Personal Care Assistant
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Hours: | Part-time |
| Location: | Plymouth, PL6 5ES |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 1 Oct 2026 |
| Closing date: | 18 Oct 2026 |
Summary
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.
Commitment to safeguarding
Woodlands school is committed to safeguarding and promoting equality of opportunity. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.