At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children on their daily journeys to and from school, ensuring safety and well-being.
- Company: Join a community-focused organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, generous holiday entitlement, and health and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Interviews scheduled for the week of 10/08/2025; DBS check required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work culture.
- Qualifications: Experience with children is preferred; compassion, patience, and good communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25583 - 26139 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families in your community? Do you have patience, empathy, a keen sense of responsibility and experience of working with children & young people? If so, we invite you to apply for the role of Passenger Assistant to support travel to and from school. This position offers an opportunity to support children & young people on their daily journey, ensuring their safety, welfare needs, and right to access education are met.
About The Role
As a Passenger Assistant you will play an integral part in their morning and afternoon routines. Your primary responsibility will be to accompany and support one or more children as they travel between home and school. Maintaining good levels of communication with the children or young people, the School Travel Service office, school staff, drivers and parents / carers about the health & safety issues relating to journeys undertaken.
Job role is term time, so applicant will be needed for the school runs Monday to Friday except school holiday. Successful applicant paid 12.5 hrs per week minimum and timesheet to be submitted for additional hours worked. (Hours may depend on the length of journey and amount of children on the vehicle.)
About You
We are seeking individuals who are:
- Compassionate, patient, and genuinely enjoy working with children and have a understanding of special needs.
- Dependable and punctual, understanding the importance of routine for the children & young people and ensure smooth running of the route.
- Clear communicators, able to interact confidently with children, young people, parents/ carers, school staff & school travel team.
- Observant and attentive to the individual needs of each child.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances or schedules.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children at all times.
- Previous experience working with children, families, or in a care/support role (formal or informal experience considered).
- Basic understanding of children’s needs and issues related to safety and well-being.
- Good level of physical fitness, as the role will involve mobilising self in/ out of transport & assisting others.
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Two professional or character references.
- First aid training is desirable but not essential (training can be provided).
About the Children You Will Support
Our service serves children of all ages and backgrounds, including those with special educational needs or disabilities. Some children/ young people may require extra assistance with mobility, social interaction, or managing anxieties related to travelling. As a Passenger Assistant, you will be matched where possible with children/ young people whose needs align with your skills and experience, ensuring a supportive and positive partnership between you, the child, and their family.
INTERVIEWS W/C 20/10/25
What We Can Offer You
Salary: The salary band for this role is £25,583 - £26,139 per annum (£7,429 - £7,591 pro rata). The starting salary is £25,583 (£7,429 pro rata) with annual progression through the salary bands.
Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below.
- Excellent
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
- Flexible working options (role-dependent)
- Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
- Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks.
- Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
- Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
For more information please read the job description in full, if further questions please email
Recruitment contact details:
Tel: 023 8083 4033
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Passenger Assistant in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
As a Passenger Assistant, you will join a compassionate and supportive team dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of children and families within the community. Our organisation prioritises employee well-being with generous holiday entitlements, flexible working options, and comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that you can grow both personally and professionally. Located in a vibrant area, we offer unique benefits such as sustainable travel schemes and a commitment to family-friendly policies, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Passenger Assistant in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for working with children by sharing personal experiences during the interview. Whether it's volunteering, babysitting, or any relevant role, these stories can highlight your empathy and understanding of children's needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with common challenges children face during travel, especially those with special educational needs. Being knowledgeable about these issues will demonstrate your commitment to their welfare and safety.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would handle various scenarios that may arise while assisting children. This could include managing anxieties or ensuring safety during transport, showcasing your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your communication skills by providing examples of how you've effectively interacted with children, parents, or colleagues in previous roles. Clear communication is key in this position, so make sure to highlight your strengths in this area.
We think you need these skills to ace Passenger Assistant in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of a Passenger Assistant. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role, especially your ability to work with children and your understanding of their needs.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect your experience working with children and young people. Emphasise any previous roles in care or support, and include specific examples that demonstrate your compassion, patience, and communication skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children and families. Use this opportunity to explain why you are a good fit for the role, mentioning your understanding of special needs and your commitment to safeguarding children's well-being.
Prepare for the Interview:Anticipate questions related to your experience with children and how you would handle various scenarios as a Passenger Assistant. Be ready to discuss your approach to ensuring safety and welfare during travel, and think of examples that highlight your adaptability and observational skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Show Your Passion for Working with Children
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for supporting children and families. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your compassion and patience, as these qualities are essential for a Passenger Assistant.
✨Demonstrate Clear Communication Skills
Prepare to discuss how you would effectively communicate with children, parents, and school staff. Provide examples of how you've successfully interacted with different stakeholders in previous roles, showcasing your ability to convey important information clearly.
✨Highlight Your Observational Skills
Be ready to talk about how you can identify and respond to the individual needs of children. Discuss any past experiences where your attentiveness made a positive impact on a child's well-being or safety.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
The role may involve changing circumstances, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to adapt. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated unexpected situations in previous jobs, particularly those involving children or young people.
