Creative Arts Therapist
Creative Arts Therapist

Creative Arts Therapist

Full-Time 37000 - 44000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Deliver creative arts therapy to support pupils' emotional and mental health needs.
  • Company: Join a supportive academy dedicated to student wellbeing and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Flexible hours, professional development, and a positive work environment.
  • Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for growth and impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through creative therapeutic approaches.
  • Qualifications: Experience in creative therapies and a passion for supporting young people.

The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 ÂŁ per year.

About the role

  • Responsible to: Head Teachers
  • Position Status: Full-Time
  • Contractual Hours: 2 days per week – days to be discussed
  • Contractual Weeks: Term Time (39 weeks per year)
  • Salary: LSEAT H26 - H30
  • Post Start Date: Sept 2026 or as soon as possible
  • Closing Date: Monday 1st June

Main Purpose of the Job

The Creative Arts Therapist will deliver targeted therapeutic interventions to pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties and a range of additional special educational needs (SEN). The role will support pupils to develop emotional regulation, communication and resilience through creative therapeutic approaches, while contributing to whole‑school SEMH understanding, data analysis and collaborative planning with staff, parents and senior leaders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Therapeutic Intervention and Direct Work
    • Deliver individual and small‑group creative arts therapy interventions tailored to pupils’ SEMH and SEN needs.
    • Use creative modalities (e.g. art, play, movement, storytelling) to support:
    • Emotional regulation
    • Expression of feelings
    • Trauma processing
    • Social skills and self‑esteem
  • Adapt therapeutic approaches to meet the developmental and emotional needs of primary‑aged pupils.
  • Review and evaluate interventions to ensure they are purposeful and impactful.
  • SEMH Data, Monitoring and Reporting
    • Work closely with SLT to support the analysis of SEMH and mental health data at individual and whole‑school level.
    • Contribute to:
    • Individual pupil profiles
    • SEMH tracking
    • Therapeutic impact reviews
  • Provide clear written and verbal feedback to staff and SLT on pupil progress and therapeutic outcomes.
  • Feed into reports for professionals, meetings and reviews for individual children (e.g. EHCP reviews, inclusion meetings).
  • Liaison with Parents and Carers
    • Liaise sensitively and professionally with parents and carers, sharing appropriate information about therapeutic support and progress.
    • Attend and contribute to meetings with parents as required.
    • Support parents’ understanding of children’s mental health and SEMH needs, signposting where appropriate.
  • Working with Staff and the Wider School Team
    • Collaborate with teachers, support staff and behaviour teams to ensure therapy is well‑integrated into school life.
    • Provide professional insight to staff to support their understanding of pupils’ emotional needs.
    • Contribute to multi‑disciplinary meetings, working alongside internal and external professionals where appropriate.
  • Staff Development and Whole‑School Mental Health Awareness
    • Plan and deliver staff meetings and training sessions to:
    • Promote awareness of creative therapies
    • Develop understanding of mental health and SEMH needs
    • Support trauma‑informed practice across the school
  • Contribute to the school’s wider wellbeing and inclusion culture.
  • Therapeutic Environment
    • Create, maintain and manage a welcoming, safe and therapeutic space for pupils.
    • Ensure therapy resources are well organised, accessible and appropriate to pupils’ needs.
    • Maintain confidentiality and safeguarding standards at all times.
  • Professional Responsibilities
    • Be an active member of the school community, contributing positively to its ethos and values.
    • Attend supervision, CPD and relevant meetings as required.
    • Work within professional ethical guidelines and school policies.
    • Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection requirements.
    • Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role.
  • General Responsibilities
    • The school will provide regular line‑management, peer supervision and subsidise external supervision.
    • To work across the Academy as directed by the Senior Leadership Team.
    • To promote a high level of safeguarding understanding for all pupils.
    • To carry out the duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with Aspire Academy policies and relevant health and safety guidance and legislation.
    • To participate in performance management and undertake training and professional development as appropriate.
    • To undertake other duties appropriate to the post that may reasonably be required by SLT.
    • To ensure that all services within the areas of responsibility are provided in accordance with Aspire Academy’s commitment to high quality provision.
    • At all times carry out the responsibilities of the post with regard to Aspire Academy Equal opportunity policies.
    • Attend school‑based meetings and complete relevant administrative tasks.
    • Be physically fit and prepared to undertake positive handling training with all staff as required by the SLT.
    • Be prepared to use, and support other staff, using positive handling techniques as a last resort in conflict management.
  • Equal Opportunities

    London South East Academies Trust is fully committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer and to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parental status or marital or partnership status. As a Disability Confident committed employer, we will offer an interview to applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role. If you have accessibility needs or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know.

    Please note that if a suitable applicant is identified, we may close the advert before the published closing date. If you have any specific queries about the role, please contact atlseathr@lsec.ac.uk.

    Scope and Flexibility

    The scope of this profile reflects the needs of the Academy at the present time; it is not intended to be a fully inclusive or exhaustive list. The post holder may therefore be expected to work flexibly and perform such other duties other than those given in the job description.

    Legal and Compliance

    All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and, where relevant, a Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred List check. Any offer of employment may be withdrawn if these checks are unsatisfactory. Self‑disclosure is required as part of the recruitment process, and failure to make a full disclosure or to provide sight of a DBS certificate is likely to result in withdrawal of an offer. The Trust’s DBS policy on the recruitment of ex‑offenders is available on request. All appointments are also subject to verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with Home Office requirements. Original documentation will be required prior to commencement of employment.

    Creative Arts Therapist employer: LSEAT

    Aspire Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a commitment to mental health awareness and inclusive practices, employees have access to ongoing training and supervision, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. Located in a vibrant community, Aspire Academy fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, making it an ideal place for those passionate about creative arts therapy.
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    Contact Detail:

    LSEAT Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Creative Arts Therapist

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and therapy sectors. Attend events, workshops, or even online webinars where you can meet people who might know about job openings or can refer you directly.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your creative arts therapy work. Include case studies, testimonials, and any relevant projects that highlight your ability to support pupils with SEMH and SEN needs.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to therapeutic interventions and SEMH. Think about how you can demonstrate your understanding of emotional regulation and resilience-building techniques during the chat.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.

    We think you need these skills to ace Creative Arts Therapist

    Creative Arts Therapy
    Emotional Regulation
    Communication Skills
    Data Analysis
    Therapeutic Interventions
    Collaboration
    Trauma-Informed Practice
    SEMH Understanding
    Parent Liaison
    Professional Insight
    Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration
    Training and Development
    Confidentiality
    Safeguarding

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for creative arts therapy! Share your experiences and what drives you to support pupils with SEMH needs. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Creative Arts Therapist role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with our mission at StudySmarter.

    Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and how they relate to the job. We appreciate clarity!

    Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

    How to prepare for a job interview at LSEAT

    ✨Know Your Creative Approaches

    Familiarise yourself with various creative modalities like art, play, and storytelling. Be ready to discuss how you would use these techniques to support emotional regulation and communication in pupils with SEMH needs.

    ✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit

    Highlight your experience working with teachers, parents, and other professionals. Prepare examples of how you've contributed to multi-disciplinary meetings or collaborated on therapeutic interventions in the past.

    ✨Prepare for Data Discussions

    Since the role involves analysing SEMH data, brush up on how you would track and report on pupil progress. Think about how you can present this information clearly to staff and senior leaders.

    ✨Create a Welcoming Therapeutic Space

    Be ready to discuss how you would create and maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for pupils. Share ideas on how to organise resources effectively and ensure confidentiality and safeguarding standards are met.

    Creative Arts Therapist
    LSEAT

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