At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with learning needs, helping them thrive and achieve their potential.
- Company: Join The Bedford College Group, a leading education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 27 days leave, pension, and discounts on retail and leisure.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to inclusive education and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Learning Support or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 23557 - 26754 £ per year.
Location: Bedford Campus
Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £23,557.00 - £26,754 per annum DOE and Qualifications, 27 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, People’s Pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.
Hours/Weeks: 37 Weeks | 37 Weeks Per Year
Contract Type: Permanent - Term Time
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
About the role
- Purpose & Impact: Provides tailored support to remove barriers to learning, enabling SEND learners to access the curriculum, build independence and achieve their full potential with confidence and life-ready skills.
- Learner Support & Delivery: Delivers personalised, in-class and practical support, implementing strategies to aid communication, behaviour, social development and study skills in line with learner needs and EHCP outcomes.
- Progress & Reporting: Monitors and records learner progress, providing evidence-based feedback to inform teaching, reviews and multi-agency discussions, ensuring measurable impact on outcomes.
- Inclusive Practice & Development: Promotes inclusive approaches aligned with college strategy and SEND reforms, supporting consistent, high-quality provision and creating safe, supportive learning environments.
- Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities: Works closely with staff, families and external professionals while maintaining safeguarding, EDI, health & safety and ongoing CPD commitments to support holistic learner development.
About you
- Qualifications & Knowledge: Level 3 qualification in Learning Support or related field, with Level 2 Maths & English, and strong understanding of SEND needs, reforms and Ofsted expectations.
- Experience & Technical Skills: Experience supporting learners with SEND in education or care settings, including complex needs, with strong literacy, numeracy, digital and Microsoft Office skills.
- Learner Support & Development: Skilled in promoting independence, resilience and self‑advocacy, using effective support strategies and building positive, trusting relationships with learners and staff.
- Professional Skills & Approach: Calm, adaptable and solution-focused, with strong communication skills and the ability to observe, record and report learner progress effectively.
- Flexibility & Safeguarding: Committed to safeguarding, inclusive practice and continuous development, with flexibility to work across sites, support personal care needs and travel as required.
Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment 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 provider of education 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: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land‑based 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 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.
Terms and Conditions - BCPS
37 hours per week (1.0 FTE), 27 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays, People's Pension, Retail and leisure discounts.
Learning Support Practitioner - Ongoing Recruitment in Bedford employer: Bedford ESOL
The Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional and personal development of its staff. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and access to various college courses, employees are empowered to grow in their roles while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. Located in the vibrant Bedford area, the college fosters collaboration and teamwork, ensuring that every member feels valued and part of a community dedicated to educational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Practitioner - Ongoing Recruitment in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Learning Support Practitioners on LinkedIn or at local events. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEND support. Think about your experiences and how they align with the college's values. We want to see your passion for helping students succeed!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of how you've supported learners in the past, especially those with complex needs. This will help us see your hands-on experience and commitment to inclusive education.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The Bedford College Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Practitioner - Ongoing Recruitment 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 a 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 relevant experience in education or care settings. We’re keen to know how you've supported learners with SEND and what strategies you've used to promote their independence and success.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
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 The Bedford College Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford ESOL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Learning Support Practitioner inside out. Familiarise yourself with SEND needs, the importance of inclusive practice, and how to support learners effectively. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported learners with SEND. Highlight your strategies for promoting independence and resilience, as well as any collaboration with staff and families. Real-life stories can make a big impact during the interview!
✨Align with Their Values
The Bedford College Group values teamwork, continuous improvement, and student-centred approaches. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to discuss this. Showing that you share their vision will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their approach to professional development or how they measure success for their learners. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
