Art & Design Specialist (Prep School)

Art & Design Specialist (Prep School)
Job Description & Person Specification
September 2026

Responsible to:

Head of Prep

Line manages:

Deputy Head of Prep

Job Overview

The Art & Design Specialist leads engaging, age-appropriate lessons that inspire creativity,
curiosity and confidence in every pupil.  The role includes planning and delivering a broad,
balanced curriculum that nurtures practical skills, artistic expression, and problem-solving
through hands-on making.  It involves creating a supportive, stimulating classroom
environment; introducing pupils to a wide range of materials, tools and techniques; and
encouraging them to experiment, reflect and take pride in their work.

Duties and
Responsibilities:

Teaching & Learning





Lead creative, engaging and age-appropriate lessons in Art & Design that foster
curiosity, imagination and practical skill development.
Introduce pupils to a broad range of artistic media, tools, materials and design
processes.

  Use demonstrations, modelling and hands-on activities to build pupils’ confidence

and independence.

  Adapt activities to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring appropriate support and

challenge.

  Create a positive, stimulating classroom environment that celebrates pupils’ work

and encourages experimentation and resilience.

  Assess pupils’ progress and provide clear, constructive feedback

Curriculum & Resources

  Plan, prepare and resource a broad and balanced Art & Design curriculum.
  Maintain an organised, safe and inspiring learning space.
  Keep up to date with developments in art, design, craft and creative education.

Wider School Contribution

Lead or support extra-curricular clubs and creative activities.


  Assist with trips, workshops and special events as directed by the Head of Prep.
  Attend Parents’ Evenings, Open Days, school productions, and other key school

events.

  Maintain warm, professional communication with parents and colleagues.

Keys Skills &
Knowledge:

  This role is suitable for candidates with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), as well as

those without formal teaching qualifications who hold a relevant degree.

  Strong practical knowledge of Art & Design, including a range of materials, tools,

techniques and creative processes.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.  You may also be required to
undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time.

  Ability to introduce artistic and technical concepts in an engaging, age-appropriate

way.

  Skilled in adapting tasks to support varied learning needs and abilities.
  Confident in demonstrating techniques and guiding pupils through hands-on

activities.

  Competence in assessing progress and providing clear, constructive feedback.
  Effective behaviour management rooted in encouragement, clarity and consistency.

Personal
Competencies &
Qualities:

  A genuine passion for art, design and creative learning.
  Kindness, patience and a belief in the potential of every pupil.
  Strong organisational skills and an efficient, proactive working style.
  A collaborative, positive and ‘can-do’ approach.
  A reflective mind-set and commitment to ongoing personal development.
  Flexibility when responding to challenges or change.
  Willingness to embrace digital tools to enhance learning.
  Commitment to upholding the School’s vision and values.

Commitment to
Safeguarding and
Welfare

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young
people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. At all times the
post-holder will:

  Help to safeguard the children’s wellbeing and maintain public trust in the teaching

profession.

  Help to provide a safe environment in which children can learn.
  Help to identify children who may need extra support or who are suffering, or are

likely to suffer, significant harm.

  Promptly raise any concerns with the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and

work with other services as required.

  Attend relevant child-safeguarding training and all mandatory induction training.

Promoting the
Health, Safety and
Wellbeing of
Pupils and Staff

At all times the post-holder will:

  Maintain awareness of, and comply with, the School’s H&S policy.
  Where appropriate, conduct and document risk assessments in their area of

responsibility.

Probationary
Period

  This role is subject to a probationary period of 12 months from the start of

employment, and may be extended at the School’s discretion.

  Performance and suitability for continued employment will be reviewed throughout

the probationary period.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.  You may also be required to
undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time.