Work for Us

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

ASSISTANT HEAD (Maternity Cover) based at Ellen Tinkham School, Hollow Lane (Primary site)

The Learn to Live Federation is seeking an Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team on a maternity cover basis, helping to shape the ongoing development of our schools across Exeter and South Devon. The role will start in June 2026 and will be offered on an L8-L12 payscale (£61,534 - £67,898).

About the Role

As Assistant Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening leadership across the Federation, driving outstanding teaching and learning, and ensuring exceptional pupil outcomes. Your responsibilities will include:

Leading and supporting the Federation Leadership Team to develop and implement strategic priorities.
Driving high-quality teaching, learning, and achievement across your site.
Monitoring, evaluating, and improving classroom practice to maintain excellence.
Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the highest standards of pupil safety and welfare.
Supporting staff development, wellbeing, and performance through coaching and mentoring.
Leading subject teams, supporting risk assessments, E3 funding applications, and quality assuring EHCP reports and core documents to uphold high literacy standards.
Contributing to school-wide policy development and continuous improvement.
Building strong relationships with families, external agencies, and the wider community.

What We Are Looking For

Our ideal candidate is a passionate leader who:

Inspires others and exemplifies our Federation values.
Holds high expectations for both pupils and staff.
Demonstrates outstanding classroom practice.
Uses data effectively to drive pupil progress.
Champions inclusive, creative, and responsive teaching approaches.
Communicates clearly and collaborates seamlessly at all levels.

How to Apply

The application form and job description is below. Please email your completed application form to recruitment@ellentinkham.devon.sch.uk The closing date is 5 pm on Monday 2nd February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly after this date.

TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Compassion, patience and purpose can change a student's life. As a Teaching Assistant 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, emotionally, and socially.

Your Role:

Provide one-on-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 in an SEN setting is a plus - but not required.

Why Work With Us?

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;
Have opportunities for advancement in special education;
Given the chance to change lives - every single day.

The vacancy is Monday to Friday, totalling 30 hours and 40 minutes, salary £18,235.90 pa. Working hours are 8.50 am to 3.20 pm with a 4 pm finish on a Tuesday for a team meeting. Term time working, 39 weeks per year. Whilst we welcome applications from those looking for part-time hours, you will still be required to work the core hours of 8.50 am to 3.20 pm.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you. Please email completed application forms to: recruitment@bidwellbrook.devon.sch.uk for the attention of Megan Camier, HR Officer.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 25th January 2026 at 4 pm.

EYFS TEACHING ASSISTANT

We are seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our Early Years team. This is a permanent role where you will work closely with students and colleagues to deliver a child-centred curriculum that nurtures both educational and emotional growth.

You will:

Support children as part of a collaborative class team
Help deliver pre-planned learning, care, and therapy programmes
Create an inspiring, playful, and inclusive learning environment
Encourage independence through daily tasks and fun, messy activities
Observe and record children’s progress, building strong relationships with families in line with the EYFS framework.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

Nurturing, patient, and genuinely passionate about children’s wellbeing and development
Enthusiastic, empathetic, and eager to learn
Flexible, resilient, and an excellent communicator
Experienced in Early Years (preferred), with a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education (or working towards it)
Paediatric First Aid trained (desirable)
Early Years apprentices will be considered