Personal Care Assistant

Woodlands School, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 5ES

13 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  5 July 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  22 June 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other support roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Part time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: Grade B4 - £10,838.90

What skills and experience we're looking for

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 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.

The hours are 17.75 hours per week.

• 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.

What the school offers its staff

Why Woodlands?

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

• 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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