Teaching Assistant - X2 Maternity Cover

Bedford College Group; Bedford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Bedford is seeking a Teaching Assistant for maternity cover. The role involves providing tailored support for students with special educational needs, collaborating with teaching staff, and participating in various educational events. Ideal candidates should possess Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English, and ideally a Level 3 qualification along with relevant experience. This fixed-term position offers a salary between £23,557 and £25,849 per annum. Excellent benefits include pension and discounts.

Benefits

People's pension

Retail and Leisure Discounts

Professional development opportunities

Access to college courses

Qualifications

• Possess a minimum of Level 2 in Maths and English.
• Hold a relevant Level 3 qualification or willingness to work towards one.
• Have experience supporting young people with special educational needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored one-to-one support for students with SEND.
• Prepare and maintain learning resources and monitor progress.
• Participate in team meetings and support college events.

Skills

Student-Centred Support

SEND Knowledge

Communication & Teamwork

Organisation

Safeguarding

Education

Level 2 in Maths and English

Relevant Level 3 qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Role: Teaching Assistant - X2 Maternity Cover

Location: Bedford College - Cauldwell Street Campus

Salary/Benefits: Salary between £23,557 and £25,849 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

Contract Type: Fixed Term - Term Time - 1 vacancy is for 6 months, the other for 12 months

About the role: We are two Teaching Assistants joining our Foundation Learning & Additional Learning Support department on a Fixed Term basis (Maternity Cover). As a Teaching Assistant, you play an important role in the success of our students through:

• Student-Centred Support - Provide tailored one-to-one and small group support for students with SEND across Level 1 to Level 3 courses, helping them access learning and develop independence.
• Collaborative Delivery - Work under the direction of ALS Team Leaders and teaching staff to implement strategies from individual support plans and EHCPs, contributing to learner progress and wellbeing.
• Resource & Record Management - Prepare and maintain learning resources, monitor progress, and maintain accurate records including support cards, ISPs, and review reports.
• Team Engagement & Events - Actively participate in team meetings, mentoring new staff, and supporting college events such as open days, transitions, and work placements.
• Safeguarding & Inclusion - Promote equality, diversity, and safeguarding, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment while supporting learners both in and out of the classroom.

About you:

• Qualifications & Technical Skills - Educated to Level 2 in Maths and English, with a relevant Level 3 qualification (or willingness to work towards), and proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• SEND Knowledge & Experience - Working knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, with experience supporting young people in educational or care settings.
• Communication & Teamwork - Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work independently and collaboratively, with a positive, empathetic, and adaptable attitude.
• Organisation & Professionalism - Capable of maintaining accurate records, contributing to a high-quality learning environment, and promoting the College's reputation within the community.
• Safeguarding & Flexibility - Committed to safeguarding and maintaining professional boundaries, with a willingness to work across all sites and support learners in varied settings.

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: TBC

Successful candidates must align to our organisational 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 education provider in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year.

Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, including Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College, Tresham College, Shuttleworth College, The Bedford Sixth Form, The Corby Sixth Form, and the National College for Motorsport, alongside Silverstone race circuit. 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 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.

We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the adverts should we receive a sufficient level of interest.

Please note most roles advertised on AoC Jobs are posted directly by the college or employing organisation and are not being handled by the AoC Recruitment Team. If you would like to hear about interim and/or permanent roles being handled by AoC Recruitment, please send your CV to the email provided and one of the team will be in touch.