Work With Us at Woodlands School
At Woodlands School, we believe that extraordinary people change lives.
Every day, our staff make a real difference to children and young people with complex physical, sensory and medical needs. Whether you work directly with pupils, support our families, help run the school behind the scenes, or keep our environment safe and welcoming, you become part of something truly special.
We are proud to be a school where people are valued, supported and encouraged to grow. Our staff are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, appreciated and able to thrive.
Why Join Woodlands?
Woodlands is a unique and welcoming place to work. We offer:
✅ A warm, supportive and highly skilled staff team
✅ Strong induction and regular training opportunities
✅ Opportunities to develop specialist skills and leadership expertise
✅ A values-driven culture focused on empowerment, dignity and high expectations
Current Opportunities
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Permanent) – Woodlands School
Salary: Grade E - Actual Salary £22,337 to £22,835
Closing Date: 01 November 2026
Shortlisting Date: 02 November 2026
Interview Date: 03 November 2026
Start Date: ASAP
31 hours per week for 39 weeks of the year
We have a wonderful opportunity for a dedicated and compassionate HLTA to join us at Woodlands School — an inspiring, modern and fully adapted learning environment designed to support our pupils to thrive. Woodlands is a foundation special school serving over 100 children and young people aged 2–19 with complex physical, sensory and medical needs.
About the Role
This is a varied, responsible and highly rewarding role. As an HLTA, you will work in close partnership with class teachers to and ensure high-quality provision across the school day.
You will take responsibility for agreed learning activities, including planning, delivering and evaluating learning for individuals, groups and, on occasion, whole classes under an agreed system of supervision.
You will provide leadership, supervision and performance support for Education and Health Care Assistants (EHCAs) within the class.
About You
We are looking for an experienced, confident and reflective practitioner who:
- Has strong communication, organisation and problem-solving skills
- Can work effectively under direction while also showing initiative and leadership
- Is resilient, adaptable and committed to safeguarding and high standards of care
- Can support, guide and develop other staff through supervision and collaboration
- Is confident in using technology to support learning and record pupil progress
Experience in a special school or SEND setting is highly desirable. You will need the skills and confidence to meet pupils’ complex needs, with training and ongoing professional development provided.
This is a role where you can make a meaningful difference every day — not just to pupils, but to colleagues and the wider school community.
Find Out More / Apply - Recruitment packs and further information are available below or by emailing hr@woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk
Please send completed application forms to hr@woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk
We look forward to welcoming an HLTA who shares our commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.
Personal Care Assistant (PCA) (Permanent) – Woodlands School
Salary: Grade B4 - £10,867 Actual Salary
Closing Date: 18 October 2026
Shortlisting Date: 19 October 2026
Interview Date: 22 October 2026
Start Date: ASAP
17 hours and 45 minutes per week for 39 weeks of the year
Monday to Thursday 10:30am – 2:15pm and Friday’s 10:30am to 1:15pm
We have a wonderful opportunity for a dedicated and compassionate Personal Care Assistant to join us at Woodlands School — an inspiring, modern and fully adapted learning environment designed to support our pupils to thrive. Woodlands is a foundation special school serving over 100 children and young people aged 2–19 with complex physical, sensory and medical needs.
About the Role - This is a varied, hands‑on and deeply rewarding role.
As a Personal Care Assistant, you’ll play an essential role during the school day by:
- Provide personal care
- Administer medication, where appropriate
- Employ effective communication using different skills including sign language/communication aids (training given)
- Manual handling of pupils in and out of chairs/walkers
- Postural changes, for example, moving pupils into standing frames or on Acheeva beds
- Assist in feeding pupils, using specialist equipment, possibly on a 1-1 basis (training given)
- Encourage children to eat their meals and promote appropriate table manners and behaviour
- Ensure the safety, welfare and appropriate conduct of pupils during the midday break period in accordance with the practices and procedures of the school
- Ensure the health, safety, conduct and well-being of all pupils
- Undertake playground duty, supervising by circulating amongst children
- Ensure the dining area is kept clean and in a hygienic condition
About You
You don’t need previous school experience. What matters most is that you are:
- Kind, patient, and genuinely enjoy helping children
- Reliable and enthusiastic
- Willing to learn and work as part of a team
- Someone who thrives in a positive, joyful environment
Find Out More / Apply - Recruitment packs and further information are available below or by emailing hr@woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk
Please send completed application forms to hr@woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk
We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming a new PCA who shares our passion, dedication and commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.
Don't See the Role You're Looking For?
We are always keen to hear from enthusiastic and talented people who share our values and passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs.
Even if there is not a current vacancy that matches your skills or interests, please don't hesitate to get in touch, our HR Team.
Get in Touch
Our HR Team is always happy to answer questions about working at Woodlands, upcoming opportunities, or career pathways within the school.
We would love to hear from you and explore how you could become part of the Woodlands family hr@woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk . Join us and help make a difference that lasts a lifetime
Work Experience & Volunteering
We have a limited number of volunteer, student and work experience placements. We are currently at capacity for work experience placements for this year. If you are interested in a future placement please email office@woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk we'll get back to you
Thank you.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL APPLICANTS
Woodlands School is committed to safeguarding and promoting equality of opportunity. Our posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Please follow the link to our Policies Page where you should read the following policies: Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, Recruitment of Applicants with a Criminal Record Policy, Safer Recruitment Policy and Freedom of Information Policy.
You should also read the Recruitment Privacy Notice for all applicants: Woodlands Job Applicant Privacy Notice
