At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs in a caring and dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join Saxon Hill Academy, a unique school dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, health plans, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a compassionate team that celebrates every achievement and milestone.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in personal care and a passion for supporting children with additional needs.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.
We are a highly motivated and enthusiastic Welfare and Care Assistant 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. Those who know our school often complement its positive family atmosphere, the progress that we help our students to achieve, and the happiness they see amongst all our students and staff. They also point to the fact that students are actively focused on supporting each other to do their best.
At Shaw Education Trust, we believe 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. Make a life-changing difference in one of our special schools. Our special schools are inspiring, welcoming, and truly life-changing places to work. Every day, our dedicated teams help children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities to discover their strengths, achieve their ambitions, and live happy, fulfilling lives. Our pupils include children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, complex medical needs, sensory impairments, moderate and severe learning difficulties, and social, emotional, and mental health needs. Every pupil is unique, and every achievement and milestone is recognised and celebrated.
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. Whether you join us as a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or as part of our administration, facilities, or operational teams, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills, learn from experienced colleagues, and build a rewarding career in special education.
Our pupils learn in small classes and benefit from personalised education, care, and support shaped around their individual strengths, needs, and aspirations. Together, our teams help pupils develop their knowledge, communication, independence, and confidence while preparing them for adulthood and their future lives. 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. Join us and help transform lives, including your own.
Shaw Education Trust offers the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- 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.
Working hours: 32.5 hrs per week Mon - Fri 8:45am – 3:45pm - Term time only plus 5 inset days, working 39 weeks.
This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates. Successful candidates will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks. You will be asked to disclose all relevant unspent and, where applicable, unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions, and convictions. As part of our safer recruitment and pre-employment checking process, all shortlisted candidates are required to provide original documentation to verify their identity, qualifications, and right to work in the UK.
Shaw Education Trust requires all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas. This role involves working with children and young people and therefore carries specific safeguarding responsibilities. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and the successful applicant will be required to disclose relevant criminal history information in accordance with current legislation and guidance.
SET is an Equal Opportunities employer, and 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 as we review applications on an ongoing basis and interviews may be arranged as suitable candidates are identified.
Welfare and Care Assistant in Lichfield employer: The Shaw Education Trust
Shaw Education Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from high-quality training, generous holiday entitlements, and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal growth. Located in the picturesque Cannock Chase area, our primary school community thrives on ambition and integrity, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the lives of young learners.
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 The Shaw Education Trust.
✨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 The Shaw Education Trust!
✨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 The Shaw Education Trust, 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 The Shaw Education Trust 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 The Shaw Education Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Shaw Education Trust! 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 The Shaw Education Trust
✨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.