Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Permanent) – Woodlands School
Salary: Grade E £21,623 - £24,000
Closing Date: 31 May 2026
Shortlisting date: 01 June 2026
Interview Date: Friday 05 June
Start Date: We would be pleased to hear from applicants who can join us at the earliest opportunity, or from 2nd September 2026.
31 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled, committed and proactive Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join Woodlands School - an inspiring, modern and fully adapted learning environment that enables our pupils to thrive.
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.
Why 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
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.
If you are interested in applying please see the recruitment pack below. 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.
Education Health and Care Assistant (EHCA) (Permanent) – Woodlands School
After an incredibly successful round of recruitment, we’re excited to be expanding once again. Our school is growing, and with that growth comes new opportunities for talented, enthusiastic individuals to become part of our supportive and ambitious team.
Salary: Grade C Point 5 – Grade C Point 7
Closing Date: 07 June 2026
Shortlisting date: 08 June 2026
Interview Date: Friday 12 June
Start Date: As soon as possible
28.75 hours per week, Mon – Fri 9:00am to 3:15pm with 30 minutes lunch (unpaid) 39 weeks per year
We have a wonderful opportunity for a dedicated and compassionate Education, Health and Care Assistant (EHCA) 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. As an EHCA, you will play a vital part in supporting pupils’ learning, wellbeing and independence throughout the school day. You will work closely with the class teacher and wider team to ensure that each child’s individual education, health and care needs are met. As an EHCA at Woodlands, you will:
- Provide high‑quality classroom, personal and pastoral support to children with complex needs
- Assist with the delivery of individualised learning programmes and therapeutic activities
- Support pupils’ physical, sensory and medical needs, including using specialist equipment
- Promote independence, communication and engagement throughout daily routines
- Contribute to postural management, mobility, sensory regulation and health management plans
- Work closely with teachers, therapists, families and multi‑agency professionals
- Help create a positive, safe and nurturing learning environment
Our pupils have a wide range of physical, sensory and communication needs. You will receive full training to use specialist strategies, equipment and approaches that enable pupils to access learning and develop confidence, independence and wellbeing.
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.
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.
Find Out More / Apply - Recruitment packs and further information are available below or by emailing hr@woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk.
If you are interested in applying please see the recruitment pack below. Please send completed application forms to hr@woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk.
We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming a new EHCA who shares our passion, dedication and commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.
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 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
