At a Glance
- Tasks: Support learners with additional needs, helping them thrive and achieve their potential.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Tresham College, dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Permanent role with term-time hours and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Learning Support and experience with SEND learners required.
The predicted salary is between 25585 - 30915 £ per year.
Location: Tresham College – Multi-Site
Salary / Benefits: Salary between £25,585 and £30,915 per annum (Pro-Rata) DOE and qualifications; People's Pension; retail and leisure discounts; excellent professional and personal development opportunities; access to college courses.
Hours / Weeks: 37 hours per week – 37 weeks per year
Contract Type: Permanent – Term Time
Right to Work: UK based contract; you must have right to work in the UK. No sponsorship available.
About the role: We are currently seeking eight Learning Support Practitioners to join our Foundation Learning and Additional Learning Support department at the Bedford College Group.
- Responsibilities:
- Personalised Learner Support & Independence – Provide tailored, practical support to remove barriers to learning, helping SEND learners access the curriculum, build confidence, develop independence and achieve their full potential.
- Inclusive Practice & Classroom Collaboration – Work closely with teachers and ALS staff to implement effective differentiation, scaffolding and inclusive strategies across classrooms, workshops and community learning settings.
- Progress Monitoring & Impact Evidence – Observe, record and report learner progress, contributing high-quality evidence for reviews, EHCP processes and planning to ensure support is impactful and responsive.
- Professional Collaboration & SEND Expertise – Liaise with parents/carers, therapists and external professionals, engaging in CPD aligned to SEND reforms, assistive technologies and inclusive teaching practices.
- Safeguarding, Values & Continuous Improvement – Uphold safeguarding, EDI and health & safety requirements, reflect on practice and contribute proactively to whole-college approaches that strengthen SEND support quality and consistency.
About you:
- Qualifications & Core Skills: Hold a Level 3 qualification in Learning Support or a related field, with GCSE/Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths, and strong literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
- SEND Support Experience: Proven experience supporting learners with SEND and additional needs in FE, specialist or multi-agency settings, including individualised educational or care support.
- Inclusive Practice & Learner Independence: Strong understanding of SEND strategies, with the ability to promote independence, resilience, self-advocacy and positive learner outcomes.
- Communication, Recording & Professional Practice: Calm, adaptable and solution-focused; able to build trusting relationships, communicate effectively and observe, record and report impact clearly using Microsoft Office tools.
- Professional Values, Flexibility & Safeguarding: Positive and flexible approach across sites and patterns; committed to inclusive practice, personal care support where required; ongoing CPD; safeguarding the welfare of learners.
Vision values alignment:
- 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.
Interview details: Interviews to be held: 25 May 2026
Safeguarding: 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 undergo a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Legal / EEO statement: 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.
Learning Support Practitioner (Learning Support Assistant) in Bedford employer: Bedford College Group
At Tresham College, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values teamwork, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. Our Learning Support Practitioners benefit from a supportive work culture, competitive salary, and numerous professional development opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of SEND learners. With access to college courses and a commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing, we create an environment where staff can thrive and contribute to educational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Practitioner (Learning Support Assistant) in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college and its values! Research Tresham College and understand their commitment to inclusivity and student-centred learning. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to SEND support and inclusive practices. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role, so you can share specific examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff at Tresham College on LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the culture and expectations, plus it shows your proactive approach to getting involved in the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and reinforce your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Practitioner (Learning Support Assistant) in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Learning Support Practitioner. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of supporting SEND learners!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your previous experience with SEND learners. We love to see examples of how you've helped students overcome barriers and achieve their potential, so be specific and give us the details!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Tresham College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford College Group
✨Know Your SEND Strategies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) strategies. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in the past to support learners, as this will show your understanding and commitment to inclusive practice.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues. Think about times when you’ve built trusting relationships or collaborated with others to enhance learner independence and success.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Be ready to share instances where you've had to adapt your approach to meet the diverse needs of learners. This could involve adjusting lesson plans or using assistive technologies. Showing flexibility is key in this role!
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the Bedford College Group's vision and values. During the interview, reflect on how your personal values align with theirs, especially around teamwork, continuous improvement, and student-centred practices. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits their culture.
