Job title and organisation: Art Teacher/Art Therapist - Cookridge Primary School
Salary: MPS/UPS
Hours: Part Time - 3 or 4 days per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Cookridge Primary School
Closing Date and Time: Thursday 30 April at 9 AM
Due to retirement of the current post holder Cookridge Primary are looking for an Art Teacher/Art Therapist.
Join Our Team
Are you passionate about inspiring creativity and nurturing wellbeing in young learners? Cookridge Primary School is seeking a dedicated Art Teacher/Art Therapist to join our warm, community-focused team. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact, helping children express themselves and flourish through art in an environment where staff are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.
About Cookridge Primary
At Cookridge, we believe every child is born with a natural curiosity and a unique spark for learning. Our school cherishes each pupil as an individual, celebrating their talents, interests, and the special role they play in our community. We are proud to welcome families from all backgrounds, working closely with parents and the wider community to ensure every child receives the very best start in life.
We are committed to nurturing resilient, respectful, and caring children who see learning as an exciting and integral part of life. Our school culture is rooted in happiness, pride, and a genuine sense of belonging. We place children at the heart of everything we do, creating a fun, active, and personalised learning environment where everyone is encouraged to aim high and support one another on their journey of discovery. At Cookridge, it is safe to make mistakes and grow together, knowing that support is always at hand.
As a Teaching Assistant you will play a vital role in supporting our pupils’ learning and wellbeing during this important stage of their primary education. Working in close partnership with our dedicated teachers and wider staff team, you will help create a nurturing and stimulating classroom environment where every child can thrive.
The Role
As our Art Teacher/Art Therapist, you will play a pivotal role in keeping art at the heart of our school, inspiring pupils across the primary age range to explore their creativity and develop confidence. You will have the opportunity to shape our art curriculum, promote artistic expression, and support children’s emotional wellbeing through therapeutic approaches. Your work will help ensure that art remains a high priority throughout Cookridge, enriching our school community and supporting every child’s personal development.
Key Responsibilities
- Create engaging, inclusive art lessons that spark imagination and encourage self-expression in every pupil.
- Collaborate with colleagues to integrate art across the curriculum, making creative learning accessible to all.
- Champion the importance of art and wellbeing, ensuring these values are woven throughout school life.
- Support pupils’ emotional and mental health through art therapy techniques, fostering resilience and confidence.
- Contribute to the wider school community, participating in events, displays, and projects that celebrate creativity.
The Person
We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about both teaching and the therapeutic power of art. If you are eager to inspire young minds and contribute to a supportive, caring school environment, we would love to hear from you.
We’re Looking For:
- A qualified teacher of Art, with the ability to teach and engage pupils across the primary age range.
- Someone who inspires others, bringing enthusiasm and creativity to every lesson.
- Excellent knowledge of the primary curriculum, with a commitment to keeping art a high priority across the school.
- An artist in your own right, able to share your passion and expertise with pupils and colleagues.
- Ideally, a qualification in art therapy, or a strong interest in supporting children’s wellbeing through creative approaches.
What We Offer
At Cookridge, we believe that happy staff make happy schools. We are committed to supporting your wellbeing, professional development, and work-life balance, ensuring you feel valued every step of the way.
Benefits of Joining Our Team
- A genuine focus on staff wellbeing, with pastoral support and a positive work-life balance.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth, including support for further training in art therapy.
- A collaborative, friendly team where your ideas and contributions are valued.
- A school community that celebrates creativity and encourages innovation.
- Access to resources and support to help you deliver inspiring art experiences and nurture pupil wellbeing.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application before the closing date of 30-4-2026 9am to l.hunter@cookridgeprimaryschool.org.uk
Please follow the below link
Art Teacher/Art Therapist - Cookridge Primary School - Teaching Vacancies - GOV.UK
For further information or to arrange an informal visit, please contact the school directly on 0113 3862500
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.
The above post is not a Leeds City Council vacancy and has been advertised on behalf of the relevant organisation. To apply please follow their application instructions.
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