At SWRAC, we empower individuals to thrive through practical and relevant educational programs. Our goal is to equip people with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to become resilient, confident, and independent. We aim for them to grow in education, secure employment, or engage in meaningful activities, live healthily, be active and responsible citizens, and ensure their safety.

Location: Bournemouth, BH5 1DD

We are looking for a reliable, friendly and proactive Minibus Driver / General Assistant to join our Boscombe Centre team.

This is a varied and rewarding role that combines transporting learners safely to college, work placements and educational activities with supporting the day-to-day running of our centre when driving duties are not required. Working hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

About Us

South West Regional Assessment Centre (SWRAC) is an independent specialist college supporting young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to develop independence, confidence and employability skills.

About the Role

As our Minibus Driver / General Assistant, you will play a vital role in helping learners access education and opportunities within the community. You will be responsible for planning daily transport routes, coordinating pick-ups and drop-offs, carrying out vehicle safety checks, and ensuring every journey is safe, comfortable and enjoyable.

When not driving, you will support the wider centre team with practical tasks, helping to maintain a safe, welcoming and well-organised learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

Transport Duties

  • Safely transport learners to and from college, work placements and educational visits.
  • Plan and organise daily transport routes and learner pick-up schedules.
  • Carry out daily vehicle checks and maintain accurate vehicle records.
  • Ensure vehicles are clean, fuelled and roadworthy.
  • Support learners when boarding and exiting vehicles.
  • Promote positive behaviour and learner wellbeing during journeys.
  • Respond appropriately to incidents and emergencies.
  • Maintain relevant driving qualifications and comply with driving regulations.

General Assistant Duties

  • Prepare classrooms and learning areas for daily activities.
  • Assist with setting up equipment and resources.
  • Support health and safety checks and report maintenance issues.
  • Manage deliveries and support stock control.
  • Assist with learner events, enrichment activities and educational visits.
  • Provide occasional reception and administrative support.
  • Help create a clean, safe and welcoming environment for learners and visitors.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

  • Reliable, punctual and professional.
  • A confident and safe driver.
  • Flexible and willing to support a variety of centre activities.
  • Organised, with good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of young people with SEND.

Essential Requirements

  • Full UK driving licence.
  • PSV/PCV licence or Taxi Licence.
  • D1 entitlement, or eligibility to drive a minibus.
  • Good driving record.
  • Understanding of health and safety responsibilities.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and professional boundaries.

Desirable

  • Previous minibus or community transport experience.
  • Experience working with young people and/or individuals with SEND.
  • MIDAS qualification.
  • First Aid qualification.
  • Experience within an education, care or community setting.

What We Offer

  • A rewarding role where you can make a real difference to young people’s lives.
  • A supportive and friendly team environment.
  • Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
  • Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
  • Company pension scheme.
  • Private Health and Dental Insurance.
  • The opportunity to work for an organisation committed to inclusion, independence and learner success.

Benefits:

  • Casual dress
  • Health & wellbeing programme
  • On-site parking

Application question(s):

  • Do you have a full driving licence and access to a car?

Experience:

  • Content marketing: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time
Salary: £26,000 – £28,000 per year

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

If you are interested in applying for this role or would like to find out more information, please email jobs@swrac.ac.uk for an information pack.

Apply

Closing date:

SWRAC is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment and selection practices will reflect this dedication. All successful candidates will undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, along with other relevant employment screening. We are also committed to ensuring genuine equality of opportunity in all aspects of our activities as an employer and educational provider.