At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs in a caring and dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join Shaw Education Trust, a community-focused organisation dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that celebrates every child's achievements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in personal care and a passion for supporting children with additional needs.
The predicted salary is between 18984 - 19283 £ per year.
We are a highly motivated and enthusiastic team looking for Welfare and Care Assistants to join our school’s support team. In this role, you will work closely with teaching staff, teaching assistants, and other support professionals to provide tailored support to children with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Your responsibilities will include assisting with personal and physical care, such as changing and feeding, as well as supporting pupils in the classroom and during community-based activities. Full training will be provided; however, applicants should have relevant experience in personal care and a genuine commitment to supporting children with additional needs.
Saxon Hill Academy is a unique school for children and young people aged 2 to 19 who have complex needs and physical disabilities. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent all-round education which prepares our young people for independent living, as well as the world of work.
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 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.
By joining one of our special schools, you will become part of a warm, compassionate and highly skilled team, united by a shared belief in what every child and young person can achieve. You will work in a supportive environment where relationships matter, ideas are welcomed and every role makes an important contribution.
Working in one of our special schools is much more than a job; it is an opportunity to join an extraordinary community and make a lasting difference to children, young people and their families.
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
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff
- 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.
Actual Salary: £18,984 - £19,283 – Pay Award Pending
Working hours: 32.5 hrs per week Mon - Fri 8:45am – 3:45pm - Term time only plus 5 inset days, working 39 weeks
Contract type: FTC until 31st August 2027 (initially)
Welfare and Care Assistant in Lichfield employer: Saxon Hill Academy
At Shaw Education Trust, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring environment for our Welfare and Care Assistants, where every team member plays a crucial role in transforming the lives of children with special educational needs. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our extensive training programmes and generous benefits, including a robust pension scheme and ample holiday entitlement. Join us in a collaborative community that values integrity, opportunity, and the well-being of both staff and students, making every day a chance to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare and Care Assistant in Lichfield
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Saxon Hill Academy.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Saxon Hill Academy!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Saxon Hill Academy, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Saxon Hill Academy or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Welfare and Care Assistant in Lichfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Saxon Hill Academy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Saxon Hill Academy! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saxon Hill Academy
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
