Health and Welfare Support Assistant (HWSA)

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”

Join Shaw Education Trust – Support, Teach, Lead… Make the Remarkable Happen.

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.

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)
• Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - 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.
• 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