Casual Minibus Driver in Ely

The post holder will provide support to cover staff absences by transporting students to and from school, covering routes to destinations and villages including Bar Hill, Bottisham, Bury St Edmunds, Chatteris, Huntingdon, Kentford, Newmarket, Trumpington and Saffron Walden. Other routes and stops may be added in the future. The post holder will need to drive up to 17 seat minibuses and hold a D1 category licence. Applicants should be willing to undergo full D1 training and testing if they presently hold a D1 with a 101 restriction (not for hire or reward) to ensure the school’s service can be maintained if legislation changes around charities using Section 19 permits for minibus driving. Other ad hoc opportunities may arise as requested by the school. Flexibility, sometimes at short notice, is a key part of the position for those who wish to be available for additional work during school days. This description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change over time.

Person Specification

• Ideally a clean full UK driving licence; if having points, 3 points or less acceptable unless linked to dangerous or reckless driving offence.
• Understanding of general vehicle function and basic maintenance.
• An awareness of safeguarding/child protection (training will be given).
• Basic awareness of health & safety (training will be given).
• Must be able to pass a minibus driving assessment demonstrating confidence and safe driving of a 17-seat minibus or large vehicle.
• Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work flexibly and independently, sometimes at short notice.
• Reliable, demonstrating good time management.
• Professional, presentable, and able to deal pleasantly with customers (children, parents and colleagues).
• Strong safety awareness concerning road and passenger safety.
• Patience and a sense of humour.

Desirable

• First Aid certificate (training can be provided).
• Comfortable using technology (GPS/Sat Nav, internet, smartphones, SMS, email).
• Ideally living locally or within a short commuting distance of Ely for maximum flexibility.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• UK full car driving licence with Category D1 or D1(101) held for a minimum of 2 years (or EU licence if it complies with UK Government requirements – see DVLA website).
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Medically fit to drive under DVLA regulations.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a passenger vehicle driver.
• PCV Category licence.
• Full D1 + E Category UK licence.
• MIDAS certification/training.

Remuneration and Hours

Casual hours. Start Date: September 2026. Salary: £14.44 per hour.

Terms and Conditions

• Enrolment in the statutory auto-enrolment pension scheme (Employee contribution 5% and Employer contribution 3%).
• Members of staff may educate their own children at any part of the school or at Fairstead House, subject to availability and successful admissions procedures.
• Staff currently enjoy a discretionary discount on fees for children in Reception year onwards, details provided upon request.
• School lunch provided at work over lunchtime and tea and coffee throughout the day.
• Limited use of school gym facilities during specific times and use of the school swimming pool during summer school holidays (small fee applies).
• Limited free on-site parking.
• Employees and dependants have access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to salary sacrifice schemes such as Cycle2Work, Home and Tech Scheme and Local Gym Membership.
• Members of staff are entitled to a 10% discount on all King’s Ely school uniform ordered for their own children from Schoolblazer.
• Discounts at local businesses including Poet's House, The Almonry Kitchen & Tearoom, Ely Grazing Company, Sushi and Salad, Griddle Bar and Meathouse, and The Pantry (Newmarket).

King’s Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service. If selected for interview, applicants must provide photographic proof of identity (e.g. passport or photo driving licence), birth certificate, documentation confirming National Insurance Number or right to work in the UK, proof of address (e.g. recent bank statement / HMRC correspondence / utility bill) and certification of declared qualifications.