At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students through creative Art & Design lessons and foster their artistic skills.
- Company: Join a supportive specialist school dedicated to student wellbeing and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, health programmes, and discounts on various services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your teaching career.
- Qualifications: Strong classroom management and ability to adapt teaching for autistic students.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development in a caring and ambitious environment.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 38000 £ per year.
Interim Art Teacher (short-term: April–October 2026)
Salary: M1 (£32,916 – M6 (£45,350) plus SEN allowance £2,786. Salary agreed depending on experience.
Contract: Fixed-term, full-time (April–October 2026)
Start: 13th April 2026
Location: Olsen House School, Merseyside
Our vision at Olsen House School is simple: Dream • Believe • Achieve. As a specialist ASD/SEMH school, we want every student to dream about their future, believe in themselves, and achieve outcomes that prepare them for life beyond school. This vision is underpinned by our values: Be Kind, Be Ambitious, Be Inspired, which shape our relationships, our teaching and our leadership.
About Olsen House School: Olsen House School is a specialist setting for students with Education, Health and Care Plans, with a core focus on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and associated social, emotional and mental health needs. Many of our students have experienced barriers to learning or disruption to their education, and we respond with calm, structured, autism-responsive practice and exceptionally strong relationships. We believe that students thrive when adults lead with kindness, hold ambitious expectations and inspire confidence and curiosity.
The opportunity: We are seeking an excellent Interim Art & Design Teacher to join us from April to October 2026, providing high-quality, consistent teaching during a fixed-term period.
You will:
- Teach Art & Design across KS3–KS4 (as required by timetable), using clear routines and strong classroom practice.
- Plan and deliver a well-sequenced curriculum that builds skills in drawing, painting, mixed media and creative outcomes.
- Model techniques explicitly and scaffold tasks so students can work with increasing independence.
- Use assessment and feedback to secure progress over a short time frame.
- Work effectively with support staff to reduce barriers, support regulation and strengthen engagement.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is a strong classroom practitioner with a calm, consistent approach.
- Can adapt teaching for autistic students through structure, predictability and supported independence.
- Has high expectations and is values-led: Be Kind, Be Ambitious, Be Inspired.
- Is committed to safeguarding and student wellbeing.
Why work for us?
- Competitive salary (MPS) + SEN1 Allowance
- Teachers’ Pension Scheme
- Supportive, visible leadership and strong staff support systems
- Workload-aware culture and high-quality CPD
We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children in our care.
When you join Kedleston Group, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect a supportive environment which enables you to excel in your role and grow in your career.
You will have access to an attractive benefits package including:
- Access to health and well-being programmes, including a free and confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling service
- Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform
- Cycle to work scheme
- Generous life cover
Visit us: We welcome candidates who would like to visit the school before applying. Please contact: Karen Horocks (Office Manager) Tel - (phone number removed), email (url removed) to arrange a visit.
How to apply: Submit your application to us by 13th March 2026. Interviews: 16th March 2026. Start date: 13th April 2026 (fixed-term to October 2026).
Kedleston Group Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its children and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You will be expected to engage in annual safeguarding training, be familiar with key policies and ensure you know the steps to take should you be made aware of a safeguarding or child protection concern. You will remain vigilant and act swiftly if you have concerns about a child and be an appropriate role model for both children and colleagues at all times.
The successful candidate is required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check. We will ask you to complete a criminal self-declaration form, and we will conduct online searches for information that is publicly available. We are disability confident committed and equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
Interim Art Teacher employer: Kedleston Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Kedleston Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Art Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Olsen House School. Understand their vision and values, especially how they support students with ASD/SEMH needs. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your teaching demo! If you're asked to demonstrate your teaching style, prepare a mini-lesson that showcases your skills in engaging students with different needs. Make it interactive and fun – remember, you want to inspire confidence and curiosity!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff! If you can, reach out to teachers or staff at Olsen House School through LinkedIn or other platforms. They might give you insider tips about the school culture and what they're really looking for in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and shows that you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Art Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Art: When writing your application, let your love for art shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your creativity and how you inspire students to express themselves through their artwork.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect our values: Be Kind, Be Ambitious, Be Inspired. Use examples from your teaching experience that demonstrate how you embody these principles in the classroom.
Highlight Your Experience with SEN Students: Since we focus on supporting students with ASD and SEMH needs, it’s crucial to mention any relevant experience you have. Talk about how you've adapted your teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs and foster independence.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kedleston Group Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Art & Design curriculum for KS3 and KS4. Brush up on techniques in drawing, painting, and mixed media, as you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to teach these effectively. Familiarise yourself with autism-responsive teaching methods, as this will be crucial in your role.
✨Embrace the Values
Olsen House School values kindness, ambition, and inspiration. During your interview, reflect these values in your responses. Share examples of how you've demonstrated these traits in your teaching practice, especially in supporting students with ASD and SEMH needs.
✨Showcase Your Classroom Management Skills
Prepare to discuss your approach to classroom management, particularly in a setting that requires calm and consistent practices. Think about specific strategies you’ve used to create a structured environment that supports student independence and engagement.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s culture, support systems, and professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.