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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 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

ASSISTANT HEAD (INCLUSION) based at ELLEN TINKHAM SCHOOL & COLLEGE, EXETER

Inspire Belonging. Champion Opportunity. Transform Lives.

Start Date: Autumn Term 2026/asap, Contract: Fixed term, 1 year, Salary: L8-L12

The Learn to Live Federation is seeking an exceptional Assistant Head (Inclusion) to join our Federation Leadership Team.

Our Federation comprises two Local Authority maintained special schools, Bidwell Brook and Ellen Tinkham, supporting children and young people aged 3–19 with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties. We are committed to ensuring that every learner feels valued, included and empowered to achieve their full potential.

The post is temporary due to one person returning from maternity leave on part time hours and another person has a temporary reduction in hours.

The Role

As Assistant Head (Inclusion), you will lead and promote inclusive practice across the Federation, working closely with senior leaders, families and external agencies to remove barriers to learning and improve outcomes for pupils.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading the Federation’s inclusion strategy.
  • Promoting attendance, positive behaviour and pupil wellbeing.
  • Supporting pupils with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and Children in Care.
  • Building strong partnerships with families and external agencies.
  • Leading targeted interventions and reintegration support.
  • Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated Lead for Children in Care.
  • Monitoring inclusion, attendance and behaviour data to drive improvement.


About You

You will be a passionate and strategic leader with:

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
  • Degree-level qualification.
  • Strong knowledge of SEND, EHCPs and safeguarding.
  • Experience of promoting inclusion, attendance and positive outcomes for pupils.
  • Excellent communication and partnership-working skills.

 

What We Offer

  • The opportunity to shape inclusion across a forward-thinking Federation.
  • A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
  • Professional development and leadership opportunities.
  • Staff wellbeing support, including physiotherapy, counselling and a 24/7 GP service.
  • The chance to make a lasting difference to children, young people and their families.


For further information, or email completed applications to sbedford@bidwellbrook.devon.sch.uk. 

Closing Date: Friday 28 August 2026.

SENIOR HR OFFICER (PART TIME - 28 HOURS PER WEEK, 40 WEEKS PER ANNUM)

Are you an experienced Human Resources (HR) professional who is passionate about people, education and making a real difference?

The Learn to Live Federation is a dedicated special school community committed to nurturing and empowering children and young people aged 3 to 19 with severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Our Federation comprises two Local Authority maintained special schools: Bidwell Brook, with 151 pupils, and Ellen Tinkham, with 237 pupils. All our pupils have Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs) and benefit from a highly inclusive environment tailored to meet a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We pride ourselves on delivering compassionate, personalised education that supports every learner to thrive and prepare for their next stage in life.

Required to start Autumn Term 2026.

The Learn to Live Federation is seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Senior HR Officer who can build strong relationships and provide trusted advice across a diverse organisation. This is an exciting opportunity for an HR professional who thrives in a busy and varied environment.

You will work closely with the Federation HR Manager and the HR Team, providing HR support and advice across the full employee lifecycle. You will help shape a positive workplace culture, ensure legal compliance, support organisational change and lead key HR processes that enable our schools to thrive.

What you'll be doing

No two days are the same in this varied role.

You will:

  • Support and manage end-to-end recruitment and safer recruitment processes across the federation.
  • Ensure compliance with safeguarding requirements, including oversight of the Single Central Record (SCR) and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) processes.
  • Provide high-quality HR advice and support to leaders and employees on a wide range of employment matters.
  • Oversee absence management processes and attendance monitoring, across federation.
  • Conduct absence review meetings as required, across federation.
  • Complete absence management investigations, create investigation packs and progress to Governors absence hearings, across federation.
  • Oversee occupational health referrals, manage outcomes and follow up actions across federation to ensure consistency, including advising on reasonable adjustments and supporting staff returning to work.
  • Manage risk assessments across federation to ensure consistency in approach and focussing on best outcomes for students, classes and staff.
  • Support employee relations matters, including performance management procedures.
  • In the absence of the Federation HR Manager, manage disciplinary and grievance investigations.
  • Co-ordinate training, induction programmes, INSET activities.
  • Support organisational change initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
  • Support the HR team, helping them grow in confidence and capability.

What you will bring to the role

  • Substantial experience in HR and employee relations.
  • Sound knowledge of pay, terms and conditions for teaching and support staff.
  • Experience in managing sickness absence and attendance procedures.
  • Experience in handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the confidence to engage with senior leaders, governors and staff at all levels.
  • Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and HR information systems.
  • Education to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience.
  • A relevant HR qualification at Level 4 or above.
  • Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
  • A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and continuous professional development.
  • As regular travel across the federation's three sites is required, the ability to travel according to the needs of the job, with reasonable adjustments, if required, according to the Equality Act will be required.

You will be:

  • Professional, credible, approachable and solutions-focused.
  • Able to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
  • Passionate about continuous improvement and finding better ways of working.
  • Skilled at interpreting legislation and policies and applying it confidently in a school environment.
  • Diplomatic, resilient and trustworthy, with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Committed to supporting colleagues and fostering positive employee relations.

At the Learn to Live Federation, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a supportive, collaborative and inclusive working environment where staff feel valued, empowered and able to develop their careers.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our federation where your expertise will have a genuine impact on our schools, our staff and ultimately the children and communities we serve.

For further information, please email sbedford@bidwellbrook.devon.sch.uk.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.  This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.  Online searches may be done as part of pre-recruitment checks.  The salary for this role working 28 hours per week, 40 weeks per annum is £23,566.11 pa.

Please download the application form below and, once completed, return to sbedford@bidwellbrook.devon.sch.uk.

The school is closed over the summer holidays. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted on our return in September.

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.