At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils' health and welfare needs, including medication and personal care.
- Company: Join Ivy House School, a supportive environment for special educational needs.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, health plan, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on community and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable individuals and strong communication skills preferred.
The predicted salary is between 18984 - 19283 € per year.
Due to exciting expansion, we are seeking to appoint Health and Welfare Support Assistants (HWSA) with the capacity to support the health and welfare needs of all pupils at Ivy House School. You will support the pupils in several areas across school. Predominantly this will be safely administering enteral feeding and supporting the administration of medication but may also include elements of supporting personal and intimate care, pupils' physical needs, therapies (such as rebound and hydro therapy) and classroom support.
The successful candidate will be pupil-focused and have the desire and ability to support all our students with care and mutual respect. You will be able to work as part of a team and be keen to learn and develop. You will also have a strong commitment to improving the lives of all our pupils and ensuring they are happy, comfortable, safe and ready to learn.
A proven track record of working successfully with vulnerable children and/or adults in an education, health or care context and excellent communication skills are desirable for this role. Ideally you will have experience of enteral feeding and experience of the necessary clinical competencies to carry out enteral feeding and the administration of enteral medication. However, full training and competencies will be provided.
Ivy House School is a special school for pupils aged 2-19. We offer a happy and supportive environment, where pupils are given the best opportunities through an individualised curriculum and pathway.
At Ivy House School we believe that it is imperative that everyone within our community is: "working together to inspire, nurture and empower".
Shaw Education Trust believes every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful. Our values - opportunity, integrity, community, and equity - guide everything we do. Our vision is "Opening doors to the world through the power of learning."
We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives. We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury.
Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team. Together, let's make the remarkable happen.
We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary. Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.
Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued. At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first. Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.
Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it's an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future. The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.
Shaw Education Trust offers the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years' service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we're committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Colleagues within the Trust benefit from:
- Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited.
- Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
- Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
- Access to the Trust's Institute of Education and SCITT.
- Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
- Participating in peer reviews.
- Access to a suite of online courses.
- Placement projects within our family of schools.
Actual Salary: £18,984-£19,283
Working hours: 32.5 hours per week, 38 weeks per year plus 5 days Inset
Contract type: Fixed term Approx 12 months
Closing date: 9am Thursday 4th June
Shortlisting: 5th June
Interview date: 10th June
Safeguarding Statement: Ivy House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust's commitment to safer recruitment.
Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage.
In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CVs alone will not be accepted. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.
Health and Welfare Support Assistant (HWSA) employer: Ivy House
At Shaw Education Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for our staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous holiday entitlements, and a focus on employee wellbeing, we empower our team to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of our pupils. Join us in Derby, where you will be part of a collaborative community dedicated to transforming education and supporting children with special needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Welfare Support Assistant (HWSA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education and healthcare sectors, especially those who work with special needs. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to health and welfare support. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role at Ivy House School. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for supporting vulnerable children. Share stories that highlight your commitment and skills during interviews. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Shaw Education Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Health and Welfare Support Assistant (HWSA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Health and Welfare Support Assistant role. We want to see how you can support our pupils' health and welfare needs!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children and supporting their wellbeing shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in our students' lives!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your relevant experience, especially if you've worked with vulnerable individuals before. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this amazing opportunity at Ivy House School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivy House
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Health and Welfare Support Assistant. Understand the importance of supporting pupils' health and welfare needs, including enteral feeding and medication administration. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have working with vulnerable children or adults. Highlight specific examples where you've made a positive impact, especially in educational or care settings. This will show that you have the skills and empathy needed for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to supporting pupils with special educational needs. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your understanding of the challenges and rewards involved in working in a special school environment.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since the role requires collaboration with other staff members, be sure to express your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, and convey your eagerness to learn from others and contribute to a supportive community.
