Schools Art Teacher in Cardiff

ACT Schools is a registered independent school supporting young people aged 11–16 who are no longer able to access mainstream education. We provide a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment where learners can rebuild confidence, re‑engage with education and develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for successful futures. We are passionate about helping every learner reach their potential by delivering high‑quality education and pastoral support that places the individual at the heart of everything we do.

At ACT, our Behaviour Framework shapes everything we do. We are looking for an Art Teacher who demonstrates genuine respect for every learner, communicates with openness and honesty, and brings creativity and passion to engaging young people who may have faced barriers to education. You will be motivated to inspire and empower learners to explore their creativity, while maintaining clarity in your planning, delivery and communication. If you are resilient, adaptable and committed to making a meaningful difference through inclusive, high‑quality teaching, we would love to hear from you.

The School Art Teacher will deliver a creative, engaging and inclusive Art curriculum that inspires learners to explore, experiment and express themselves across a range of artistic media. Working collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team, teaching staff and Youth Learning Mentors, you will contribute to a positive learning environment that promotes creativity, confidence and personal development. You will plan and deliver lessons that meet the needs of learners with a wide range of abilities, including those with additional learning needs, behavioural needs and complex barriers to learning.

The role requires working with Respect, Openness & Honesty and Integrity, building strong professional relationships with learners, colleagues and external professionals, while ensuring compliance with Welsh Government Independent School Regulations, Estyn requirements, safeguarding responsibilities and ACT policies. The post holder will be expected to demonstrate Innovation & Creativity in teaching practice, think clearly and plan effectively, and consistently model ACT’s Behaviour Framework in all aspects of their work.

What you’ll do:

• Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality Art lessons that engage, challenge and inspire learners across KS3 and KS4.
• Develop a broad and balanced Art curriculum including drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art and mixed media.
• Differentiated learning to meet individual needs, including learners with ALN and behavioural needs.
• Create a safe, inclusive and stimulating studio environment that encourages creativity and experimentation.
• Assess learner progress using a range of formative and summative approaches.
• Provide constructive feedback to support artistic development and confidence.
• Use Arbor to track progress, record assessments and monitor engagement.
• Support learners in developing portfolios for accreditation, assessment and exhibitions.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and Youth Learning Mentors to support learner progress.
• Contribute to whole‑school initiatives, enrichment activities and cross‑curricular projects.
• Manage classroom behaviour in line with ACT standards and school policy.
• Use de‑escalation strategies to support learners during challenging situations.
• Ensure safe use of materials, tools and equipment in line with health and safety requirements.
• Maintain resources, displays and studio organisation to a high standard.
• Support exhibitions, events and celebrations of learner work.
• Undertake administrative duties to support the Art curriculum.
• Lead and support enrichment sessions and off‑site activities.
• Use physical intervention strategies where necessary (full training will be provided).
• Undertake any other duties as required by your manager.

ACT is committed to safeguarding, inclusion and equality. All staff are expected to promote a safe and respectful environment in line with organisational policies and relevant legislation. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable but not essential for this role.

Benefits:

• Generous holiday package (up to 45 days per year)
• E‑learning platform available to all staff.
• Annual salary increases
• Staff counselling sessions
• Mental Health First Aider
• Bi‑annual performance reviews
• Flexible and hybrid working (where applicable)
• Length of service, birthday and yearly appreciation rewards
• Staff Recognition Awards
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance

Diversity Statement:

ACT is committed to fair and safe recruitment practices and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on any protected characteristic. We are happy to support reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please contact us if required.

Safeguarding:

ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.

Person Specification:

Experience:

• Delivery and knowledge of designated curriculum area with specific focus on engaging low level ability learners
• Experience of working with challenging, disengaged learners and challenging inappropriate behaviour.
• Experience of delivering Art sessions up to GCSE level along with enrichment and personal growth opportunities to young people with a focus on experiential learning.
• Experience of learners with specific educational needs, e.g ADHD, Dyslexia

Qualifications & Knowledge:

• PGCE or equivalent
• Have a good and up to date knowledge and understanding of a range of teaching, learning and behaviour management strategies and know how to use and adapt them.

Skills & Attributes:

• Team Player with ability to work on own initiative
• Proven track record of meeting targets
• Well organised
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Creative & passionate for training/learning

Personal Qualities:

• Someone who displays initiative
• Self‑organised & motivated
• Someone who understands the need to build a good rapport with learner and employer