Teaching Assistant

Bedford College Group; Old Warden; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution is seeking a Teaching Assistant to support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Shuttleworth College. The role involves one-to-one support, promoting independence, and collaborating with education staff. Applicants should possess Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, relevant Level 3 qualifications, and experience in a similar setting. This permanent position demands a commitment to inclusive values and safeguarding. Join a team dedicated to creating positive educational experiences.

Benefits

People's pension

Retail and leisure discounts

Professional development opportunities

Access to college courses

Responsibilities

• Support SEND learners through one-to-one or small group support.
• Promote independence and help students develop confidence.
• Collaborate with teachers and monitor student progress.
• Contribute to team activities and mentoring new staff.
• Ensure safeguarding, EDI, and health & safety compliance.

Skills

Ability to create a positive learning environment

Effective communication skills

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

Level 2 in English and Maths

Relevant Level 3 qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Teaching Assistant

Role: Teaching Assistant

Location: Shuttleworth College - Old Warden

Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £23,557 and £26,754 per annum (Pro-Rata) DOE and Qualifications, People's pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.

Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week - 36 weeks per year

Contract Type: Permanent - Term Time

Right to Work: This is a UK based contract. You are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. No sponsorship offered.

About the role

We are currently seeking a Teaching Assistant to join our Foundation Learning and Additional Learning Support department at The Bedford College Group.

Key responsibilities:

• Support SEND Learners – Provide one-to-one or small group support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities across a range of courses.
• Promote Independence & Inclusion – Help students develop confidence and independence while creating an inclusive learning environment.
• Collaborate & Monitor Progress – Work with teachers and EHCP coordinators to deliver support plans, track outcomes, and maintain accurate records.
• Contribute to Team & College Activities – Attend meetings, mentor new staff, and participate in events such as open days and transition activities.
• Uphold Professional Standards – Ensure safeguarding, EDI, and health & safety compliance, and engage in ongoing training and development.

About you:

• Essential Qualifications – Level 2 in English and Maths, relevant Level 3 qualification (or willingness to work towards), and knowledge of SEND.
• Relevant Experience – Supporting young people with SEND in education or care settings, using Microsoft Office, and maintaining accurate records.
• Core Skills – Ability to create a positive learning environment, communicate effectively face-to-face, in writing, and by phone, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Professional Attributes – Positive, adaptable attitude, commitment to safeguarding, and ability to uphold professional boundaries with learners.
• Flexibility & Values – Willingness to work across sites, contribute to team goals, and promote the College's reputation while aligning with its values.

For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.

Interviews to be held: 15 January 2026

Alignment to VISION values:

• Valuing Teamwork – We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
• Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
• Student Centred – At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
• Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
• Open and Caring – We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
• Nurturing Education Excellence – We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.

About The Bedford College Group

The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year.

Today, the Group includes a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College, Tresham College, Shuttleworth College, The Bedford Sixth Form (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford), The Corby Sixth Form (opened in September 2023), and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.

Safeguarding our Students

The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy.

Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.