School Bus Driver

Job Purpose

To drive any vehicle allocated in a careful, lawful manner with special reference to the persons and equipment being carried.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Transport children, including those with mobility problems or severe/moderate learning difficulties to and from school or other authorised locations.
• Assist children, including those with mobility problems in and out of the vehicle.
• Ensure the good behaviour of children on the bus where practicable and report any behaviour incidents to the Transport Officer or the designated deputy.
• Operate lifts and ramps on vehicles as required and ensure that wheelchairs are properly clamped down and secured.
• Provide minor first aid to passengers and ensure that any injured child receives medical attention promptly; complete and submit the relevant personal injury report/accident report forms to the Transport Officer without delay.
• Direct School Bus escorts where employed, assisting with the above duties.
• Transport meals from, and return empty containers to, School Meals Kitchens and assist generally at schools as required.
• Ensure, as far as possible, that scheduled timings are observed and keep a detailed record of journeys, fuel issues, oil, servicing and repair work on the vehicle log/mileage sheet.
• Carry out daily routine vehicle maintenance including checking fuel, oil and water levels, tyre pressures and topping up as required.
• Complete defect report book and submit to engineer.
• Comply with the EEC drivers’ hours and records regulations, including the use of vehicle tachographs and submission of daily tachograph charts.
• Ensure the safe custody of all spare parts, tools, articles, equipment or other goods carried in the vehicle or under immediate control, whether the property of the Education Authority or otherwise.
• Wash the allocated vehicle as and when necessary and ensure that the interior is kept clean and tidy.
• Comply with the provisions contained in the Education Authority’s official Drivers’ Manual.

Essential Criteria

• Hold a full Category D licence.
• Hold a driver qualification card (DQC).
• Hold a valid Digital Tachograph card prior to commencement of employment.
• Evidence of experience of driving a bus (i.e. 17 seat vehicle and above).
• Proven ability to maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records.
• Willingness to undertake job‑related training and necessary certifications to fulfil the role.
• Demonstrable competence in driving a bus safely to meet the standards and requirements set out for Cat. D.
• PSV licence holders in line with the Highway Code.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective team working skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Proven ability to work successfully to deadlines.
• Ability to communicate and take instruction in the English language.
• Practical test prior to interview.
• Interview as a method of assessment.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of experience in using safety and mobility aids relating to wheelchair‑accessible vehicles.
• Evidence that personal values align with those of the Education Authority, including commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery.

General Conditions

• Carry out all duties to comply with the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978; Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements; Codes of Practice.
• Carry out all duties in the working conditions normally inherent in the particular job.
• Complete all necessary paperwork.
• Carry out duties for jobs up to and including those in the same grade, provided such duties are within the competence of the employee.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post‑holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

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