12 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    As soon as possible

  • Closing date

    22 February 2026 at 11:59pm

  • Date listed

    4 February 2026

Job details

Job role

  • Other support roles

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Part time: 6 hours a week Mon-Fri

Contract type

Permanent

Actual salary

3456

What skills and experience we're looking for

🌈 Who We’re Looking For

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

⭐ Make Lunchtime the Best Part of Their Day

If you’re looking for a role where you go home each day knowing you made a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.


What the school offers its staff

At Woodlands School, we are proud of our amazing pupils and our dedicated staff team. Every day is unique, rewarding, and full of moments that truly matter. Our children have a range of physical, communication, and learning needs, and we are looking for kind‑hearted people who want to help make their lunchtime experience safe, positive, and enjoyable.

🌱 A Fantastic Opportunity to Grow

This role is a brilliant stepping stone for anyone interested in:

  • Working in a school
  • Gaining experience supporting children with additional needs
  • Developing skills in communication, care, and teamwork
  • Exploring future roles such as Education, Health and Care Assistant

Full training is provided—including communication strategies, manual handling, feeding support, and safeguarding—to help you feel confident and supported in your role.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Visas cannot be sponsored.
If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

💛 What You’ll Be Doing

As a Meal Time Assistant, you’ll play an essential role during the lunchtime period by:

  • Supporting pupils with eating and drinking needs (full training provided)
  • Encouraging independence, confidence, and positive behaviour
  • Communicating using a variety of approaches, such as visuals, simple sign language, or communication aids (we’ll teach you!)
  • Helping to create a calm, nurturing and inclusive lunchtime experience
  • Working alongside a friendly, supportive team who will welcome you from day one

Commitment to safeguarding

Woodlands school is committed to safeguarding and promoting equality of opportunity.
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Applying for the job

This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Recruitment Pack MTA February 2026.pdf - 331 KB (opens in new tab)

About Woodlands School

School type
Special school, ages 2 to 19
School size
87 pupils enrolled
Age range
2 to 19
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report
School website
Woodlands School website
Email address
hr@woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk
See more jobs
teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/woodlands-school-plymouth

Woodlands School is based in Plymouth, in the South West of England. Named Britain’s Ocean City, we are close to the sea and moors. With almost ten miles of coastline which is home to a host of marinas, docklands and seaside promenades, Plymouth is a great coastal location. Ideal for those that love the outdoors but also wish to live or be near to an urban area.
Woodlands is an inspiring place to work. At present there are 87 pupils on roll, aged 2 to 19. These young people have a range of complex needs, both physical and with their learning. Over the years we have realised that it takes versatile people to support our pupils, as no two days are ever the same. Our specially developed curriculums adapt to the changing needs of our young people and this, along with their health and care needs, provides the focus of the day.

Arranging a visit to Woodlands School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hr@woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk.

School location

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