Receptionist & Administrative Assistant (Permanent) – Woodlands School
Salary: Grade C Point 5 - 7 £5,425.47 - £5,643.91
Closing Date: Thursday 27 August 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 03 September
Start Date: ASAP
9 hours per week for 39 weeks of the year
Monday to Thursday 1:00pm – 3:15pm
We have a wonderful opportunity for a dedicated and compassionate Receptionist & Administrative 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 -
As a Receptionist & Administrative Assistant you will provide a welcoming reception and efficient administrative support, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and contributing to the positive ethos of the school.
- Greet visitors and parents warmly, creating a positive first impression.
- Manage calls and messages promptly and professionally.
- Oversee visitor sign-in and safeguarding checks (ID/DBS).
- Keep reception tidy and organized, handling post and deliveries efficiently.
- Prepare and distribute letters, posters, newsletters, and certificates.
- Assist staff with helpdesk requests, photocopying, and general admin support.
- Maintain school calendars and assist with scheduling.
- Update SharePoint sites and monitor form submissions.
- Organize photography for staff, students, and school events.
- Liaise with transport providers and handle route changes or emergencies.
- Complete filing, scanning, and maintain records.
About You
- A positive, happy nature with a ‘can do’ attitude.
- Initiative and a helpful approach.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency with IT systems and willingness to learn new processes.
- Positive, adaptable attitude and commitment to supporting the school community.
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 MTA who shares our passion, dedication and commitment to helping every child reach their full potential
Meal Time Assistant (MTA) (Permanent) – Woodlands School
Salary: Grade B Point 3-4 £3,661.78
Closing Date: Thursday 27 August 2026
Interview Date: Wednesday 02 September
Start Date: ASAP
6 hours per week for 39 weeks of the year
Monday to Thursday 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm and Friday’s 11:30am – 1:30pm
We have a wonderful opportunity for a dedicated and compassionate Meal Time 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 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
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
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 MTA who shares our passion, dedication and commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.
Personal Care Assistant (PCA) (Permanent) – Woodlands School
Salary: Grade B4 - Actual Pro Rata Rate TBC
Closing Date: Thursday 27 August 2026
Interview Date: Wednesday 02 September
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
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 PCA who shares our passion, dedication and commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.
Education Health and Care Assistant (EHCA) (Permanent) – Woodlands School
Salary: Grade C Point 5 - 7 £17,331.71 - £17,635.62
Closing Date: Thursday 27 August 2026
Interview Date: Sunday 06 September
Start Date: ASAP
28.75 hours per week, Mon – Fri 39 weeks per year
Monday – Friday 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.
Application Packs
Woodlands School Application Form
Receptionist and Administrative Assistant Recruitment Pack
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
