17 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    As soon as possible

  • Closing date

    18 October 2026 at 11:59pm

  • Date listed

    1 October 2026

Job details

Job role

  • Other support role

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Part time: Monday - Thursday 10:30 - 14:15 Friday 10:30 - 13:15

Contract type

Permanent

Actual salary

£10,867

What skills and experience we're looking for

We have a wonderful opportunity for dedicated and compassionate Personal Care Assistants 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 nearly 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. A big part of our pupils’ day is their care and lunch so the people that support them at these times are crucial to their wellbeing.

  • Provide personal care with dignity, respect and sensitivity
  • Support pupils using communication tools, including sign language and communication aids
  • Assist with manual handling such as moving pupils into chairs, walkers or specialist equipment
  • Help with postural changes, including standing frames and Acheeva beds
  • Provide 1:1 feeding support and use specialist feeding equipment
  • Encourage positive eating habits and social interaction at mealtimes
  • Supervise pupils during lunch and outdoor play
  • Maintain a clean, safe and hygienic dining environment
  • Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing
  • Carry out other duties appropriate to the role

This is an active, physical role. You’ll need to be comfortable with:

  • Being on your feet throughout the day
  • Lifting and moving pupils safely (full training provided)
  • Moving dining room furniture and cleaning tables between sittings
  • Staying alert to pupils’ needs and behaviour
  • Managing occasional emotional or challenging situations with calm confidence

What We’re Looking For

  • A caring, patient and resilient individual
  • A team player with a positive attitude
  • Someone committed to helping pupils thrive

If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference every day, we’d love to hear from you.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about supporting children with complex needs, nurturing and able to build positive relationships. You should be a strong communicator, emotionally resilient, flexible, and committed to high standards of care and safeguarding. A willingness to learn is essential — experience in special needs settings is helpful but not required, as full training is provided.

What the school offers its staff

Woodlands is a unique and inspiring place to work. We offer a warm and supportive team, a strong induction and ongoing training, and great opportunities to develop specialist skills in SEN, communication, therapy support and health care. Our values‑driven culture focuses on empowerment, independence and high expectations — giving you the chance to make a meaningful difference every day.

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.

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.

About Woodlands School

Organisation type
Special school, ages 2 to 19
Size
97 pupils enrolled
Age range
2 to 19
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report
Website
Woodlands School website
Email address
hr@woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk
Phone number
01752300101
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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