Leading Art and Design in Primary Schools: Foundations and Forward-Thinking Programme
- 20th Oct 2026
- Online
- Art
- Spaces
- Early Years, Primary
- Subject Leadership, Curriculum Delivery
- Free For Partner Schools
- Non-members From £80.00+VAT
This three-part CPD programme is designed to support primary Art and Design subject leaders in developing their knowledge, confidence and leadership of the subject. Across the three sessions, we will move from understanding the foundations of primary Art and Design, to planning a progressive and ambitious curriculum, and finally to leading the subject with confidence and impact. Each session builds on the previous one, so participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions to gain the greatest benefit from the programme.
Alongside practical guidance and examples, there will be opportunities for discussion, reflection and sharing practice with colleagues. Suggested follow-up tasks will also be provided to help you apply the learning within your own school and strengthen your leadership of Art and Design over time.
**Thursday 20th October 2026 4.00-5.30pm
Session 1 - Understanding Primary Art and Design**
This session explores the foundations of Art and Design in primary education. We will consider the purpose of the subject and its role in supporting children's development, explore the current National Curriculum, and discuss approaches to structuring an Art and Design curriculum. We will also examine the role of the subject leader and identify key priorities for development. There will be opportunities for discussion during the session, alongside suggested follow-up tasks to support your leadership journey.
**Thursday 25th February 2027 4.00-5.30pm
Session 2 - Planning a Progressive Art and Design Curriculum **
This session focuses on planning a progressive and ambitious Art and Design curriculum. We will explore how to structure effective units of work and consider how the selection of artists, craftspeople, designers and architects can strengthen children's cultural capital. There will be opportunities for discussion and reflection, as well as suggested follow-up tasks to support curriculum development in your setting.
**Thursday 20th May 2027 4.00-5.30pm
Session 3 – Leading Art and Design with Confidence **
This final session focuses on developing confident and effective subject leadership. We will explore the features of a high-quality Art and Design curriculum and consider how to lead the subject in an inspiring and supportive way. We will examine approaches to assessment and monitoring, discuss how progression can be tracked, and share practical strategies for overcoming common leadership challenges. As our final session together, there will also be time to celebrate successes, share experiences and identify next steps for continued development.
This three-part CPD programme is designed to support primary Art and Design subject leaders in developing their knowledge, confidence and leadership of the subject. Across the three sessions, we will move from understanding the foundations of primary Art and Design, to planning a progressive and ambitious curriculum, and finally to leading the subject with confidence and impact. Each session builds on the previous one, so participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions to gain the greatest benefit from the programme. Alongside practical guidance and examples, there will be opportunities for discussion, reflection and sharing practice with colleagues. Suggested follow-up tasks will also be provided to help you apply the learning within your own school and strengthen your leadership of Art and Design over time.
Kerry Howarth is an experienced primary school teacher and art & design subject leader who established Primary Art Skills in 2018. She delivers high quality CPD, consultancy and Art projects for schools, Initial Teacher Training and CPD providers both in the UK and Internationally.
Kerry brings a wealth of teaching experience to all her Art & Design training sessions having taught in a variety of different schools, both in the UK and in Hong Kong. As a practising teacher, she has an in-depth understanding of the progression of skills from EYFS to Y6 and works with schools to adapt, develop and enhance their Art and Design curriculum and units of work. She has worked collaboratively with organisations such as The National Trust, Creative Partnerships and the Wordsworth Trust to design and deliver place-based art education projects around themes of diversity and inclusion, the environment and technology. Kerry is passionate about art education and the positive impact this can have on the children we teach.