Health and Welfare Support Assistant

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.

We welcome visits to the School- please contact the School direct to arrange.

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)
• 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 until July 2026 with the potential of being longer.