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 45785 - 48785 £ 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.
Further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.
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 and Early Reading Lead in Southall 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, the school provides ample opportunities for leadership growth, particularly in the newly established KS1 Phase Leader role. Located in a welcoming and diverse community, Clifton Primary fosters strong relationships among staff, pupils, and families, ensuring that every child receives the best start to their educational journey.
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 and Early Reading Lead in Southall
✨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 any recent news. This will help you tailor your answers 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 want to hear about your passion and how you can inspire both pupils and colleagues!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Since this role involves leading Key Stage 1, be ready to discuss your approach to teamwork and collaboration. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or improved outcomes for children in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if Clifton is the right fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to demonstrate your interest in shaping the new phase leadership role!
We think you need these skills to ace KS1 Phase Leader, Phonics and Early Reading Lead in Southall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure your application reflects your enthusiasm for phonics and early reading. We want to see how passionate you are about giving every child the best start on their reading journey!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, be specific! Address each point in the person specification and provide examples from your own practice. This helps us see how you fit into our team.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leadership, don’t forget to showcase any experience you have in leading teams or initiatives. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and support others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)
✨Know Your Phonics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of phonics, especially the Read Write Inc. programme. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented phonics in your teaching and how it has impacted your students' reading journeys.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led initiatives or collaborated with colleagues in the past. Highlight any experiences where you've supported staff development or improved teaching practices, as this role involves shaping leadership within Key Stage 1.
✨Engage with Child Development Insights
Familiarise yourself with child development theories and how they apply from Early Years to KS1. Be prepared to discuss how you can support smooth transitions for children moving from Reception to Year 1, showcasing your understanding of their developmental needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Education
Let your enthusiasm for early education shine through during the interview. Share your vision for creating engaging learning environments and how you plan to inspire both pupils and colleagues through your teaching practices.
