Arts Lead

An independent specialist day school in West London is seeking a creative, enthusiastic and committed Expressive Arts and PPA Cover Practitioner to join its growing team. The school supports pupils aged 5-19 with autism spectrum conditions and severe learning difficulties and is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing and ambitious learning environment where every pupil is valued as an individual.

This newly created role combines the delivery of a specialist expressive arts curriculum with planned classroom cover, ensuring pupils receive high-quality creative learning opportunities while class teachers are released for PPA time.

The successful candidate will:

• Plan and deliver engaging sessions in art, music, drama and singing.
• Adapt activities to meet the communication, sensory and learning needs of autistic pupils and pupils with severe learning difficulties.
• Promote creativity, self-expression, communication and engagement through the arts.
• Provide high-quality classroom cover while maintaining established routines and support strategies.
• Monitor and record pupil engagement and progress.
• Contribute to displays, performances and celebrations of pupils' achievements.
• Develop and maintain schemes of work, lesson plans and teaching resources.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and leaders to support curriculum delivery and individual pupil outcomes.

Essential:

• Experience working with children or young people.
• Ability to plan and deliver engaging, differentiated activities.
• Confidence in at least two expressive arts disciplines, such as art, music, drama or singing.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A commitment to inclusive education and supporting pupils with additional needs.
• Patience, resilience, flexibility and a positive attitude.

Desirable:

• Experience working in a SEND setting.
• Experience supporting autistic pupils and/or pupils with severe learning difficulties.
• Knowledge of SCERTS, Equals, Makaton or similar communication and curriculum approaches.
• Relevant Teaching Assistant, creative arts or performing arts qualifications.
• First Aid qualification.

• Opportunity to shape and lead expressive arts provision across the school.
• Dedicated daily planning and preparation time.
• High staffing ratios and a collaborative working environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A structured pathway for those interested in progressing into teaching.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and all other pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.