We have an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join us from 6 January 2026, for up to a year to cover a period of maternity leave.
The successful candidate will be used to the busy life of a school but looking to work 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. The Teaching Assistant is a vital part of the classroom environment and 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. 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. 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 candidate 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
The post is for 30 hours per week, term time only for 33 weeks of the year, working Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00. In addition, the post holder will be required to work an additional 37.5 annualised hours in non-term time to attend INSET and training days.
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 and duration of the fixed term contract, will be confirmed on appointment.
Benefits
Free on-site parking
Funded Healthcare Cash Plan
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
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.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this post, please read the Job Description which includes full details regarding the post. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, CVs cannot be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application form.
Closing date: 9:00am Monday 13 October 2025
Application discussion reviews via MS TEAMS: week commencing 13 October 2025
Formal interview date: week commencing 3 November 2025
Early application is advised as Bedales reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage of the application process.
To find out more about this opportunity, candidates can contact Belinda Usmar, PA to the Head of Prep by email to
All other enquiries relating to the recruitment process, should be forwarded to
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 student, acting in the best interests of the student
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.