Therapeutic Art Practitioner
Department: School and College (students 5-25 years)
Location: The Sheiling Ringwood
Employment Type: Permanent
Hours & Working Patterns: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, Term Time (41 working weeks, including training days). Part-time hours will be considered for the right candidate.
Salary: £28,618-£34,784 per annum (already pro-rated to reflect term time only working – full year equivalent would be £31,990-£38,882)
Closing Date: 10th September 2026
Interview Date: 25th September 2026
Start Date: To be confirmed
The Sheiling Ringwood is an independent residential special school and college for students with severe and moderate learning difficulties and disabilities (SEND).
Set in a stunning, sustainable and eco-friendly 40-acre site close to the New Forest and Dorset coastline, the natural surroundings of our school and college provide a rich, enabling and therapeutic learning environment for students.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified, innovative and motivated Arts Practitioner to join our multi-disciplinary team. You will be working with our school and college students (aged 5-25 years).
We are a dynamic and friendly multi-disciplinary team consisting of anthroposophical therapists, such as an Anthroposophical Doctor, Eurythmy Therapists, and a Rhythmical Massage Therapist. Our team also includes Behaviour Support Practitioners, Speech and Language Therapists, a visiting Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapists, and a Registered Nurse.
You will be part of this team, yet we expect an ability to work independently as the sole Arts Practitioner in the school and college. You will also be part of a creative therapies department, working closely with other therapists.
This post offers the opportunity to support children and young adults with complex needs to engage holistically in artistic processes as a means of developing cognitive abilities and enhancing self-development.
You will foster the creative process through artistic self-expression, enabling children and young adults to engage in a process of self-discovery aimed at helping them resolve conflicts and difficulties, develop interpersonal skills, learn to manage their behaviour, expand their range of emotional experiences, and increase their self-esteem and self-awareness.
In addition, you will consolidate your skills in caseload management and multidisciplinary team working. The caseload is varied and may include autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, learning disabilities and neurological conditions. You will be confident, adaptable and dynamic in providing assessments and interventions for students. This will include one-to-one therapeutic sessions, group therapeutic sessions (if appropriate), attending meetings, planning sessions and participating in MDT discussions.
To apply, please complete the online application form:
Or complete the paper form available as a download at the bottom of this page.
If you experience any issues or have any questions regarding the application process, please email:
The Sheiling Ringwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS and Barred List Check will be required. Staff are also prohibited from promoting extremist/radical religious or one-sided political views whilst working at The Sheiling Ringwood (TSR) and/or whilst participating in activities associated with their employment.
This role is UK based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process. We will also carry out an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines.