Current Vacancies
Join Our Wonderful School Community – Become a Meal Time Assistant!
Are you a warm, caring person who loves making a difference?
Would you enjoy supporting incredible children in a happy, supportive school environment?
If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
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.
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
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.
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.
Apply now and join our wonderful Woodlands family!
The paper copy of the recruitment pack is available from the school reception
Application Packs
Application Packs
All of our roles are based in a state-of-the-art facility in Whitleigh, which offers our pupils an amazing environment in which they learn and flourish. We employ over 120 people and we all work together to Create Empowered Lives.
Meal Time Assistant (MTA)
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Education, Health and Care Assistant (EHCA)
Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
Receptionist and Admin Assistant
Receptionist and Admin Assistant Job Description
*Please make sure you read the Privacy Statement and relevant policies linked at the bottom of this page.
Work Experience & Volunteering
We have a limited number of volunteer, student and work experience placements. 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
