SEMH Teaching Assistant in Silsoe

Are you ready to make a meaningful difference to a child's education journey? Due to expansion of the school's facilities, Esland's Bedford School is seeking committed and effective Teaching Assistants to join our team in September.

Location: Wrest Park, Silsoe (MK45)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm)

Salary: £23,520 to £25,357 (dependent on experience)

Closing Date: Wednesday 8th July 2026

Interview Dates: between 9th and 14th July

Job Start: September 2026

We are seeking positive, confident individuals who can work independently and take initiative while developing purposeful, strong relationships with children, staff and parents. Experience in supporting children with SEMH needs and/or ASD would be advantageous but not essential.

About the role:

Esland Bedford School is an independent SEMH special school for up to 50 children aged 8-18. The school provides education to day pupils, and via our unique Turning the Curve provision, to young people who have been disengaged from education for significant periods of time. We aim to maintain a nurturing and accepting environment for young people who have not had their needs met in other settings. Likewise, we also aim to provide a work/life balance to staff not available in larger schools.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support pupils with all learning opportunities as directed by the class teacher.
• Under direct or indirect supervision, deliver prepared work to small group of pupils or provide one-to-one support to a pupil.
• Ensure supervision of pupils at all times, including break times, transport etc.
• Access relevant training (in addition to induction) in order to develop skills for use in the classroom.
• Undertake whole school duties as directed by class teachers or SLT.
• Work with both individual pupils and groups of pupils to support learning and promote access to learning activities.
• Implement behaviour support plans with pupils, as directed.
• Implement sensory or communication programmes with pupils, as directed.
• Contribute towards the physical education of pupils, for example, swimming and PE.
• Assist in aspects of recording pupil progress as directed by the class teacher and in line with school policy.
• Assist in creating educational resources including classroom and whole school displays.
• Accompany pupils on educational visits and journeys including sports events and community access.
• Attend regular after school staff meetings and training.
• Respect confidentiality of information on all pupils and their families.
• Any other duties of similar nature or level as required.

What we can offer:

There are so many reasons to join us. From competitive pay to fast-track progression opportunities, we offer a whole host of well-being benefits, the use of our holiday home when you need a break, as well as a warm family work environment and a company culture focused on fun!

Our benefits include (but are not limited to):

• A competitive salary between £23,520 and £25,357 (depending on experience) reviewed annually
• Enrolment into the Esland education pension scheme, which is double matched up to 20%, meaning a total pension contribution of up to 30%
• Company sick pay
• Life insurance to the value of 4 times your basic salary
• Comprehensive, paid induction training and ongoing training within the role
• Fantastic opportunities for career development, we promoted over 100 colleagues last year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including our Online GP 24/7, 365 days a year
• Access to our Green Hybrid and EV car scheme
• A £500 bonus via our 'Refer a Friend’ scheme
• Monthly recognition awards
• Access to big-brand deals and discounts via our employee benefits scheme E-Together
• The opportunity to make a real difference to a child's life!

What we're looking for:

• Candidates must be educated to GCSE Level, including Maths, English & Science
• Teaching assistant experience (highly desirable)
• Teaching assistant qualification and/or a degree related to the field, e.g. psychology/child development/social care (desirable)
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Self-starter who demonstrates a high level of motivation and commitment
• Full driving licence (desirable due to activities/location)
• Candidates must have right to work in the UK with no restrictions
• Successful employment is subject to satisfactory Full Enhanced Disclosure, right to work and reference checks in line with government regulations and Safer Recruitment Practices.

All young people are equally entitled to have their needs met in a fair and balanced way. Esland employees are responsible for promoting equal opportunities for all and for challenging any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any young person or colleague on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other perceived difference.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your teaching career and want to be part of a supportive, collaborative and highly valued team, then apply today!