Practical Arts Technician

Beech Hall School Ltd; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 20,000 - GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent independent school is seeking a Practical Arts Technician to support the technical and practical needs of Practical Arts lessons. This role involves preparing materials, ensuring safety during activities, and maintaining equipment. The ideal candidate will have a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and experience working with children, demonstrating strong communication and organizational skills. Join a supportive team committed to student wellbeing and fostering a creative learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a practical learning environment supporting children.
• Flexibility and reliability in a busy setting.
• First aid trained or willing to undergo training.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and practical support for Practical Arts lessons.
• Maintain a safe working environment during activities.
• Prepare materials for lessons, clubs, and school events.

Skills

Confident supporting children and young people

Strong communication

Excellent organisational skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced setting

Professional and collaborative team player

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

We are a highly successful independent school in Yorkshire, providing a future‑facing curriculum for the next generation of leaders. Our academic results are exceptional, with a focus on pupil wellbeing and character development at the heart of all we do.

Set in beautiful grounds, we provide children from ages 3‑16 a caring, supportive environment in which to learn. Children are inspired from the very beginning of their educational journey in Nursery and Reception, and this continues right through the Pre‑Preparatory, Preparatory and Senior School.

Huddersfield Grammar School offers academic stretch and an enviable co‑curricular programme. We are renowned for our rich vein of kindness and inclusivity. We encourage our pupils to work hard, aspire to high academic standards and we delight in watching them become fully‑rounded members of the school and community.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Practical Arts Technician to join our fantastic team.

About the role

In this role, you will provide essential technical and practical support to ensure the smooth and safe delivery of Practical Arts lessons. You will play a key part in preparing learning spaces, materials and equipment so that teachers and students can engage fully in creative, hands‑on learning. This includes setting up demonstrations, organising tools and ingredients, managing protective clothing, and ensuring that all resources are clean, safe and ready to use.

During lessons, you will work directly with students, offering practical support as guided by teaching staff. You will help maintain a safe working environment by monitoring activities, addressing spillages or breakages, and intervening where unsafe practices arise. At times, you may assist with first aid and will ensure that all incidents are recorded appropriately.

After lessons, you will be responsible for resetting and maintaining teaching spaces, ensuring equipment is properly cleaned, stored and cared for. You will oversee laundering, monitor ongoing practical processes that extend beyond class time, and help prepare materials for clubs, enrichment sessions and wider school events. You will also contribute creatively to displays that celebrate students’ work and support exhibitions and school‑wide activities.

Health, safety and compliance are central to the role. You will uphold high hygiene standards, conduct routine and deep cleaning, check equipment for faults, and ensure all activity aligns with food safety, COSHH and risk‑assessment requirements.

Alongside practical duties, you will support stock management and essential administration. This includes monitoring consumables, managing inventories, ordering supplies, and assisting with departmental budget tracking.

As with all school roles, safeguarding is a core responsibility. You will follow all safeguarding policies and procedures, engage fully in training, and prioritise the wellbeing of students and colleagues.

Throughout, you will bring organisation, initiative and a commitment to helping create a safe, inspiring and well‑equipped environment for practical learning.

Who We Are Looking For

• Confident supporting children and young people in a practical learning environment
• Able to assist safely and efficiently with hands‑on activities, tools, ingredients and equipment
• Strong communicator with excellent organisational skills
• Flexible, reliable and comfortable working in a busy, fast‑paced setting
• Professional, collaborative and a positive team player
• Holds a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Other qualities

• Warm, approachable and sensitive in interactions
• A good sense of humour and a supportive presence within the school community
• Alignment with the school’s ethos and commitment to its reputation
• First aid trained
• Additional qualifications or relevant further study
• Skills or interests that add value to the department

Blenheim Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre‑employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.