Teaching Assistant - Prep

We have an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and enthusiastic part-time Teaching Assistant to join our team at Bedales Prep School from 1 September 2025.

The successful candidate 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 which 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 valued as such.

Bedales Prep is a dynamic and exciting place to work. We are a school that is interested in the individual and foster 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 students to provide them the best platform for success in school. Outwardly, there are untraditional elements to the school (no uniform and first name basis with students), but functionally we have the same ambitions 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 students expect of each other the best kind of relationships – co-operative, authentic and trustful. We focus on the journey - fun and adventure is 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. It would be beneficial if you have some experience working with a range of needs such as dyslexia or other forms of SEND. 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

The post is for 30 hours per week, term time over 33 weeks a year, to be worked between Monday to Friday. Actual days and hours to be worked are flexible and will be discussed at interview. There are also an additional 42 annualised hours to be worked by mutual agreement across the course of the academic year.  

Salary

The full-time equivalent salary is £25,087 per annum.

The pro-rata total salary based on the above hours and weeks of work, is £15,014 per annum (inclusive of holiday pay).

Benefits

• Free on-site parking
• Funded Healthcare Cash Plan
• Life Assurance
• Pension with Royal London
• Salary Extras Benefits Platform
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free lunch is provided during term time 
• On-site nursery (subject to availability)
• Gymnasium & swimming pool

How to Apply

For further details on the role and how to apply, please visit the recruitment portal on the Bedales Schools website: https://www.bedales.org.uk/our-schools/about-bedales/job-vacancies.

All other enquiries relating to the recruitment process, should be forwarded to recruitment@bedales.org.uk

Early application is advised as Bedales reserve the right to make an appointment at any stage of the application process.

Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 23 June 2025

Application reviews: Wednesday 25 June 2025

Interview date: Friday 27 June 2025

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 on-going 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, 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 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 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.