Education Support Worker – Fixed Term – Part Time – Bedford
ID: 328074Job Specialism: CollegeLocation: BedfordSalary: 14Closing Date: Monday, 26th October 2026
Could you be an Education Support Worker?
We’re looking for a caring and motivated Education Support Worker to join our team at Sense College Bedford, supporting young people with complex disabilities to develop their independence, build confidence and prepare for adulthood.
This is a part-time, fixed-term role working 22.5 hours per week, for 39 weeks per year, with a salary of 14 per hour. Working hours are 9:00am4:30pm.
The contract is initially for one year, with the potential for an additional year depending on student numbers.
As an Education Support Worker, you’ll work closely with learners to help them achieve the outcomes identified in their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), keeping their individual needs, choices and aspirations at the heart of the support you provide.
You’ll support learners to participate in meaningful educational activities, develop essential life skills and build the confidence they need to become more independent. You’ll work alongside colleagues to provide a positive, inclusive learning environment where every learner is encouraged to achieve their potential.
Communication is at the heart of what we do. You’ll take the time to understand each learner’s individual communication needs, adapting your approach and developing new skills where needed.
The duties are varied and no two days will be the same. You may support learners with their personal care, health and wellbeing, as well as helping them take part in activities that reflect their interests and individual learning goals.
You’ll also contribute to person-centred planning, maintain accurate records and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure learners receive high-quality, consistent support.
What we’re looking for:
We’re looking for someone who is compassionate, reliable and committed to providing genuinely person-centred support.
You’ll need:
Level 2 (or equivalent) in English and Maths
Previous experience of person-centred planning and supporting individuals to achieve their goals
Experience of maintaining accurate, up-to-date records
Previous experience of providing personal care, with the ability and willingness to support learners with their personal care needs
The ability to work effectively as part of a team while demonstrating your own initiative
Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with learners and colleagues
A positive, flexible approach to supporting learners with different needs and abilities
A commitment to providing inclusive, person-centred education and support
Previous experience working with people who have sensory impairments, autism or learning disabilities would be an advantage, as would knowledge of British Sign Language (BSL), Makaton or other communication methods.
However, these are desirable rather than essential requirements, and relevant training will be provided.
About Sense College Bedford
At Sense College Bedford, we provide specialist education and support designed around the individual needs, interests and aspirations of our learners.
Our approach focuses on helping learners develop their communication, independence, everyday living skills and confidence as they prepare for adulthood.
You’ll be joining a team committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where every learner is listened to, encouraged to achieve and supported to have greater choice and control over their future.
The role is based at Sense College Bedford, Suites A & B, Emerald Court, Pilgrims Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 7PZ.
Working at Sense gives you a wide range of benefits including:
24 days’ holiday + bank holiday entitlement, increasing with length of service
Free DBS Check
Free leadership and management development
Free access to over 100 online and face-to-face training opportunities
Ongoing development opportunities
Flexible working and family-friendly policies
Employee referral scheme
Health and wellbeing support
Pension Scheme
Discount scheme
About Sense
Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose.
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and a charity where people can grow their skills and careers in a supportive, flexible environment.
As part of our new three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future.
For further information, visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan
Our Values
Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:
We’re creating change
We’re always learning
We’re better together
Ready to make a difference?
To apply
If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people with complex disabilities, we’d love to hear from you.
Please complete your application, ensuring your supporting statement demonstrates how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification. We recommend reading the candidate guidelines, job description and person specification before applying.
The closing date for applications is 26 October 2026.
Please note that we reserve the right to close vacancies early, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
If you require any assistance or adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment Team on 0121 393 4529 or recruitment@sense.org.uk.
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with a children’s barred list check, alongside a Section 128 check.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of our staff, volunteers and the people we work with.
We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and our belief that everyone should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.
Precise Location: Suites A & B, Emerald Court, Pilgrims Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 7PZ, United Kingdom…