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 Ellen Tinkham 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 including the Blue Light scheme
• 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.  Shortlisted candidates may be subject to online checks.  If you are interested in any of the vacancies detailed below, please complete an application form.  We do not accept CV's.

Current Vacancies (x4)

RECEPTIONIST AT ELLEN TINKHAM COLLEGE (EX1 3LF)

We are seeking a warm, organised and professional Receptionist to join our dedicated admin team from September 2026.  As the first point of contact for our community, you will be the welcoming face of the college. Working in a busy school office, you will handle visitor enquiries, manage incoming calls and support the team with a range of administrative tasks.  This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys making a positive difference every day.

 Who We're Looking For

• A calm, patient and positive individual who can adapt to changing priorities
• Someone who is flexible, resilient and able to multitask with confidence
• Strong communication skills and a professional manner
• Good IT skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Excellent organisational abilities
• Experience in a similar role is desirable but not essential
  

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, Monday to Friday, 8.30 am - 4 pm, term time only (39 weeks).  The actual starting salary is £21,147.50 pa.  The application form and job description is below.  Please email your completed application to recruitment@ellentinkham.devon.sch.uk  If you would like a conversation about this role, please call Sarah Bedford, HR Manager on 01392 467168 or email sbedford@bidwellbrook.devon.sch.uk.  Closing date for applications is Monday 13th July 2026.  Interviews will be held on Wednesday 15th July 2026.

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   

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

MEALTIME ASSISTANT / PLAY LEADER

We are looking for enthusiastic Mealtime Assistant / Play Leader to join our team as soon as possible.  As part of a supportive team working alongside Teachers and Teaching Assistants, you will play a key role in ensuring lunchtimes and playtimes are safe, enjoyable, and well-organised for our students.

Your Role

• Supervise and assist students in classrooms during lunch
• Help with clearing up and serving meals
• Support and encourage children during playtime
• Lead fun, safe and inclusive games activities on the playground or in the Hall
• Respond to minor incidents while prioritising student safety and wellbeing
• Supervise children at playtime and keep them safe

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with children in education or play settings is helpful, but not essential
• Enthusiasm, empathy, and a positive attitude
• Willingness to learn and follow guidance

Hours & Pay

Monday to Friday, 11.45 am – 1.45 pm, 10 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks per year).  Starting salary is £5,764.81 pa. The application form and job description is below.  Please email your completed application to recruitment@ellentinkham.devon.sch.uk 

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 salary range at Grade C (based on 5 days per week, 39 weeks per year) starts at £18,301.32 rising to £18,887.92.  The working hours are 9 am to 3.30 pm, with a 4.15 pm finish once a week to include a team meeting. All positions are 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 9 am to 3.30 pm.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you.  Please email completed application forms to: recruitment@ellentinkham.devon.sch.uk for the attention of Victoria or Debbie.