At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive a minibus transporting children with special educational needs to school and college.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, committed to community and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, job security, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a rewarding work environment.
- Qualifications: Minibus driving experience and a valid driving licence for vehicles up to 16 seats.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and access various employee benefits and support.
The predicted salary is between 14267 - 14722 £ per year.
The role of driver transporting children with special educational needs is hugely rewarding. The transport journey to school or college is a key part of the day for these children and making that enjoyable will make a real difference to their daily lives.
School transport drivers work in the council’s Special Transport team, providing transport for pupils accessing school and college placements in Hereford and the surrounding area. The majority of transport routes start and finish in Hereford but there are also opportunities to work in other areas of the County with travel expenses paid as necessary.
What will you be doing?
You will drive a minibus transporting students with special educational needs to and from schools and colleges. Working hours are approximately 07:00 to 09:00 and 15:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. The work involves issues of a sensitive and confidential nature and applicants will need to display a clear understanding of the need for complete confidentiality. In return we offer a comprehensive training programme covering all aspects of our service delivery.
Benefits Of The Role
- Long term job security
- School term time work only
- Flexibility to do other things during the day time and school holidays
- Rewarding work that makes a real difference
- Good rates of pay and pension scheme
- Working as part of a friendly team
About You
You should have experience of minibus driving. Applicants must hold driving licence entitlement to drive vehicles up to 16 seats. You will be responsible for the safe loading and unloading of passengers and for driving the vehicle along a set route. You will need to have good communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. You should be committed, reliable, and passionate about caring for young people and helping your community.
Contact
To arrange an informal discussion about the role with Louise Hartfield, SEN Transport Coordinator, please contact.
We Offer
- A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme
- Salary range of £25,185 to £25,989 (£17,016 to £17,560 pro rata) per annum
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress
- Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period
- Flexible working: including the potential for job-sharing, part-time hours and agile working
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
- Pick your perks – access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits with savings, cash back and discounts
Why Choose Us?
You will probably have heard a lot about how beautiful it is in terms of countryside and open spaces, but there is much more going on here, including world-class cultural assets, vibrant theatres and a thriving food and drink sector. Herefordshire Council emphasises community through its Talk Community approach and an ambitious transformation programme offering an all-age approach.
Don’t Meet All Parts?
Herefordshire Council is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity and want to make a difference, consider applying or get in contact.
Reasonable Adjustments
Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. If you require reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by email.
Creating an Inclusive Workplace
Employee Network Groups support voices across the Council. Groups include: Black and Asian Staff Networking Group, LGBTQ+, Parents & Carers, Climate and Nature Emergency, Diff-abilities and Armed Forces/Veterans.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post: Those who indicate that they have a disability (Disability Confident scheme), Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist (Armed Forces Covenant), Herefordshire care leaver (supporting young people leaving care). We take safeguarding seriously and expect all staff, visitors and volunteers to share this commitment. If offered the position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
How To Apply
To apply, upload an up-to-date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities. For more information or to arrange an informal discussion, contact the hiring manager. Include the job description reference and person specification. If shortlisted, Hoople Resourcing will contact you via email to arrange interviews or assessments.
Driver in Hereford employer: Hoople Group
Contact Detail:
Hoople Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Herefordshire Council and their values. When you show genuine interest in their mission, it’ll really stand out during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience driving and working with children.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your passion! Talk about why you want to work as a driver for children with special educational needs. Your enthusiasm can make a huge difference in how you're perceived by the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Driver in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for working with children and making a difference shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about the role and the impact it has on the lives of young people.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any driving roles or work with special educational needs. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure you clearly outline your skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff. This helps us see your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Group
✨Know Your Route
Familiarise yourself with the routes you might be driving. Understanding the local area, including schools and colleges, will show your commitment to the role and help you answer questions about your experience with navigation and time management.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working with children with special educational needs, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in sensitive situations, to highlight your ability to connect with young people and their families.
✨Emphasise Reliability and Commitment
This role requires a high level of reliability. Be ready to discuss your punctuality and commitment to previous jobs. Share specific instances where you went above and beyond to ensure safety and care for passengers, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions About Training and Support
Show your enthusiasm for the role by preparing thoughtful questions about the training programme and support available. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge how the council invests in its drivers, ensuring you're set up for success.