At a Glance
- Tasks: Support learners with SEND through tailored sessions and innovative teaching methods.
- Company: Join Bedford College, a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on teamwork, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career in education.
- Qualifications: A Levels, degree or Level 5 qualification in SEND specialism required.
The predicted salary is between 35894 - 47971 £ per year.
Location: Bedford College – Cauldwell Street Campus
Salary & Benefits: £35,894 to £47,971 per annum (DOE and Qualifications). 35 days annual leave plus bank holidays, Teacher’s Pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, professional and personal development opportunities, access to college courses.
Hours & Contract: 37 hours per week – 52 weeks per year. Permanent – Full Time. Right to Work UK based contract. Applicants must have right to work in the UK. No sponsorship available.
About the Role: Join the Foundation Learning and Additional Learning Support department at Bedford College Group as a SEND Specialist Practitioner.
- Specialist SEND intervention and delivery: plan and deliver targeted 1:1 sessions, small group teaching and workshops for learners with SEND (Neurodiversity, SEMH, SpLD). Support access to the curriculum and independence.
- Inclusive practice and staff development: support teaching staff to embed inclusive strategies, deliver CPD and share best practice to strengthen teaching, learning and assessment across the college.
- Innovative learning & accessibility: utilise specialist teaching approaches and assistive technologies to remove barriers to learning and enable student engagement, confidence and progression.
- Progress monitoring, EHCP & collaboration: track learner progress, set targets, contribute to EHCP reviews and work collaboratively with ALS teams, curriculum staff and external agencies.
- Professional practice, engagement & compliance: maintain accurate records, build professional relationships, support college events and uphold safeguarding, EDI, health & safety and CPD standards.
About You:
- Qualifications and SEND specialism: A Levels with GCSE English and maths, plus a degree or Level 5 qualification in a SEND specialism (ASD, SpLD, SEMH). Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
- SEND expertise and learner support: extensive experience supporting learners with SEND and EHCPs in FE, including one‑to‑one support, leading meetings and addressing a wide range of learning difficulties and disabilities.
- Communication, reporting & professional practice: excellent communication skills across all formats, able to produce high‑quality reports, maintain confidentiality and build effective relationships with students, staff and external stakeholders.
- Organisation, IT & collaborative working: highly organised with strong IT, administrative and record‑keeping skills, able to prioritise workload, meet deadlines and collaborate effectively across curriculum and support teams.
- Professional values, flexibility & safeguarding: committed to safeguarding, equality and college values, adaptable and proactive with a learner‑centred approach, willing to travel across sites and continuously develop professional skills.
Employer Values:
- Valuing Teamwork – work together to achieve great outcomes.
- Improving Continuously – challenge yourself, share knowledge and learn from others.
- Student Centred – prioritise student needs in decision‑making.
- Inclusive – celebrate differences and diversity.
- Open and Caring – support wellbeing of staff, students and community.
- Nurturing Excellence – promote educational excellence by delivering challenging programmes.
Safeguarding & Vetting: The college is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful candidates will undergo a thorough vetting process including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy. Candidates barred from working with children cannot apply.
Application Deadline: Interviews will be held 18 June 2026.
SEND Specialist Practitioner - SEMH Specialism in Bedford employer: The Bedford College Group
Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and wellbeing of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and inclusivity are at the forefront. With generous benefits including 35 days of annual leave, access to professional development courses, and a commitment to innovative teaching practices, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on learners with SEND. Located in Bedford, the college fosters a collaborative environment that encourages continuous improvement and celebrates diversity, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Specialist Practitioner - SEMH Specialism in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what the hiring team is looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Bedford College and their approach to SEND. Show us that you understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission of supporting learners with SEMH needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to SEND. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills in supporting learners and collaborating with staff.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Bedford College.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Specialist Practitioner - SEMH Specialism in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the SEND Specialist Practitioner role. We want to see how your background aligns with our values and the specific needs of learners with SEMH.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and your experience with EHCPs. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their understanding and practical application of these concepts in their written application.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bedford College Group
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and any specific strategies for SEMH. Being able to discuss your knowledge and experience with SEND interventions will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also how to apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves building relationships with students, staff, and external stakeholders, be prepared to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated complex ideas or supported someone through a challenging situation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations involving learners with SEND. Prepare some scenarios from your past experience where you successfully supported a student or implemented an inclusive strategy. This will help you illustrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork and Flexibility
This role values teamwork and adaptability, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in the past. Highlight any experiences where you've adapted your approach to meet the needs of different learners or contributed to a team project.
