation of PSV license will result in termination of Drivers contract.

Hours of Work

Term Time only working approximately 15 hours per week. There may be some flexibility required either side of the start and end of term.

Pension:

The School will contribute a percentage of pensionable salary towards a pension scheme.

School Fees Remission:

any child of a member of staff who, having satisfied the entry requirements, and at the Proprietor's discretion, is admitted as a student to the School will receive the benefit of the staff discount of 50% remission of the School fees.

Working Hours

: as stated

Probation Period:

an offer of employment will be subject to a probation period of one year, during which employment will be subject to termination with half a term's notice on either side.

Notice Period:

following probation, you will be required to give the School one term's notice.

For an application form, please contact Susan Riley at s.riley@abbotsholme.co.uk

Closing date: 4.30p.m. 06/06/2025

Application deadline - We reserve the right to appoint if the right candidate is found therefore early applications are encouraged.

If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that unfortunately, on this occasion, your application has not been successful.

Safeguarding

Abbotsholme School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check.

GDPR personal data notice

According to GDPR guidelines, we are only able to process your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health, sex life, or sexual orientation) with your express consent. You will be asked to complete a consent form when you apply and please do not include any Sensitive Personal Data (although this can be included in your covering letter if you wish to do so), remembering also not to include contact details for referees without their prior consent.

Child Protection statement

We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We endeavor to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We will be alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice. The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff, volunteers and governors.

Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (2013 and 2020)). It is not, therefore, in any way contrary to the Act to reveal any information concerning convictions which would otherwise be considered as "spent" in relation to the applicant's suitability for employment. Any such information will be kept in strict confidence and only used in consideration of the suitability of the applicant for such a position where such an exemption is appropriate.

If you are shortlisted for the role, you are therefore required to declare all convictions, cautions or bind-overs you may have, or have had in the past, even if they would otherwise be regarded as "spent" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.'

Equal opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 17.00-20.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 15 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Licence/Certification:

Category D1 Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 06/06/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025