At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools in enhancing phonics and early reading practices for young learners.
- Company: One Excellence English Hub, a leading literacy support organisation in England.
- Benefits: Competitive pay per support day and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to equity in education and lifelong learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's literacy and foster a love for reading.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching phonics and a commitment to improving literacy standards.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
One Excellence English Hub is one of only 34 English Hubs across England appointed by the Department for Education, recognised for our expertise in the teaching of reading and for taking a leading role in supporting schools to improve their provision for phonics, early reading and early language. Our work is driven by a strong moral purpose. We focus particularly on supporting the slowest‑progress children in Reception and Year 1, ensuring that every child is successful, regardless of background, additional needs or abilities. We believe that high‑quality early literacy teaching is fundamental to equity, opportunity and lifelong learning.
As an English Hub, we provide support rooted in the most up‑to‑date evidence and guidance linked to the three core aims of the English Hubs programme. All of our work offers schools opportunities to evaluate, refine and strengthen their practice, building sustainable capacity and confident leadership in literacy. We work collaboratively with schools through intensive support partnerships, light‑touch support and high‑quality professional development. Our team of experienced Literacy Specialists bring deep subject knowledge, practical classroom experience and a commitment to reflective, evidence‑informed practice.
One Excellence English Hub supports schools across: County Durham, Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Northumberland.
Purpose of the Role
Read, Write Inc. or Little Wandle Reading Leads needed to promote and develop excellent teaching of phonics using accredited SSP programmes, strong early reading practice and deliberate early language development within and across partner schools. To promote a love of reading through reading for pleasure pedagogy. To demonstrate highly skilled teaching, planning and assessment in order to effectively support all pupils to make excellent progress. To provide support to leaders and teachers both within their own school and externally to partner schools, in order to improve standards in phonics and reading.
Literacy Specialist Base School
Base schools must ensure they have the capacity, expertise and commitment to release the Early Language and Literacy Specialist to take part in delivering school to-school support for the duration of the programme. Early Language and Literacy Specialists are seconded from their base school through a flexible agreement. Applications must include a supporting statement from the applicant’s Headteacher confirming their commitment to release the member of staff for this time.
Time Commitment
- Summer Term 2026 - Friday 10 July 2026
- Autumn Term 2026 - September - Attend Literacy Specialist visit with an experienced Literacy Specialist
- 1st September 2026 - 20th July 2027 - Secondment on an agreement with the Headteacher.
When completing the application, the headteacher will need to state the frequency the Literacy Specialist can be released (for example, one day a week).
Payment
Schools will receive £375 per Literacy Specialist support day, plus £75 to complete the associated paperwork (total £450). Specialists must be currently employed by a primary school and will continue to be paid through their school’s payroll.
Closing Date: 11:59pm, Thursday 14 May 2026
Informed of Longlisting Outcome: Friday 15 May 2026
School Visits: Tuesday 2 June - Thursday 4 June 2026
Interviews (if shortlisted): Monday 8 June 2026
Applicants will need to submit: An application form on My New Term and a supporting statement from their Headteacher confirming their commitment to release them for the role within the application form. Please note CVs will not be accepted.
Round 2 - School Visit
Following longlisting, round two of the process will involve a school visit. On this visit, we will observe phonics and meet with the Headteacher and applicant. These visits will be no longer than one hour.
Disclosure: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We want to develop a more diverse workforce, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited for an interview if the essential job criteria are met. Where our roles are customer facing and you are required to speak to members of the public, the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.
If you think this post is for you, please contact Beth Dawson or Abby Moore for an informal discussion on (01740) 651482.
One Excellence English Hub Literacy Specialist in Ferryhill employer: St Michael’s Church of England Primary School
One Excellence English Hub is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth, particularly in the field of early literacy. With a strong moral purpose, we provide our Literacy Specialists with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on children's lives while benefiting from ongoing professional development and support from experienced colleagues. Located across the vibrant regions of County Durham and North Tyneside, our team enjoys a supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring every employee can thrive and contribute to our mission of improving literacy standards for all children.
Contact Details:
St Michael’s Church of England Primary School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land One Excellence English Hub Literacy Specialist in Ferryhill
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the One Excellence English Hub inside out! Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, especially their focus on supporting slow-progress children. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely passionate about their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Literacy Specialists and ask them about their experiences. This insider knowledge can give you valuable insights and help you stand out in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the school visit by practising your phonics teaching techniques. Be ready to demonstrate your skills and share how you can contribute to improving literacy standards. Remember, this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace modern teaching methods.
We think you need these skills to ace One Excellence English Hub Literacy Specialist in Ferryhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to really understand what One Excellence English Hub is all about. Familiarise yourself with our mission and values, especially our focus on supporting slowest-progress children. This will help you tailor your application to show how you align with our goals.
Craft Your Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience with phonics and early literacy teaching. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and commitment to improving literacy standards, as this is key for us.
Follow the Application Guidelines:Remember, we’re not accepting CVs, so stick to the application form on My New Term. Ensure you include the necessary supporting statement from your Headteacher confirming their commitment to release you for the role. It’s all about following the process!
Be Ready for the School Visit:If you get shortlisted, be prepared for a school visit where we’ll observe phonics in action. Think about how you can showcase your teaching methods and engage with both the Headteacher and us during this visit. It’s a great opportunity to demonstrate your passion for literacy!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Michael’s Church of England Primary School
✨Know Your Phonics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of phonics and early reading strategies. Familiarise yourself with Read, Write Inc. and Little Wandle programmes, as these are key to the role. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in your teaching.
✨Show Your Passion for Literacy
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for promoting a love of reading. Share specific examples of how you've encouraged reading for pleasure in your classroom. This will show that you align with the Hub's mission to support all children, especially those who struggle.
✨Prepare for Practical Demonstrations
Since there will be a school visit as part of the interview process, be prepared to showcase your teaching skills. Think about how you would plan a phonics lesson and be ready to discuss your assessment methods. Practice makes perfect!
✨Engage with the Community
Understand the importance of collaboration with schools and communities. Be ready to talk about how you've worked with colleagues or parents to improve literacy standards. Highlight any partnerships you've built that have led to successful outcomes.
