At a Glance
- Tasks: Promote excellent phonics teaching and support schools in early reading practices.
- Company: One Excellence English Hub, a leader in literacy education across England.
- Benefits: Competitive pay for support days and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible secondment with opportunities for collaboration and growth in literacy education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's literacy and foster a love for reading.
- Qualifications: Experience with Read, Write Inc. or Little Wandle programmes and strong teaching skills.
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.
Phonics & Early Reading Literacy Specialist (Secondment) 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 prioritise equity and opportunity for all children, offering our staff extensive professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in schools across the North East of England. Our commitment to evidence-informed practice and support for slowest-progress children creates a rewarding environment where educators can thrive and contribute to transformative change.
Contact Details:
St Michael’s Church of England Primary School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Phonics & Early Reading Literacy Specialist (Secondment) in Ferryhill
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture before your interview. Research One Excellence English Hub and its approach to phonics and early reading. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the school visit by thinking about how you can demonstrate your teaching skills. Bring along examples of your lesson plans or assessment strategies that align with their focus on high-quality early literacy teaching.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Literacy Specialists if you can. They can provide insights into what the role really involves and tips on how to impress during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace modern teaching methods.
We think you need these skills to ace Phonics & Early Reading Literacy Specialist (Secondment) in Ferryhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to highlight your relevant experience and how it connects to our mission of improving literacy for all children. Be specific and show us your passion for phonics and early reading.
Get Your Headteacher on Board:Don’t forget to get a supporting statement from your Headteacher! This is crucial for your application, as we need their commitment to release you for the role. Make sure they’re on the same page before you submit.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s straightforward and ensures that your application gets to us without any hiccups. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 the latest phonics teaching methods, especially Read, Write Inc. and Little Wandle. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these strategies in your classroom and how they can benefit slow-progress children.
✨Show Your Passion for Reading
Demonstrate your love for reading and how you promote it in your teaching. Share specific examples of how you've encouraged reading for pleasure among your students and the impact it has had on their literacy development.
✨Prepare for Practical Demonstrations
Since there will be a school visit as part of the interview process, think about how you would showcase your teaching skills. Prepare a mini-lesson or activity that highlights your approach to phonics and early reading, and be ready to engage with both students and staff.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Emphasise your experience working collaboratively with other teachers and schools. Be prepared to discuss how you can support leaders and teachers in improving literacy standards, and share any successful partnerships you've been part of.
