Meal Time Assistant (MTA)
| Posting date: | 05 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 22 February 2026 |
| Location: | Plymouth, Devon, PL6 5ES |
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 0b71b4a0-ebd7-4db8-928b-57a79696188e |
Summary
What skills and experience we're looking for
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.
What the school offers its staff
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.
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.
Further details about the role
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
Commitment to safeguarding
Woodlands school is committed to safeguarding and promoting equality of opportunity. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
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.
What the school offers its staff
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.
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.
Further details about the role
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
Commitment to safeguarding
Woodlands school is committed to safeguarding and promoting equality of opportunity. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.