Education, Health and Care Assistant (EHCA)

What skills and experience we're looking for

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.

Education, Health and Care Assistant – Woodlands School

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.

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.

Find Out More / Apply

Recruitment packs and further information are available on our website: www.woodlands.plymouth.sch.uk or by emailing 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.

Commitment to safeguarding

Woodlands school is committed to safeguarding and promoting equality of opportunity. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.