This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified Art Technician to join the Art Department within a wonderful independent preparatory school.
The role is term time only with a generous holiday entitlement. We offer a supportive, nurturing work environment enabling staff to give their best every day. We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic Art Technician to join the Art Department.
Full details of the role are outlined below. If you would like to have an exploratory conversation regarding the role please contact our HR Department on [email protected]
About Holmewood House School
Holmewood House is a prestigious independent Prep School of 400 pupils aged 3-13 years, set amidst 32 acres of the most beautiful Kent countryside, just outside Tunbridge Wells. The School is a happy and supportive working environment, where we pride ourselves on the exceptional provision for our pupils and staff in all areas.
Holmewood House provides a broad, well-balanced curriculum with outstanding teachers in what is very much a family school where the positive relationships between the teachers and children allows staff to get to know and understand the individual needs of each and every child. They foster their talents and nurture their growth through a challenging and exciting curriculum.
The school wholeheartedly believes that emotional and social well-being, self-esteem, happiness and confidence are of prime importance and are in themselves inextricably linked to academic progress. Staff are excited by the curiosity and thirst for learning that each child, regardless of their ability, naturally displays. They work hard to allow each child to ask why, to query and to have the time to develop their thoughts into fresh discoveries and innovations and, in doing so, overcome the challenges faced. The end result is the celebration of learning – a reward in its own right!
The wonderful environment and outstanding facilities provide a strong framework upon which the ethos of ‘allowing children to be children’ can be achieved. Childhood is full of exciting new experiences which, parents and teachers relive, through the eyes and laughter of the children.
The relationship between home and school is of fundamental importance in ensuring every child is surrounded by the love, care and guidance which they require as they make their way through their educational journey. In short, the partnership allows the children to enjoy the most important journey of all: childhood.
Commitment to safeguarding
Holmewood House is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and all staff, volunteers and other third parties are expected to share this commitment. The school adopts a rigorous safer recruitment process which is adhered to in the appointment of all new members of staff. As part of the safer recruitment process, all applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including, but not limited to, checks with past employers and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
The Art Department
The Art Department at Holmewood House School is a vibrant and creative environment where pupils are encouraged to explore, experiment and develop confidence through artistic expression. Art is highly valued within the curriculum, with dedicated specialist facilities and opportunities for pupils to work across a range of media and techniques. The department fosters creativity, curiosity and technical skill, inspiring pupils to appreciate the visual arts while developing their own unique artistic voice.
The Role
This part-time position offers a fantastic opportunity to join our strong and successful Art Department and work alongside enthusiastic and dynamic colleagues. We are seeking an enthusiastic and inspiring Art Technician who is passionate about nurturing creativity and engaging pupils of all abilities. The successful will help create an environment in which every pupil is encouraged to achieve their artistic potential. We are looking for an individual who will uphold the school’s key three values; Aspiration, Self-belief and Kindness. Experience and a passion for outdoor education would be beneficial.
More details of our school can be found on our website: www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk
This role reports to the Head of Art.
Key responsibilities
1. Lesson Preparation and Classroom Support
- Resource Prep: Prepare and layout art materials prior to lessons (e.g., mixing paints, cutting paper, dispensing clay, and setting up printing equipment).
- Technical Assistance: Work alongside the teacher in the classroom to assist students with techniques, demonstrations, and routine practical tasks.
- Kiln Management: Load, fire, and unload the school kiln for ceramic projects, if applicable.
- Workshops & Clubs: Help facilitate after-school art clubs or lunchtime workshops for the pupils.
2. Department Administration and Stock Management
- Stock Control: Monitor usage of art supplies (paints, canvases, textiles, ceramics, etc.) and compile orders to ensure the department is well-stocked.
- Organization: Maintain a clean, highly organized, and safe environment in the art studios, storage rooms, and sink areas.
- Exhibitions: Mount, frame, and present student artwork for displays in corridors, classrooms, and during major school events like Open Days.
3. Health, Safety, and Compliance
- Risk Assessments: Ensure safety guidelines are followed, including checking that COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) standards and risk assessments are strictly adhered to.
- Safe Storage: Safely store and dispose of hazardous materials (such as chemical solvents or sharp tools) in accordance with school policies.
- Equipment Maintenance: Keep tools, machinery, and equipment clean and in good working order, arranging for repairs when necessary.
4. General School Duties
- Safeguarding: All staff must adhere to the school's robust child protection and safeguarding policies.
- Events & Productions: Occasionally assist with building sets, painting props, or creating materials for school plays and assemblies.
Key Requirements & Skills
- Practical Knowledge: A strong background in art, design, or ceramics.
- Patience and Communication: The ability to work patiently and communicate effectively with younger prep-school-aged children.
- Organisation: Proactive time management and the ability to forward-plan what the department will need in upcoming weeks
· Attend any required out of working hours activities e.g. training, staff meetings, parent evenings
· To undertake any duties or tasks as reasonably requested by the Head, Deputy Head and Head of Art of Holmewood House
Person specification
Essential upon appointment
Desirable on appointment (if not attained, development may be provided for successful candidate)
Knowledge
- A basic understanding of the needs of learners Knowledge of the potential barriers to learning
- Good understanding of child/young people’s development and learning processes
- Understanding of classroom roles and responsibilities
- Knowledge of child protection legislation and procedures
- Knowledge of school procedures
Experience
- Experience of working in a relevant role in either a commercial or school setting
- Experience of working with Art equipment
- Knowledge of Art practical sessions
- Ability to make preparations for practical work for Art
- Administrative experience
- Experience of working alongside other educational professionals within the guidelines of school-wide policies and strategies
Occupational Skills
- Good listening skills
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including influencing skills
- Good time management and self-organisation Numeracy and literacy skills
- ICT skills
- Ability to keep accurate records
- Ability to work successfully as part of a team
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to be flexible and support other departments when necessary
- Computer training by Head of Art where needed
Qualifications
- Minimum of GCSE, equivalent awards, or able to demonstrate a good level of literacy and numeracy skills
- First aid at work certificate
- Appropriate first aid training
Other Requirements
- Enhanced DBS clearance
- Commitment to the school’s policies and ethos
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development
- Motivation to work with children and young people
- Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children, young people and their families
- Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours and attitudes, using authority.
- Safeguarding training which the school will provide
Salary
Dependent upon qualifications and experience.
Pension & School Benefits
Holmewood House offers a range of benefits including a generous employer contributory pension, free parking, term-time working with generous holiday entitlement and free lunch/refreshments.
Hours of work
0.5 week with hours between 8:00am and 4:00pm. Hours could be Monday to Friday mornings or afternoons.
Start date
September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Offer
The successful applicant will be offered the role subject to the satisfactory completion of a number of background checks including but not limited to; an enhanced DBS check, the taking up and verification of references, the verification of career history and fitness to undertake the role.
Safeguarding
All staff have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children with whom they come into contact and are required to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding policies at all times.
Application
If you wish to be considered for this role, please complete an application form, which can be found on our website at:
Holmewood House Job Opportunities and email to: [email protected]
The closing date for applications is Friday 17 July 2026, however the school reserves the right to short-list and interview candidates ahead of the closing date.
If you would like more information on the role or require a hard copy application form please contact: [email protected]
Work Location: In person
