Art Teacher (maternity cover)

Hawkswood Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist school in Greater London seeks a committed teacher to support students with SEMH needs. The role involves teaching art and PSHE, focusing on individual student needs. The school offers a supportive environment with small class sizes and a dedicated team. Applicants should be caring and creative, with a willingness to learn about autism and mental health.

Benefits

Peloton membership

Cycle to work scheme

Free eye tests

Childcare vouchers

Employee Assistance Programme

20% discount on gym memberships

Opportunities for CPD

Qualifications

• No prior experience in special schools required.
• Knowledge of Autism, ADHD, and mental health is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Teaching art across Hawkswood Primary and Secondary, including GCSE art.
• Teaching PSHE using the Jigsaw programme.

Skills

Caring

Creativity

Understanding Autism

Job description

Full Time. We welcome applications from ECTs. The role will commence in autumn term 2025 and is expected to conclude at the end of the first half term of summer term 2026.

Appointment within these scales will depend on experience. Please apply using the TES jobs portal.

Hawkswood Secondary is a specialist provision for young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We offer short-term therapeutic and educational interventions (typically two terms) for children aged 11-16 struggling with tier 2/3 mental health needs.

Our team works hard to build resilience, social skills, and mental wellbeing to enable pupils to return to mainstream school. We seek committed and highly motivated staff to join us. Our curriculum is engaging, exciting, and focuses on the development of the whole child, including personal, social, cognitive, creative, health, and wellbeing aspects. As a result, pupils achieve outstanding results both academically and in their personal development.

Our pupils are bright, conscientious, and wonderful. They need encouraging and supportive adults to help rebuild their confidence. Some pupils have an EHCP for additional needs such as SEMH, eating disorders, anxiety, or ASD.

Our pupils highlight the following as the best aspects of our school:

1. Having animals (2 dogs and 38 tropical fish).
2. The supportive staff who understand and help shy and nervous pupils.
3. The kindness among pupils and their mutual help.
4. Feeling safe in a small, welcoming school where nobody shouts.
5. Enjoyable daily enrichment sessions that help learn new skills and boost confidence.

What are our pupils looking for in staff?

1. People who like animals and are caring.
2. Individuals who share their personality and interests in after-school clubs and curriculum activities, such as riding bikes, sports, digital animation, gardening, and cooking.
3. Understanding that everyone is different, including those with autism, and staff willing to learn about autism.
4. Genuine care from staff.
5. Creative and engaging teaching methods tailored to individual needs.

The role involves teaching art across Hawkswood Primary and Secondary, including GCSE art, and teaching PSHE using the Jigsaw programme, which provides planning and resources. You will be supported by our Deputy Headteacher and have access to planning resources.

No prior experience in special schools is necessary; a drive and desire to learn are essential, along with some knowledge of Autism, ADHD, and mental health.

Our support team includes Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, CAMHS therapists, social workers, therapists, and a Lead Therapist.

What we offer:

• Small class sizes (8-9 pupils) and only 4 classes in total.
• Support from staff supervision, school counsellor, and staff support packages.
• Peloton membership and access to gym facilities with virtual personal trainer.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free eye tests and contribution towards lenses and frames.
• Childcare vouchers.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• 20% discount on gym and leisure memberships.
• Potential access to private medical insurance via Vitality Health.
• A supportive team environment.
• Curriculum includes academic lessons in the morning and enrichment/therapeutic sessions in the afternoon.
• Opportunities for CPD, professional development, and pathways into teaching, including apprenticeships.
• Excellent behaviour, motivated pupils, and a welcoming environment nestled in Epping Forest.
• Ofsted rated as Good, with positive feedback on pupil behaviour and staff pride.

  For more information, contact Headteacher Nathalie Fitzgerald at 020 8289 4641 or 07810 393 769. Visits are encouraged.

  As per KCSIE 2024, all applicants will undergo online searches. Applicants must maintain professional boundaries and demonstrate understanding of the pressures involved in caring for vulnerable individuals.

  We value diversity and are committed to equality and inclusion. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled individuals, and LGBTQI+ persons.

  The Hawkswood Group is committed to safeguarding children. This position requires an enhanced DBS check and safeguarding checks before appointment.