Bus Escort

Job Description

Donegal Education and Training Board invites applications from suitably qualified persons for one School Bus Escort vacancy at Abbey Vocational School.

Details of the Post:

10 hours per week (Approximate daily times outlined below):

- Morning Pick Up Leaving the School at 7.30 am - Return to School at 8.45 am

- Afternoon Pick Up Leaving the School at 3.45 pm - Return to School at 5.10 pm (Monday to Thursday)

- Afternoon Pick Up Leaving the School at 2.45 pm - Return to the School at 4.10 pm

Description of the role:

Key Tasks/Duties:

Pupil Supervision

Escorts are expected to supervise pupils with Special Educational Needs whilst they are being transported from home to school and vice versa. This includes:

● Making sure that the pupils being transported do not distract the driver whilst the vehicle is in motion.

● That the pupils behave in a suitable manner whilst on the vehicle.

● Appropriate physical contact with pupils to enable comfortable entry and exit from the vehicles.

● Not leaving children unsupervised on a vehicle. To enable supervision, parents are expected to escort their child to and from the vehicle each day.

● Escorts must sit in the back of the vehicle with the pupils, and not in the front with the driver .

● Escorts should also note that some pupils may have medical conditions which could also affect them during the journey, for example, epilepsy. This may apply to those pupils who show unacceptable behaviour whilst travelling on the vehicle as the school may wish to reprimand or apply sanctions to those pupils.

Safety Checks

● The escort should make sure that all aspects of safety are carried out effectively.

● Fastening all seat belts where provided.

● Informing the Driver when all pupils have been safely seated before the vehicle sets off.

● Securing the appropriate pupil into their harnesses safely if they have been provided. This may also include fitting the harnesses into the vehicle if the driver removes them after a journey.

● Making sure that doors are closed and if possible locked before the vehicle starts to move.

● Making sure that the pupils on arrival at school are handed over to a member of school staff .

● When collecting pupils from school you must ensure that they are escorted to the vehicle after the staff have handed over pupil(s) to your care, once on the vehicle with a pupil(s) you should remain there to receive any other pupils that are to be taken home.

● That on the return journey it is imperative that pupils are only taken to their home address unless escorts have been instructed.

● Making sure that all bags are stored safely e.g. placed under the seats.

● Making sure that all medication and any information from parents is handed to a member of staff at the School.

● Under no circumstances must children be left unattended in the vehicle.

● Generally the escort should consider the safety of the pupils he/she is travelling with at all times as the primeconsideration.

Collection of Pupils

● When collecting pupils please wait outside the home address.

Drop-off of pupils

● The student should be released in to the care of their Parent Guardian only.

Person Specification School Bus Escort

Heading

Essential

Desirable

Education and Qualifications

The minimum required standard of education for appointment to the post of School Bus Escort is:-

1. A minimum of three grade Ds in the Junior Certificate/GCSE Or Equivalent OR

2. A QQI (FETAC) level 3 major qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Qualification/Certification in the area of :

Special Needs Assistant

Childcare

Pre Nursing

Relevant post

Experience

Experience working with children with Special Educational Needs.

SKILLS

Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role.

Open Communication

Interpersonal Skills

COMPETENCIES

Communication & customer Focus

Planning & Organisation

Goal Setting & Flexibility

Initiative & Problem Solving

Specialist Knowledge, Experience & Self Development

Knowledge and Skills Relevant to the Post:

The School Bus Escort should maintain confidentiality at all times regarding the customers using the services of Donegal ETB.

To perform such other similar duties, as may be required, and generally carry out such instructions as may, from time to time, be given by Donegal ETB, the Chief Executive or other responsible officer.

Ability to follow appropriate health and safety procedures in the workplace

Work with in principles of good practice in eg confidentiality, inclusion, independence, boundaries, etc

Understand the importance of ongoing training, reflection, supervision and support.

Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others in promoting and maintaining good practice including confidentiality, appreciating boundaries etc.

Outline the impact of a range of special needs on communication styles and needs.

Ability to examine the importance of non-verbal communication

Use practical ways of relating to children with special needs including the use of communication aids where appropriate.

Identify the personal challenges and opportunities associated with creating and maintaining relationships with children with special needs.

Recognise the role of parents/guardians as a child’s primary care givers.

Relate appropriately to parents, teachers and other carers.

Assist children with Special Needs with a range of activities in their daily routine under direction including:

Boarding an alighting from school busses

Assisting with communication including assistive technology and writing.

Clothing , feeding, toileting and general hygiene

About Donegal ETB

Donegal ETB provides a broad range of education and training services, supporting learners, staff, and communities to reach their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to delivering high-quality services through strong governance, best practice, and continuous improvement