Job Introduction
HET is a large, fast-paced Trust with currently 36 academies across the South Coast. Linked to 6
community-based partnerships, there are 33 primary academies, 2 secondary and 1 hospital school.
Located in Thornhill, Southampton, Thornhill Primary School is a vision and values-led, inclusive school
underpinned by strong relationships. We are on a journey of improvement and we welcome candidates
who want to be part of this exciting time of change and development and to be part of our committed
team.
OUR SCHOOL VISION:
Together we grow successful learners, responsible citizens and happy and confident individuals.
Hamwic’s Vision - ‘All about the Child’
At HET, we aim to put the child at the centre of everything we do. We believe that by doing this, it drives
our ethos and values to do the best we can for our children.
‘What about Sam’
Sam is the name we have given to the notional Hamwic child. By asking ourselves ‘What about Sam?’ we
ensure that we put our pupils at the heart of our decision making.
JOB/PERSON SUMMARY:
Thornhill Primary School has an exciting new vacancy for a minibus driver to transport pupils to and from
various locations during the school day in our 16-seater school minibus. Previous experience in a similar
role is desirable but not essential. The successful applicant will have a calm disposition, hold a current,
full clean and valid manual UK driving licence for at least 2 years with D1 category or car licence obtained
prior to 01/01/1997, be aged 21 or over with no driving bans in the last 10 years and no penalty points on
the driving licence.
WE ARE SEEKING A PROFESSIONAL INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS:
A current, full clean and valid manual UK driving licence for at least 2 years with D1 category or
car licence obtained prior to 01/01/1997.
Aged 21 or over with no driving bans in the last 10 years and no penalty points on the driving
licence.
An excellent driving ability.
Understanding and respect for UK traffic laws and the highway code.
Regard for the safety of passengers, ensuring seatbelts are worn where fitted and other
equipment is applied correctly and appropriately.
A courteous attitude to passengers, other road users and pedestrians.
The ability to assist passengers in boarding and alighting and to assist an escort where necessary.
Knowledge of local area, especially regular driving routes.
Good verbal communication skills for interacting with children, staff and all other stakeholders.
Good conflict resolution for managing children’s behaviour when not driving, if required.
Vehicle safety knowledge for performing bus inspections.
The ability to carry out minor maintenance and daily vehicle checks.
If not in place already, the school will provide:
Minibus driving training – MiDAS
First aid training
WE CAN OFFER YOU:
Excellent CPD opportunities and Training and Development Programmes.
In-house Teaching School.
An individual induction programme supported by a mentor.
Networking groups for Teachers, Business Managers, Site Teams and IT staff.
Eligibility to join the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
Generous holiday entitlement for staff working 52 weeks per year which increases with length of
service.
Free eye tests up to the value of £25 for users of VDU equipment and contribution up to the value
of £60 towards the purchase of glasses specifically for the use of display screen equipment
(where all conditions are met)
Opportunity to become a school workplace Health and Wellbeing representative, meeting with
other schools on a termly basis and feeding into the Health and Wellbeing strategy.
Access to the Trust Health and Wellbeing pages.
Access to a staff benefits portal through Vivup.
Free confidential telephone and face to face counselling for staff and family members.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Should you wish to apply for this vacancy, please view the job description and person specification and
complete the application form which can be found at www.hamwic.org and return to Mrs Willetts,
Business Manager, ewilletts@thornhillsch.net
Where applicable, potential candidates may benefit from a tour of the school. Please note, any
candidates requesting a tour will be asked for their current place of work which will allow the school to
verify, where possible, the name and place of work given. Potential candidates will be asked to bring
their current school ID and/or photographic ID as proof when they visit the school for a tour.
Successful candidates will be subject to online searches.
SAFEGUARDING:
All schools within HET are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young
people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful
candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment
checks.
THE MAYFLOWER PARTNERSHIP:
The Mayflower Partnership is part of an umbrella Trust called the Hamwic Education Trust. At the
Hamwic Education Trust we offer unique opportunities for those individuals that excel in education.
We aim to deliver an outstanding education to our pupils and to do so we must employ outstanding
people.
We offer a training pathway for all employees including teachers, support staff and our middle and senior
leaders.
Our staff have opportunities to work on cross phase projects and to work in other schools within the
Trust in order to gain invaluable experience and enhance their skills.
