Driver

Offering casual driving hours as and when required, with the option of regular weekly minibus cleaning and re-fuelling (Monday & Thursday, approx 10 hours per week) and a permanent Monday evening trip run (3 hours per week) during term time, the Casual Driver is paid an hourly rate on a zero-hours contract offering flexibility to both the employee and the school.

The Driver (preferably D1 trained but training will be offered) is responsible for pre-journey vehicle checks and safe passage of students and staff. The successful candidate will present themselves in a professional manner and be able to communicate effectively with pupils, staff and parents.

The St Mary's School campus is home to St Mary's Calne, St Margaret's Preparatory School and the St Mary's School Sports Centre. Both schools are recognised leaders in the field independent education, and the Sport Centre is open to students, staff and the wider community on a membership basis.

St Mary's School Calne (incorporating St Margaret's Preparatory School) has an opportunity for a minibus driver to join our Logistics Team on a casual basis (no fixed hours), or with the option of approx..13 regular hours per week; a Monday evening trip run and minibus cleaning & re-fuelling Monday & Thursday plus ad hoc hours on top.

The role involves driving pupils from both schools (ages 5-18), to sporting fixtures, academic trips, events and undertaking start and end of term airport runs (for older boarding students). The successful candidate will also act as cover for permanent Drivers covering morning and/or afternoon school bus runs solely for the Preparatory School (ages 5-11 with an accompanying bus chaperone). This position is offered on zero hours basis which offers flexibility to both the employee and the school.

Position: School Minibus Driver

Salary Range: 10.55 per hour plus holiday pay (equating to GBP11.83 per hour)

Normal Hours: During term time, zero hours contract with some regular hours for minibus cleaning and/or driving and chaperoning a small number of St Mary's students to a regular Monday evening activity as an additional option

Pension: Scottish Widows scheme with generous employer contributions if applicable (earnings criteria apply)

Holidays: Holiday pay accrued in line with hours and paid on top of hourly rate

The School: Its Ethos and Aims

St Mary's Calne believes in excellence in all respects. As a school community, we thrive amidst a culture of strong expectations and the education which we provide nurtures and develops the concept of high performance. The principal aim is to develop well-rounded pupils who are equipped to excel as adults.

Extra-curricular opportunities beyond the classroom are a vital and integral part of life for girls at St Mary's Calne. They are woven into the timetable during the day, in the evenings and at weekends. We believe that both boarders and day girls benefit from all aspects of the strong boarding ethos of the school.

Purpose of the Position

The driver is responsible for safely operating whichever school vehicle he/she is driving according to the schedule given for the journey.

He/she must ensure that the school vehicle is in good operating condition prior to the journey and at all times during the journey, and should maintain order and security on the vehicle at all times. He/she is expected to be aware of and obey all laws, regulations and rules of conduct. The Driver must deal with pupils, staff and members of the public in a courteous and respectful manner.

It is critical for the Driver to operate the school vehicle in a safe manner. Failure to ensure the safe passage of students and staff may result in injury or even the loss of life, which would have tragic consequences for the school community and other involved.

Responsibilities

1. Operate the school vehicle in a safe and effective manner in order to minimise the risk of injury, property damage or loss of life taking account of the below:

a. Operate the school vehicle in a safe and efficient way according to all relevant legislation, policies and procedures

b. Perform safety checks prior to each journey, completing the Vehicle Check Sheet and reporting any defects - if a major defect is found, refer to the School Logistics Manager to discuss a replacement vehicle or cancelling the journey

c. Ensure the bus is safely and securely stored in the appropriate place on return from the journey, and during any downtime for the duration of the time the vehicle is away from the school site

d. Advise the School Logistics Manager of any requirements for maintenance or repairs

2. Maintain order on the school vehicles throughout the journey

a. Collect and deliver students as per the schedule provided (this may include assisting with the school bus run for St Margaret's Preparatory school on a regular Monday to Friday basis at the start and finish of each day)

b. Take attendance on the school vehicle where the Driver is the only adult in attendance (and so therefore additionally performing the duty of the Responsible Adult)

c. Ensure students are aware of rules and responsibilities as passengers

d. Maintain order and discipline

e. Make note of any behavioural or disciplinary problems and advise the School Logistics Manager if necessary

3. Perform other related duties

a. In instances such as riding or other extra curricular activities, perform the duty of Responsible Adult whilst the pupils attend the activity

b. Ensure the school vehicle is kept in a clean and tidy state, clearing away rubbish at the end of the journey if necessary

4. Cleaning and Refuelling (additional option)

a. Ensure all passenger carrying vehicles are fully cleaned inside and outside, with screen wash and other essentials checked, ready for the week (so to be completed each Monday)

b. Refuel each passenger carrying vehicle with diesel, and AdBlue if required, each Monday and Thursday, and the two utility vehicles (small truck and van) each Monday

Essential Skills/Qualities

• A full, clean and current driving licence
• Ability to drive manual gear vehicles
• Be prepared to undertake training as required
• Smart, professional appearance
• Professional manner
• Flexibility
• Calm, patient manner
• Punctuality
• Reliability
• Experience of working with children
• Experience driving 16-seater minibuses, either voluntarily or paid

Desirable Skills/Qualities

• A first aid qualification
• Full D1 Minibus licence (training will be given if necessary)
• Some experience of working with schools or community groups.
• Benefits of Working at St Mary's Calne
• Discounted membership of the on-site Sports Centre.
• Fee remission for daughters educated at St Mary's Calne and for sons and daughters educated at St Margaret's Preparatory School.
• Complimentary meals in the Dining Hall during term time dependent on shift length.
• Free on-site parking