Tower Hamlets | Full-Time | September Start | Interviews from Week Commencing 10th August
Could your creativity help transform a young person's future?
We're working with an exceptional specialist secondary school in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to recruit a passionate Art Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated team from September.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a background in art, design, creative therapies or creative education who believes in the power of art to build confidence, encourage self-expression and support emotional wellbeing.
The school is an all-boys specialist secondary setting supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Through creativity, consistency and strong relationships, the school empowers students to rediscover a love of learning while developing the confidence and resilience needed for life beyond education.
Conveniently located in Tower Hamlets, the school has excellent transport links via the District Line, DLR and Elizabeth Line, making it easily accessible from across London.
The Role
Working alongside the Lead Art Teacher, you'll help deliver inspiring and therapeutic creative learning experiences that encourage students to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment.
For many students, art provides a voice when words are difficult. You'll help young people explore different artistic techniques, develop practical skills and experience the satisfaction of creating something they can be proud of.
Whether supporting painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, mixed media or digital art, you'll play an important role in helping students build confidence, emotional resilience and independence through creativity.
Your Responsibilities
- Support the delivery of engaging Art, Craft and Design lessons for students with SEMH needs.
- Adapt creative activities so they are accessible, engaging and achievable for every learner.
- Deliver 1:1 and small-group creative interventions that promote confidence, emotional regulation and self-expression.
- Support students using a range of artistic disciplines including painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media and digital art.
- Encourage students to develop resilience by embracing creativity, experimentation and learning from mistakes.
- Recognise and respond to sensory needs, adapting materials and activities to ensure students feel comfortable and able to participate.
- Prepare materials, organise resources and maintain a calm, safe and inspiring studio environment.
- Help showcase students' achievements through exhibitions, displays and creative projects that celebrate progress and success.
- Ensure specialist art equipment and tools are used safely and responsibly.
- Monitor student wellbeing and safeguarding concerns, reporting appropriately in line with school procedures.
We're Looking For Someone Who
- Holds a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or a qualification in Art, Design, Fine Art, Illustration, Creative Practice or a related subject.
- Has experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, SEND, Autism, ADHD or challenging behaviour.
- Has worked within an SEMH school, PRU, Alternative Provision, youth setting or has relevant transferable experience.
- Has practical experience across a variety of artistic disciplines and creative techniques.
- Understands how creativity can support emotional regulation, wellbeing and personal development.
- Has knowledge of sensory needs and adapting creative activities for students with additional needs.
- Is patient, empathetic and able to build trusting relationships with young people.
- Can remain calm and positive when supporting students experiencing frustration or emotional dysregulation.
- Has a genuine passion for art, creativity and helping young people discover their potential.
What Makes This Opportunity Special?
This role is about far more than supporting art lessons.
You'll help young people develop confidence, resilience and self-belief through creativity. For many students, the art studio becomes a place where they feel safe, valued and able to express themselves without judgement.
Every painting completed, sculpture finished or exhibition displayed represents more than artistic achievement—it reflects personal growth, emotional progress and a young person beginning to believe in their own abilities.
You'll be joining a highly supportive team that values creativity as a powerful tool for engagement, emotional wellbeing and future success.
Whether your background is in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Ceramics, Community Arts, Creative Therapies or Art Education, this is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills to make a lasting impact.
Apply Now
If you're passionate about creativity and believe art has the power to inspire, heal and transform lives, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today to become an Art Teaching Assistant and help young people build confidence, express themselves and realise their potential through creativity