Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant

Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant – Bedford & Surrounding Areas

Start Date: September 2026 (Securing roles now!)

Hours: Approx. 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Monday to Friday – Term Time Only)

Location: Bedford, Kempston, and surrounding local villages

No Experience? No Problem. Your Personality is Your Best Qualification!

Are you looking for a career that actually matters? Do you have a big heart, plenty of patience, and a natural gift for connecting with people? If you’re tired of the retail or hospitality grind and want a role that leaves you feeling proud at the end of the day, we want to hear from you!

We are looking for fresh, enthusiastic talent to join our partner schools across Bedford and the surrounding areas for the new academic year starting this September. As an SEN (Special Educational Needs) Teaching Assistant, you won’t just be staff—you’ll be a mentor, a cheerleader, and a daily support system for students who need that extra bit of help to thrive.

Why You’re Already Qualified

You don't need a background in education to make a massive impact. We are looking for genuine "people people." If you have transferable skills from any of these areas, you already have the magic ingredients we need:

• Care & Support Work: You understand empathy and know how to put others first.
• Retail or Hospitality: You are excellent with people, adaptable, and stay calm under pressure.
• Coaching, Youth Work, or Parenting: You know how to engage, lead, and inspire young minds.
• Military or Emergency Services: You are reliable, structured, and fantastic in a crisis.

Why This is the Best Move You’ll Make This September

• The Perfect Work-Life Balance: No weekends, no late nights, and no bank holidays. Work school hours and get your evenings back!
• Real Purpose: You’ll go home every day knowing you directly changed a local child's life.
• Fast-Track Career Growth: Start on a flexible contract with the opportunity to transition into a permanent school contract quickly.
• Keep it Local: Cut down your commute. We have roles right in the heart of Bedford as well as neighboring local communities.

What We Need From You:

• A genuine heart for helping children thrive, a high-energy approach, and a "can-do" attitude.
• A valid Enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or the willingness to let us help you get one sorted before September!).
• Note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Recent arrivals will require an overseas police check from their previous country of residence.

How to Apply:

The school year starts in September, but we are interviewing and securing positions now. Don't wait!

•  Email: Send your CV and a quick "hello" to katarzyna.french@teachingpersonnel.com
•  Online: Click the Apply button to submit your details instantly!

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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