At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead KS1 and inspire young readers through phonics and early reading initiatives.
- Company: Clifton Primary School, a welcoming and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop engaging learning environments and collaborate with dedicated staff.
- Why this job: Shape the future of early education and make a real impact on children's reading journeys.
- Qualifications: Passionate about phonics, strong classroom practitioner, and leadership potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 42000 £ 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 & Early Reading Lead in Southall employer: Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)
Clifton Primary School is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and experienced leadership team that fosters a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork. With opportunities to shape a new phase leadership role and lead whole-school development in key priority areas, the school is committed to research-informed practice and high-quality professional development, ensuring that every staff member can thrive in their career while making a meaningful impact on young learners' lives.
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 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 community. 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 leadership, phonics, and early reading. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and passion. We can even help you with mock interviews if you need a bit of extra practice!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! During the interview, let your passion for early education shine through. Talk about how you can inspire both pupils and colleagues, and share your vision for developing phonics and early reading at Clifton. Remember, they want someone who’s excited to make a difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re professional and keen on the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance of landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace KS1 Phase Leader & Phonics & Early Reading Lead in Southall
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 giving every child the best start in their reading journey!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, address each point in the Person Specification. We’re looking for specific examples from your practice that demonstrate your skills and experiences relevant to the role.
Highlight Collaboration Skills:Since we value teamwork, don’t forget to mention your ability to build strong relationships with pupils, staff, and families. Share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application 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
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 teaching practices or student outcomes, as this role involves shaping leadership within 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 transitions from Reception to Year 1 and how you can help staff develop effective reading interventions.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with pupils, staff, and families. Think of specific examples where you've fostered collaboration and teamwork, as this is key to creating a positive learning environment.
