Driver/ Relief Caretaker - Immediate Start in Gateshead

Do you want to contribute to creating ripples of positive change in the world of education? At Ripple Education, we are an Education Supply Agency providing high-quality supply teachers and support staff to the schools we serve in the North East. We are looking for a committed Driver for a school in the Gateshead area, long-term, with immediate start, who can also cover caretaking duties as and when required.

Working hours: 7:00 - 9:30 and 14:00 - 16:30.

With Ripple Education, you will have opportunities to develop your skills and receive bespoke support and training, whilst becoming a valued and respected member of the Ripple community. Our Senior Leadership Team is made up of friendly, experienced teachers who are passionate about schools, with children, schools, and teachers at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to provide schools with the reassurance that the member of our team will make positive contributions to children and to a school’s success.

Minimum Essential Requirements:

• Right to work in the UK
• Minimum of 2 references
• Enhanced DBS Child Workforce (on the Update Service or willing to undertake)

Experience/Qualifications:

• Experience working as a caretaker and/or site management
• Experience working in a school preferred but not essential

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Be responsible for the health, safety, welfare, and comfort of pupils, staff, and other passengers at all times while the vehicle is in use.
• Carry out daily and weekly vehicle safety checks and basic maintenance, reporting any defects, faults, incidents, or accidents promptly to the Premises Manager.
• Ensure the vehicle is roadworthy, clean, correctly configured for the journey, and equipped with secure seating, seatbelts, and wheelchair restraints where required.
• Ensure all passengers, including the driver, wear seatbelts at all times and that safety and security equipment is used correctly.
• Work strictly in accordance with health and safety guidance, Minibus Drivers’ Operating Instructions, and any other relevant school policies.
• Maintain accurate mileage logs and complete all required paperwork relating to vehicle use.
• Complete mandatory training, including MIDAS, safeguarding, and manual handling, and keep driving licence details up to date, reporting any changes immediately.

• Conduct routine maintenance and minor repairs across the school premises to ensure a safe, clean, and well-maintained environment.
• Regularly inspect the school for potential hazards, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Open and close the school, manage alarms and ensure the premises are secure at all times, including during out-of-hours emergencies if required.
• Oversee general cleanliness and tidiness of communal areas, including managing waste disposal and ensuring classrooms, hallways and other areas are presentable.
• Assist with setting up and taking down equipment and furniture for school events, meetings or assemblies as required.

Work Related Circumstances:

• Ability to work flexibly
• Participate in training
• A commitment to ensuring a safe environment for children, a thorough knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures

Ripple Education Benefits:

• Employee mentoring and support programme
• Training
• Financial planning services
• Flexitime
• Pension
• Holiday Pay

How To Apply:

• Option 1: Send us your CV for review. Once our team has reviewed your CV, we will send you an application form to complete and return.
• Option 2: Send us an Application Form directly.

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, we require an application form prior to interview. Ripple Education is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Any candidates seeking work with Ripple Education must fully engage with and pass our rigorous safeguarding and compliance procedures before we can consider them for any placement or assignment with our schools.

If you are a dedicated and passionate educator excited about the opportunity to teach, gain diverse classroom experiences, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, join our team and be a part of the community dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children.