At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the health and welfare needs of pupils, including administering medication and personal care.
- Company: Join Ivy House School, a supportive environment for special educational needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and health & wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a caring team.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable individuals is preferred, but training will be provided.
The predicted salary is between 20700 - 21000 £ per year.
Due to additional funding, 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”. This vision captures the importance of the multidisciplinary approach from all stakeholders including families, education, social care and health professionals to ensure that we create an offer for our learners’ that is aspirational (Inspire), offers holistic and personal development, removing barriers to learning (Nurture) and enables students to be as independent as possible so that they are well prepared for life after school, into adulthood and ensuring that no dream is out of reach (Empower).
Our pupils like to come to school. They are justifiably proud of what they achieve and enjoy celebrating not only their own successes but also those of their friends and other peers from across the school.
We have a highly motivated, professional and well-trained team of staff who work collaboratively with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that all aspects of our offer meet the needs of each of our pupils.
Join Shaw Education Trust – Support, Teach, Lead… Make the Remarkable Happen. At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role holds the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you’ll be part of something extraordinary.
We are a dynamic and growing family of Primary, Secondary, and Special Schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our mission is to unlock opportunity for every young person—whatever their background, ability, or starting point.
Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth. Through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent acceleration, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals and we champion wellbeing, value every voice, and create 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 professional community fuel success. Every academy in our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital part in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the children and young adults we serve—our “precious cargo.” We are proud to "exactly like nothing else” and bridge the gap between education and the wider world, preparing every student for further education, employment, or training in inclusive environments where integrity, equality, and opportunity thrive.
If you have the heart, passion, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our incredible team. Support. Teach. Lead. Belong. Thrive. Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.
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 offer 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. These courses include a variety of the National Professional Qualifications and the Early Carer Teacher Programme delivered by Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition Institute.
- 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.
Health and Welfare Support Assistant (HWSA) employer: The Shaw Education Trust
Shaw Education Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment where every staff member is valued and empowered to grow. With a strong commitment to professional development through high-quality training and access to the Institute of Education, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to a vibrant school community. Located in Stoke on Trent, the Trust fosters a collaborative culture that prioritises well-being and innovation, making it a fantastic place to work for those passionate about shaping the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Welfare Support Assistant (HWSA)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! If you can, take a tour of Ivy House School. It’s a great way to see the environment and meet some of the team. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the HWSA role. You never know what insider info you might get!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of enteral feeding and medication administration. Even if you’ll receive training, showing that you’re proactive and eager to learn will impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to engage with us directly. Let’s make the remarkable happen together!
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 vulnerable children shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference in our students' lives, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your relevant experience and skills, as we appreciate clarity and directness in applications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on board to make a remarkable impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Shaw Education Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Health and Welfare Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with enteral feeding, medication administration, and the specific needs of pupils in a special school setting. This knowledge will show your commitment and readiness to support the students effectively.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine passion for working with vulnerable children. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your dedication to improving their lives. This will resonate with the interviewers and demonstrate that you align with their mission of nurturing and empowering students.
✨Team Player Vibes
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with others. The role requires teamwork, so be ready to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Highlight your communication skills and willingness to learn from colleagues, as this is crucial in a supportive environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the training provided for enteral feeding or how the school fosters a supportive community for both staff and students. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
