Teaching Assistant

We have multiple exciting opportunities for inspiring and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our team at Bedales Prep and Pre-Prep School. There are both part-time and full-time positions available.

The successful candidates will be used to the busy life of a school and working in an environment which puts the child first. The ability to forge good working relationships that respond to the pastoral and educational needs of the individual in an agile way is paramount. Teaching Assistants are a vital part of the classroom environment and are valued as such.

Bedales Pre-Prep is the foundation of our children’s education and an introduction to the principle that underpins the school – learning as part of a wider community characterised by trust, mutual respect and shared creative endeavour.

Bedales Prep is a dynamic and exciting place to work. We are a school that is interested in the individual and fosters an environment that believes in academic rigour, but not at the expense of creativity.

Across the school, our ethos is one of community and strong relationships with pupils to provide them with the best platform for success in school. Outwardly, there are untraditional elements to the school (no uniform, first-name basis with pupils), but functionally, we have the same expectations that are expected in any classroom environment.

Bedales is a unique educational establishment set in the heart of the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Our aim is to nurture children who are rounded, confident, inquisitive and kind to others and who can challenge themselves in a safe environment without fear of failure. Questioning, divergent thinking and freedom to learn from mistakes are all encouraged. Central to our success is the sense that each person is a member of our community whose voice is entitled to be heard and treated with respect. Both our staff and pupils expect of each other the best kind of relationships – co-operative, authentic and trustful. We focus on the journey – fun and adventure are at the core of all we do!

Experience & Background

The ideal candidates will be enthusiastic about working with children and have a patient, caring and supportive approach with the ability to recognise how classroom learning should be adapted to meet the child’s needs. You will have secure Maths and English standards, along with a functional understanding of ICT, as the job will involve using email, Microsoft Office Suite, and the school’s MIS (training provided).

This post is Regulated Activity.

Hours of Work

We have full-time and part-time posts available. The full-time posts are for 37.5 hours per week, and part-time posts are for 30 hours per week. All posts are term time only, to be worked between Monday and Friday.

Actual days and hours to be worked are flexible and to be discussed at interview, and we would encourage applications from applicants with any availability.

Salary

The hourly rate for this role is £12.03 up to £12.48, dependent upon skills and experience. The actual salary will be calculated based on the number of hours and weeks worked.

Benefits

• Free on-site parking
• Funded healthcare cash plan
• Pension with Royal London
• Salary Extras benefits platform
• Lifeworks employee assistance programme
• Free lunch is provided during term time
• On-site nursery (subject to availability)
• Gymnasium & swimming pool
• Life assurance
• Personal accident cover

How to Apply

For further details on how to apply, please visit the recruitment portal on the Bedales Schools website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 12.00pm on Friday 7th June 2024.

Application reviews will be via Teams, and interviews will be held on a rolling basis. Early application is advised as Bedales reserve the right to make an appointment at any stage of the application process.

Pre-Appointment Checks

All candidates will undergo a Safeguarding Suitability Interview and application for an Enhanced DBS and Barred List check and be asked to provide evidence they are eligible to work in the UK on an ongoing basis at the shortlist stage of the selection process.

Safeguarding Statement

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Prohibition from Teaching Checks, and Prohibition from Management Checks.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include:

• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Fostering a culture of openness, safety, equality and protection
• Providing a safe and welcoming environment where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to
• Playing a key role in the prevention of harm and an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm
• When concerned about the welfare of a pupil, acting in the best interests of the pupil

All staff have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and in providing help for children and are expected to act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and the School is therefore permitted to ask job candidates to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.