Why work for us?

Our pupils thrive in a mature, supportive, purposeful and happy environment. They benefit immensely from working with our trained, talented and dedicated Class Teachers and support staff, and from participating in a wide range of exciting and inspiring extra-curricular activities. As a result they make excellent progress but also grow into wonderful young adults.

By joining Bidwell Brook School, you can expect:

• High quality, bespoke Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Career Progression
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• An excellent employee assistance programme which includes physiotherapy, counselling, wellbeing and access to private healthcare if applicable
• Staff discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• A wide range of staff training and development opportunities, including work based teacher training

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.   All our staff across the Learn to Live Federation require an enhanced DBS disclosure and the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of their role with confidence and fluency in English.  If you are interested in any of the vacancies detailed below, please complete an application form.  We do not accept CV's.

Current Vacancies

PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE HEAD OF THE LEARN TO LIVE FEDERATION

If you’re an organised, proactive professional who thrives in a fast paced environment and loves making a meaningful difference, this is a role where you’ll shine.

The Learn to Live Federation is a partnership of two exceptional Special Schools supporting children and young people aged 3–19 with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties. We are looking for an outstanding PA to the Executive Headteacher - someone who can bring calm, clarity and confidence to a role at the heart of our Federation’s leadership. 

What You’ll Be Doing

As the Executive Headteacher’s right hand, you’ll be the first point of contact for enquiries, visitors and communications. Your work will be varied, purposeful and central to the smooth running of the Federation.

• Executive support - manage correspondence, draft responses, prioritise urgent matters and maintain confidentiality at all times
• Meeting co-ordination - prepare agendas, reports and presentations; take accurate minutes; distribute documentation
• Communications leadership - oversee Federation websites, lead on social media, produce newsletters, promotional materials and school videos
• Administrative leadership - line manage and support the development of the administration team
• Safeguarding support - produce safeguarding materials and support safeguarding processes
• Project & innovation support - assist with development initiatives, school promotions, engagement strategies, fundraising platforms and the school lottery
• Community liaison - act as the link between both PTFAs and the schools
• Information governance - handle FOI requests with accuracy and professionalism
  

This role is primarily based at Ellen Tinkham School in Exeter, with travel to other Federation sites as needed across the week.

Who We’re Looking For

• A flexible, polished professional who can juggle multiple priorities while maintaining warmth, discretion and exceptional attention to detail. Someone who enjoys being at the centre of communication and organisation - and who wants their work to genuinely matter

What We Offer

• You will be part of a supportive, professional team
• Receive comprehensive training and professional development
• Have access to excellent benefits including the Local Government Pension Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, staff discounts, 'cycle to work' scheme and childcare vouchers
• Free parking on site with an early arrival
• Be eligible for a Blue Light Card
• An opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with complex learning needs

If you are excited by the opportunity to work in a friendly and rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you!  The position is a permanent role, 37 hours per week, term time (40 weeks).  The salary is £26,837.20 pa.  The application form and job description is below.  Please email your completed application to sbedford@bidwellbrook.devon.sch.uk   The closing date is Monday 15th June 2026.

For further information contact Nikki Burroughs, Executive Headteacher or Sarah Bedford, HR Manager on 01392 467168 or email sbedford@bidwellbrook.devon.sch.uk 

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Compassionate, patience and purpose can change a student's life.  As a Teaching Asssistant in our school, you'll be part of a dedicated team that believes every learner should be educated to a high standard and deserves to be seen, heard and supported.  In this rewarding role, you'll help create a classroom environment where students will continue their education, feel valued and empowered to grow.

Working closely with experienced Class Teachers, classroom support staff, therapists and families, you'll play a vital role in helping students reach their full potential - academically, emootionally and socially.

Your Role

• Provide one-to-one and small group support tailored to individuals' needs
• Help deliver pre-planned learning within an inspiring educational environment
• Assist with all classroom activities and behaviour management
• Foster a positive, inclusive and safe environment for all learners
• Help students build independence, confidence and life skills

What You Bring

• A passion for working with students with special educational needs 
• Empathy, resilience and excellent communication skills
• The ability to remain calm, flexible and proactive
• A "team player" approach
• Experience working with children in an SEN educational setting is desirable but not essential.  What matters most is positivity, reliability and a willingness to learn and follow guidance

Why Work with Us?

• You will be part of a supportive, professional team
• Comprehensive training and professional development
• Excellent benefits including Local Government Pension Scheme; Employee Assistant Programme; staff discounts, cycle to work scheme and childcare vouchers
• Free parking with an early arrival
• Eligibility for a Blue Light Card
• Opportunities for advancement in special education
• The chance to change lives - every single day

The vacancy is Monday-Friday totalling 30 hours and 40 minutes.  Your working pattern will be 8.50 am - 3.20 pm, with a 4 pm finish on Tuesdays for team meetings.  The salary is £18,525.30 pa.  The role is term time only, 39 weeks per year.  Part-time applications are welcome but you must be available to work the core hours each day.

If you are ready to make a meaningful difference, we would love to hear from you!  Please see the Job Description and Application form below.  Please send completed application forms to recruitment@bidwellbrook.devon.sch.uk