At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead phonics and early reading, shaping Key Stage 1 education.
- Company: Clifton Primary School, a welcoming and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Supportive leadership, professional development, and enthusiastic pupils.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape a new leadership role in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's reading journeys and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Passionate about phonics, strong classroom practitioner, and team player.
The predicted salary is between 36445 - 39664 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR2b
Start Date: 1st January 2027 or anytime earlier from 1st September if possible
About The Role
Due to the promotion and relocation of our current Phonics Lead, Clifton Primary School is seeking an enthusiastic, ambitious and highly motivated teacher to join our team as KS1 Phase Leader and Phonics & Early Reading Lead. Initially, the successful candidate will teach in Year 1.
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled classroom practitioner who is passionate about early education and ready to take the next step in leadership. The KS1 Phase Leader aspect of the role is new to Clifton, meaning the successful candidate will have the opportunity to help shape and develop leadership within Key Stage 1, working closely with senior leaders to make a lasting impact.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about ensuring every child gets the very best start to their reading journey and who can inspire both pupils and colleagues through excellent practice, strong relationships and a collaborative approach.
The successful candidate will lead phonics and early reading across the school, supporting high-quality teaching and learning from Nursery through to Key Stage 2. They will work closely with our Early Years team to ensure a smooth and successful transition from Reception into Year 1, while also supporting staff in developing effective reading provision and intervention for older pupils who require additional support with phonics and early reading.
At Clifton, we use the Read Write Inc. phonics programme. We would welcome applications from candidates with experience of Read Write Inc., as well as strong practitioners with experience of other phonics schemes who are excited to learn and lead our approach.
We would particularly welcome candidates who can bring knowledge and expertise in continuous provision within Key Stage 1, helping us further develop engaging, purposeful and high-quality learning environments that support strong outcomes for all pupils.
We Are Looking For
- Is an excellent classroom practitioner with high expectations for all pupils
- Is passionate about phonics and early reading, with strong subject knowledge
- Has a clear understanding of child development and progression from Early Years into KS1
- Can lead Key Stage 1 with positivity, organisation and a strong sense of teamwork
- Values collaboration and builds strong relationships with pupils, staff and families
- Can support and develop colleagues through coaching, modelling and collaborative practice
- Is committed to improving outcomes and experiences for all children
- Is ready to take on, or further develop, a leadership role
What We Offer
- A supportive and experienced leadership team
- A strong culture of collaboration and teamwork across the school
- The opportunity to shape and develop a new phase leadership role
- Opportunities to lead whole-school development in a key priority area
- A commitment to research-informed practice and high-quality professional development
- Enthusiastic, well-behaved pupils who are eager to learn
- A welcoming, inclusive and diverse school community
Safeguarding & Eligibility
The school is committed to safeguarding children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The school follows safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults. Successful applicants will be required to apply for an enhanced disclosure from the DBS.
The school reserves the right to research shortlisted candidates on social media platforms and the internet, and the recruitment panel may take this information into consideration during the recruitment process. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
School Visits and Contact
We warmly welcome prospective candidates to visit the school. Please contact the school office to arrange a visit or an informal conversation about the role.
How To Apply
Please submit your application form and supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification. Ensure your supporting statement:
- Clearly demonstrates how you meet all points in the Person Specification
- Addresses each criterion
- Provides specific examples from your practice
Closing date 9am on Monday 15th June 2026
Interview date Thursday 19th June 2026
KS1 Phase Leader & Phonics & Early Reading Lead in London employer: Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)
Clifton Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where teachers can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development and a focus on research-informed practices, staff are encouraged to grow and lead in their areas of expertise. The school fosters a welcoming and inclusive community, ensuring that every child receives the best start to their education while providing teachers with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their roles.
Contact Details:
Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land KS1 Phase Leader & Phonics & Early Reading Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to research Clifton Primary School. Familiarise yourself with their values, teaching methods, and community involvement. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to phonics and early reading. Think about how you can share your experiences and successes in these areas. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for early education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students and supported colleagues in developing effective reading strategies. This is your chance to demonstrate your commitment to making a difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace KS1 Phase Leader & Phonics & Early Reading Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure your application reflects your enthusiasm for early education and phonics. We want to see how passionate you are about helping children on their reading journey!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Address each point in the Person Specification directly. Use specific examples from your teaching practice to show how you meet the criteria. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!
Highlight Collaboration Skills:Since we value teamwork, share experiences where you've worked closely with colleagues or families. Show us how you build strong relationships and foster a collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)
✨Know Your Phonics
Make sure you brush up on your phonics knowledge, especially the Read Write Inc. programme. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented phonics in your teaching and how it can benefit early readers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led or collaborated with colleagues in the past. Highlight any initiatives you've taken to improve reading outcomes or classroom practices, as this role is all about leadership in Key Stage 1.
✨Engage with Child Development
Demonstrate your understanding of child development and how it relates to early reading. Be prepared to discuss strategies for supporting children transitioning from Reception to Year 1, showcasing your commitment to their learning journey.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can foster strong relationships with pupils, staff, and families. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built a collaborative environment in your previous roles, as this is key to success at Clifton Primary School.
