Art Teacher

Job Title: Art Teacher (SEN – Subject Specialist, Autism Provision)

Subject Specialism: Art
Location: Lake House School
Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Reports to: Assistant Head Teacher/ Deputy Headteacher

Purpose of the Role

The Art Teacher will be responsible for delivering high-quality, engaging and autism-informed Art education to pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and associated needs in a small-class specialist setting.

The post holder will plan and deliver an accessible and ambitious Art curriculum that enables pupils to develop creativity, self-expression, technical skills, confidence and independence. Teaching will be adapted to pupils' individual communication, sensory, emotional regulation and learning needs.

The Art Teacher will work closely with Teaching Assistants, therapists and other professionals to ensure that learning is meaningful, appropriately challenging and supports pupils' wider EHCP outcomes and personal development.

Experience of adapting teaching for pupils with SEND and/or ASC is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Learning

• Plan, deliver and assess high-quality Art lessons tailored to the individual needs and starting points of pupils.
• Deliver a broad, balanced and appropriately sequenced Art curriculum across the relevant key stages.
• Provide opportunities for pupils to explore a wide range of media, materials, techniques, artists and creative processes.
• Develop pupils' skills in areas such as drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, mixed media and digital art, where appropriate.
• Use autism-specific and evidence-based approaches, including visual supports, structured teaching, sensory regulation strategies and communication supports.
• Create a calm, structured, creative and supportive learning environment in which pupils feel safe to experiment and express themselves.
• Ensure learning is accessible, motivating, meaningful and appropriately challenging for all pupils.
• Use assessment effectively to:
• Track progressInform planning and next steps
• Identify individual strengths and areas for development to Contribute to EHCP targets and reviews
• Provide opportunities for pupils to develop resilience, problem-solving, decision-making and pride in their work.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to pupils' sensory profiles, communication differences, anxiety and emotional regulation needs.
• Implement positive behaviour and regulation strategies in line with the school's autism-informed approach.
• Maintain high expectations for learning, engagement and behaviour while recognising individual need.
• Celebrate pupils' achievements through displays, exhibitions, portfolios and wider school activities.
• Ensure safeguarding and pupil welfare are always a priority.

Curriculum, Qualifications & Outcomes

• Contribute to the development and ongoing review of the school's Art curriculum.
• Ensure curriculum planning supports clear progression in knowledge, skills and creative development.
• Where appropriate, support pupils to work towards relevant accreditation, qualifications or recognised outcomes in Art.
• Plan and deliver provision in line with pupils' EHCP outcomes.
• Contribute to:

o Annual reviews

o Progress reports

o Target setting

o Multi-disciplinary planning

• Maintain accurate and high-quality records of progress, assessment and provision.
• Identify opportunities for Art to contribute to enrichment, cultural capital and the wider curriculum.

Classroom, Resources & Team Working

• Work effectively with Teaching Assistants, therapists, pastoral staff and other colleagues.
• Provide clear direction and guidance to support staff within Art lessons.
• Work collaboratively with therapists to understand and respond to pupils' sensory, communication and regulation needs.
• Maintain an organised, stimulating and accessible Art learning environment.
• Ensure Art materials, tools and equipment are stored, used and maintained safely.
• Undertake appropriate risk assessment of Art activities, materials and equipment.
• Manage resources responsibly and identify future resource requirements.
• Contribute positively to enrichment activities, whole-school events and the wider life of the school.
• Engage in training, CPD and reflective practice, particularly around autism and SEND.

Professional Responsibilities

• Uphold the Teachers' Standards.
• Follow school policies, safeguarding procedures and statutory guidance.
• Contribute to whole-school development and improvement.
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with parents and carers.
• Participate in meetings, training and school events as required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support pupils' academic, social and emotional development.
• Demonstrate consistently high standards of professional conduct.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an appropriate recognised teaching qualification.
• Strong subject knowledge and practical competence in Art and Design.
• Experience of planning, delivering and assessing engaging Art lessons.
• Ability to adapt teaching and resources to meet a range of learning needs.
• Strong understanding of:

o Effective teaching and assessment practice

o Curriculum sequencing and progression in Art

o Adaptive teaching

o Safeguarding and pupil welfare

• Ability to:

o Create a calm, structured and inspiring creative learning environment

o Build strong relationships with pupils, families and colleagues

o Use positive behaviour and regulation strategies

o Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

o Maintain high expectations while adapting learning to individual needs

o Use a range of Art materials, tools and techniques safely and confidently

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working in a specialist SEN or autism provision.
• Experience teaching pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
• Additional SEND or autism-specific training.
• Experience working with pupils with communication differences or complex needs.
• Experience of delivering accredited Art courses or qualifications.
• Experience of multi-disciplinary or therapy-informed approaches.
• Knowledge of sensory-informed approaches to Art and creative learning.

Personal Qualities

• Creative, enthusiastic and passionate about Art education.
• Patient, calm and emotionally intelligent.
• Warm, consistent and nurturing, with high expectations.
• Highly organised, adaptable and resourceful.
• Reflective, resilient and solution-focused.
• Committed to enabling pupils with autism and additional needs to achieve and thrive.
• Able to recognise and celebrate individual creativity, progress and success

Lake House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and safer recruitment procedures.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £38,400.00-£46,940.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Bolton BL3 2QJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Licence/Certification:

• QTS (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person