Passenger Assistants- School Travel Service
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families in your community? Do you have patience, empathy, a keen sense of responsibility and experience of working with children & young people? If so, we invite you to apply for the role of Passenger Assistant to support travel to and from school. This position offers an opportunity to support children & young people on their daily journey, ensuring their safety, welfare needs, and right to access education are met.
About the Role
As a Passenger Assistant you will play an integral part in their morning and afternoon routines. Your primary responsibility will be to accompany and support one or more children or young person/s, as they travel between home and school. Maintaining good levels of communication with the children or young people, the School Travel Service office, school staff, drivers and parents / carers about the health and safety and issues relating to journeys undertaken.
Job offer only open for those living within Southampton City Council Boundary.
Candidates will need to be available from approx. 7am-9.30am & 2pm-4.30pm the duration of the journeys may vary dependant on number of passengers, distance, traffic etc. Route start & finish times will be confirmed once a permanent route has been put in place and contract hours will be based/ issued on this basis. Rough estimates will be given asap 10-20hrs per week.
About You
We are seeking individuals who are:
- Compassionate, patient, and genuinely enjoy working with children and have an understanding of special educational needs.
- Dependable and punctual, understanding the importance of routine for the children & young people and ensure smooth running of the route.
- Clear communicators, able to interact confidently with children, young people, parents/ carers, school staff & school travel team.
- Observant and attentive to the individual needs of each child.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances or schedules.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children at all times.
- Previous experience working with children, families, or in a care/support role (formal or informal experience considered).
- Basic understanding of children’s needs and issues related to safety and well-being.
- Good level of physical fitness, as the role will involve mobilising self in/ out of transport & assisting others.
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Two professional or character references. Full details of employment history and reference contract details will need to be supplied.
- First aid training is desirable but not essential (training can be provided).
- Rights to work status and supporting documentation available at time of interview.
About the Children You Will Support
Our service serves children of all ages and backgrounds, including those with special educational needs or disabilities. Some children/ young people may require extra assistance with mobility, social interaction, or managing anxieties related to travelling & could display challenging behaviours. As a Passenger Assistant, you will be matched where possible with children/ young people whose needs align with your skills and experience, ensuring a supportive and positive partnership between you, the child, and their family.
What we can offer you:
This role is Grade 4 - £13.26 per hour
Salary: The salary band for this role is £25,583 - £26,139 per annum (pro rata). The starting salary is £25,583 (pro rata) with annual progression through the salary bands.
Here at SCC we have a range of different benefits, a few examples can be found below.
- Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution
- Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
- Flexible working options (role-dependent)
- Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
- Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
- Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
- Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
For further information on our benefits package please visit: Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)
Contact details for informal discussion:
For more information, please read the job description in full, if further questions please email [email protected] to schedule a time to discuss query.
Interview Information:
Please note that interviews are scheduled for week commencing 29th June 2026.
Recruitment contact details:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 023 8083 4033
For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council
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