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- Tasks: Drive a minibus, transporting children with special educational needs to school and college.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy job security, flexible hours, and competitive pay during school term time.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while enjoying a rewarding and fulfilling role.
- Qualifications: Must have experience driving minibuses and a valid driving licence for vehicles up to 16 seats.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided and opportunities for personal growth.
About The Role
Job Title: Relief Driver
Contract: Hoople Agency
Location: Various
Hours: Variable
Salary: £13.05 per hour
Closing date: Friday 20th February 2026
Interview: Thursday 26th February 2026
The role
The role of Relief 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 councils 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.
You will drive a minibus transporting students with special educational needs to and from schools and colleges. This is a relief post covering for staff absence, however you can expect regular work, 100+ days per annum during school term time. When working the 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 a committed, reliable, and passionate about caring for young people and helping your community
- You will hold a Cat D1 Driving License
To arrange an informal discussion about the role with Louise Hartfield, SEN Transport Coordinator, please contact
We will deliver better support to our most vulnerable children and their families, develop stronger relationships with partners across the region, and beyond. Therefore, we take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all of our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment.
Herefordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre-employment checks.
Hoople Recruitment are working on this vacancy on behalf of our client.
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Relief Driver employer: Hoople Group
Contact Detail:
Hoople Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Herefordshire Council and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversation during interviews to show how you align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience driving minibuses and working with children.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. Whether it’s a story about a child you’ve helped or a challenge you overcame, let your enthusiasm shine through.
✨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 you're keen and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When 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 young people's lives.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous experience you have with minibus driving or working with special educational needs. We love to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. This helps us get a quick understanding of your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right 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, especially schools and colleges, will show your commitment to the role and help you answer questions about how you'd handle different scenarios on the road.
✨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 past roles, especially in sensitive situations.
✨Emphasise Reliability and Commitment
This role requires a dependable individual. Be ready to discuss your work ethic and provide examples of how you've been reliable in previous jobs. Highlight your passion for caring for young people and your dedication to making a difference.
✨Prepare for Confidentiality Questions
Given the sensitive nature of the role, expect questions about confidentiality. Think about how you would handle confidential information and be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding practices.
