Literacy Specialist

We are looking for an experienced Sounds-Write practitioner to play a key role in supporting our growing membership community. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong understanding of evidence-informed literacy teaching and a genuine passion for helping schools and practitioners achieve successful outcomes for children. As one of the key points of contact for our members, you will build positive and productive relationships with schools and education professionals, providing a consistently high standard of support and guidance throughout their membership journey.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across Sounds-Write, you will help to ensure that members have an excellent experience and are empowered to implement the programme with confidence and fidelity. We are looking for an experienced Sounds-Write practitioner who is approachable, organised and proactive, with excellent communication skills and the ability to engage confidently with a wide range of education professionals at all levels.

You will be knowledgeable and enthusiastic about phonics and literacy, while also being an excellent listener, coach and colleague. Sounds-Write is a phonics programme based on the science of reading and designed by teachers, for teachers. Our purpose is to equip education professionals with the knowledge, resources and confidence to teach reading, spelling and writing effectively, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to become a successful reader and writer.

The Sounds-Write Membership is available to schools and individual practitioners across the UK, as well as to international schools following an English curriculum. Members have access to high-quality phonics training and resources, together with ongoing professional support to help them implement the programme effectively. As an employer and training provider, Sounds-Write is committed to equality of opportunity. We believe in 'Business for Good' and are proud members of the B1G1 initiative, supporting our commitment to making a positive difference beyond our immediate organisation.

Role overview

As a Literacy Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting schools, practitioners and prospective members to understand, adopt and implement Sounds-Write successfully. Working collaboratively with colleagues across Sounds-Write, you will build trusted relationships, provide expert guidance and help ensure that members have an excellent experience throughout their journey. The precise focus of the role may reflect the skills and experience of the successful candidate and will include implementation support, professional learning delivery, educational partnerships and member engagement.

Reporting to

Head of Research and Development

Location

This role is based in the UK.The role is predominantly home-based with some UK andoccasional international travel.

Contract

We anticipate this role being full-time and permanent, although flexible working arrangements may be considered for the right candidate.

Probation:6-month probationary period, which may be extended by up to 3 months where additional support, training or assessment is required.

Salary

Starting from £43,000 depending on qualifications and experience.Start date:As soon as possible.Closing date for applications:28th September 2026

Interviews

Interviews will take place on 14th October in London.

Before applying

Before applying, and to help you decide whether this is the right opportunity for you,we strongly encourage you to have a confidential conversation about the role. Please contact Caroline Hardisty (caroline@sounds-write.co.uk) or Laila Sadler(laila@sounds-write.co.uk)

Core responsibilities

• Support schools and education professionals by providing expert advice on Sounds-Write, literacyand implementation.
• Build positive relationships with member schools and prospective members.
• Guide new member schools through onboarding and implementation planning.
• Deliver coaching, webinars and professional support sessions.
• Respond to pedagogical and implementation enquiries.
• Engage confidently with school leaders and Trust representatives.
• Contribute to conferences, events and community engagement activities.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and collaborative team working.

Additional opportunities

Depending on the strengths and experience of the successful candidate, the role may also include contributing to course development and resources, member content, and wider organisational projects.

Person specification

• Undergraduate degree and QTS (or equivalent).
• Significant experience delivering Sounds-Write with fidelity.
• Strong understanding of Sounds-Write principles and evidence-informed literacy teaching.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build trusted professional relationships.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills. Commitment to equality of opportunity and ongoing professional learning. Willingness to travel for school visits, training and events.
• Experience delivering CPD sessions or other forms of professional training.
• Leadership experience within an educational setting.