Driver

Are you a reliable, safety-conscious driver who enjoys making a positive difference to the lives of young people? Horizons is seeking a dedicated Driver to support the safe and efficient transport of students to and from school and educational activities.

This is an important role within our school community, ensuring students arrive safely, comfortably and on time while helping to maintain high standards of vehicle safety and compliance. In the role, you will support the daily transport of students, providing a calm, safe, and supportive journey that enables them to arrive at school settled, ready to learn, and fully engage with their education. Duties will include assisting with the care and compliance of the school minibus, ensuring it is well maintained, roadworthy, and routine safety checks are appropriately documented. The postholder must also demonstrate the ability to work positively with students, ensuring there is robust safeguarding and an supportive environment during journeys. Applicants must be aged 21 or over to comply with insurance and operator licence requirements, hold a full UK driving licence (D1 category desirable or willingness to train) with a minimum of two years' driving experience and have a clean driving licence with no driving convictions. The successful candidate should also be willing to complete any required minibus driver training and comply with all school policies and legal requirements relating to the safe transport of students.

This is a term-time only, part-time position. The standard working hours are:

• Monday to Thursday: 7:30am to 9:00am and 2:15pm to 3:45pm
• Friday: 7:30am to 9:00am and 1:00pm to 2:30pm

We are, however, willing to consider alternative working arrangements for the right candidate.The successful candidate will be primarily based at our Launch site and will be responsible for delivering the Bracknell transport route. There may also be a requirement to support the College Road and Cranbury Road transport routes, as needed.

As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing [email removed] or calling [phone removed].

About the Role

As Driver, you will:

Safely transport students to and from school and off-site activities using school vehicles.

Work closely with colleagues to ensure journeys are effectively planned and completed on time.

Carry out daily vehicle safety checks and report any defects promptly.

Maintain vehicles to a high standard of cleanliness and roadworthiness.

Keep accurate passenger registers and transport records.

Communicate professionally with parents, carers and staff as required.

Follow all school procedures relating to safeguarding, health and safety, and emergency situations.

Ensure compliance with road traffic legislation, the Highway Code and vehicle operating requirements.

Promote positive behaviour during journeys and ensure students travel safely at all times.

Support with MOT arrangements, servicing schedules and other vehicle compliance activities.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

Holds a full UK driving licence with a good driving record.

Has at least two years' driving experience.

Demonstrates a strong commitment to safety and safeguarding.

Is organised, reliable and able to work independently.

Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Can remain calm and professional in changing situations.

Works well as part of a team and is willing to be flexible when required.

Has experience in a similar role (desirable).

Holds a First Aid qualification or is willing to undertake training (desirable).

Why Join Horizons?

At Horizons, we are committed to providing outstanding opportunities for young people with additional needs. Our staff make a real difference every day by creating an environment where students can thrive, achieve and reach their full potential.

We offer:

A welcoming and supportive team environment.

Opportunities for professional development and training.

A varied and rewarding role.

The chance to make a meaningful impact on students' lives.

About Horizons Alternative Provision Academy

Horizons Alternative Provision Academy is an Alternative Education provision for young people ranging from 5-16 years old. We support learners who have been permanently excluded from mainstream settings and provide preventative support to those who are at risk of permanent exclusion. Additionally, we support those that unintentionally exclude themselves from education and children who cannot access school for medical reasons. We are a multi-site organisation which includes our Primary provisions, based at Great Hollands Primary School in Bracknell and College Road in Reading, and Secondary provision, based at Cranbury Road in Reading. We have Outreach teams that provide specialist support within schools, a tutoring service, offer vocational courses in Hair & Beauty and Multi-skills and run a Hospital Teaching Service based at Royal Berkshire Hospital who provide education to children on short and long term stays. Horizons Alternative Provision Academy is a fast paced, energetic setting where we pride ourselves on a strong team ethic, always working together to create a nurturing and supportive setting for our student's alternative pathway to success.

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including :

Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day - One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working - Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community - Celebrating