At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead EYFS teaching and phonics, driving literacy outcomes in a supportive environment.
- Company: A top primary school in Hackney known for excellence in early education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dedicated support staff, and leadership development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and well-resourced environments.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's early reading and language development.
- Qualifications: Experience in EYFS and phonics, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40317 - 62496 £ per year.
An exceptional primary school in Hackney is seeking an ambitious EYFS Teacher & Phonics Lead to join its leadership team from September 2026. This permanent opportunity would suit an experienced Early Years practitioner with a proven track record in phonics, early reading and curriculum development who is ready to drive whole-school literacy outcomes while remaining based within EYFS.
The school has established itself as one of the strongest primary settings in the borough for early reading and language development. Recent outcomes highlight the impact of its approach, with 74% of pupils achieving a Good Level of Development in EYFS compared to 65% nationally, while 95% of Year 1 pupils met the expected standard in the Phonics Screening Check, significantly above the national figure of 76%. These results reflect a sustained commitment to high-quality early education and reading provision.
The Early Years setting benefits from a carefully designed curriculum that places communication, language acquisition and learning through play at its core. Staff work within a highly collaborative environment, supported by strong leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. As the successful candidate, you will also benefit from the support of a dedicated Nursery Nurse and Teaching Assistant, allowing you to focus on high-quality teaching, intervention and leadership responsibilities.
What the school offers:
- Permanent EYFS Teacher & Phonics Lead position from September 2026
- Inner London MPS/UPS: £40,317–£62,496
- TLR1 or TLR2 available for the successful candidate
- Dedicated Nursery Nurse and Teaching Assistant support
- Off‑site PPA time to support workload and wellbeing
- Established phonics systems with consistently strong outcomes
- Leadership development and future senior leadership opportunities
- Well‑resourced indoor and outdoor Early Years environments
The successful candidate will have substantial EYFS experience, a strong understanding of systematic synthetic phonics and the leadership skills required to continue raising standards in early reading across the school.
EYFS Teacher and Phonics Lead employer: Ribbons & Reeves
This exceptional primary school in Hackney is an outstanding employer, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises high-quality early education and professional development. With dedicated support staff, off-site PPA time, and a commitment to leadership growth, the school provides an enriching environment for EYFS Teachers and Phonics Leads to thrive and make a meaningful impact on children's literacy outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land EYFS Teacher and Phonics Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, attend local teaching events, and connect with people in the Hackney area. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for early years education! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and successes in phonics and curriculum development. Let them see how dedicated you are to driving literacy outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the latest trends in EYFS and phonics. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the school's impressive results and what innovative ideas you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your application and land that dream role as an EYFS Teacher & Phonics Lead. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace EYFS Teacher and Phonics Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years Education:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for EYFS shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in early years settings and your commitment to phonics and literacy development.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Highlight your experience with systematic synthetic phonics and any leadership roles you've held that align with the school's goals.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the role of EYFS Teacher & Phonics Lead, making it easy for us to see your fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in Hackney!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ribbons & Reeves
✨Know Your Phonics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of systematic synthetic phonics. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the classroom to improve early reading outcomes. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but that you can apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led initiatives or collaborated with colleagues to enhance literacy standards. Think about times when you've mentored others or driven change in your setting. This will demonstrate your readiness for a leadership role within the school.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the School's Approach
Research the school's established phonics systems and their curriculum focus. Being able to reference their specific practices during the interview will show your genuine interest in the position and your alignment with their educational philosophy.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's vision for early years education and how they support staff development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
