INSET Training for Teachers

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📍 Location: Clay n Glaze Studio
📞 +44 79 4634 4615

Getting to Grips with Clay, Glaze & Firing

Practical Ceramic Training for Schools & Educational Settings

This specialist In-Service Educational Training (INSET) course is designed for teachers and educational staff who are responsible for delivering pottery and ceramics within schools, colleges, or community learning environments.

Whether you are completely new to ceramics or looking to build confidence managing a kiln, glazing work, and delivering successful ceramic projects, this tailored training day provides the practical knowledge and support needed to run pottery safely, creatively, and efficiently in an educational setting.

Held within our fully equipped ceramic studio nestled in the hillside at Chillaton, the course combines hands-on making with practical studio and kiln management, helping teachers feel confident working with clay at all levels — from beginner workshops through to GCSE, A-Level, Pre-U, and City & Guilds courses.

Each session is adapted to suit the needs of your school, department, or teaching team.

What the Training Covers

Topics may include:

• Understanding different clay bodies and choosing the right clay
• Clay storage, recycling, and classroom management
• Essential pottery tools and cost-effective equipment choices
• Handbuilding techniques suitable for classroom teaching
• Kiln care, loading, firing schedules, and maintenance
• Health & safety for ceramic studios and schools
• Glazing made simple and affordable
• Understanding glaze application and firing temperatures
• Structuring successful ceramic projects for different age groups and qualifications
• Advice for GCSE, A-Level, Pre-U, and City & Guilds ceramics teaching

An initial discussion or assessment allows the course to be tailored specifically to your requirements.

Training can take place:

• In our studio, or
• At your school or educational setting

What’s Included

• Full practical tuition
• All clay, materials, tools, aprons, and firing
• Refreshments throughout the day
• Supporting course booklet
• Health & safety guidance and documentation
• Sample-making opportunities for classroom reference

Pieces made during the session may be kept and used as teaching samples.

What to Bring

Just yourself.

We provide:

• Materials
• Tools
• Aprons
• Towels

Please bring:

• A hair tie if needed
• Sensible footwear

We recommend avoiding jewellery, watches, or bangles during practical sessions.

Flexible Group Training

Your school or establishment may decide how many members of staff attend the training.

Courses are typically delivered as a full-day session, with the option to arrange further training days or advanced follow-up sessions in the future.

Ideal For

• Primary and secondary school teachers
• Art technicians
• GCSE and A-Level art departments
• Community arts educators
• Teachers introducing ceramics into the curriculum
• Schools with newly installed kilns or pottery facilities

This supportive and highly practical course is designed to remove the uncertainty around teaching ceramics — giving you the confidence, knowledge, and systems needed to run successful pottery sessions safely and creatively.