Job Description
Inspire. Educate. Empower. ✨📚💡
Passenger Assistant Vacancy – The Orchard
15 hours per week
Are you a patient, caring and positive person who wants to make a difference to the lives of children with Special Educational Needs?
The Orchard is looking for a dedicated Passenger Assistant to support our pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and complex learning needs on their journeys to and from school.
Our pupils have a range of communication, sensory and learning needs, so we are looking for someone who is patient, adaptable, positive and resilient, with a genuine commitment to helping every child feel safe, secure and supported.
The successful candidate will:
Help ensure pupils travel safely and comfortably to and from school.
Provide reassurance and support tailored to each pupil's individual needs.
Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
Respond calmly and positively to changing situations and individual needs.
Work closely with the driver and school staff to ensure pupils have a safe and positive journey.
We are looking for someone who is:
Patient, caring and understanding.
Adaptable and able to think on their feet.
Positive, enthusiastic and resilient.
Committed to supporting children with additional needs.
Reliable, responsible and a good team player.
Experience of working with children with SEND is desirable, but above all, we are looking for the right person with the right attitude and a willingness to learn.
Could you help our pupils start and end each school day feeling safe, happy and supported?
If you would like to be part of our team at The Orchard, we would love to hear from you!
Working at Rectory Primary School - Orchard Specialist Provision
Joining our school means becoming part of a vibrant, supportive community where every day brings new opportunities to inspire and be inspired. Here, you’re not just a teacher or staff member — you’re a vital part of a team dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child.
At Rectory, ‘God is our Strength’ and is at the heart of how we live. We are a caring and nurturing school community, where everyone can feel safe and happy, have somewhere they are proud to belong to and strive for the best for themselves and each other.
At Rectory Primary School, we believe that happy, motivated staff create the best learning experience. That’s why we prioritize wellbeing, celebrate achievements, and foster a strong sense of belonging.
Come join us and help shape something exceptional — where your passion for education meets a community that truly cares, and where every child is understood, celebrated and supported to thrive.
Rectory Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
For more information regarding this role, please contact rectory@sthelens.org.uk 📧
Closing date for applications: Thursday 5th November 2026
Shortlisting: Friday 6th November 2026
Interviews / observations: w/c Monday 9th November 2026
Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a sufficient number of applications and encourage you to apply early, to avoid disappointment. ⏳
Full Job Description & Person Specification Documents are included with this advert.
This is an Enhanced Disclosure post.
or charge recruitment fees when applying for vacancies at our schools. If in doubt, contact schoolpayroll@sthelens.gov.uk
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation. The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within selection.
