At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools in enhancing early literacy and language for young learners.
- Company: One Excellence English Hub, a leading provider in early reading support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible secondment opportunities with strong support from your base school.
- Why this job: Empower children’s literacy skills and contribute to their lifelong learning journey.
- Qualifications: Experience in primary education and a passion for early language development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Overview
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 Mission
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.
How We Work
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.
Our Reach
- County Durham
- Newcastle
- Gateshead
- North Tyneside
- South Tyneside
- Northumberland
Purpose of the Role
To improve outcomes in Communication and Language and Literacy by strengthening Reception Year practice in schools that need the most support. This role focuses on implementing evidence-based approaches to early literacy and supporting the effective implementation of early language programmes. Early language and literacy specialists will address gaps in oral language, vocabulary, comprehension and early writing to secure strong foundations for future learning.
Phonics
Phonics support will not be part of this role. However, Early Language Literacy Specialists should have a secure understanding of effective phonics practice so they can identify potential issues and ensure these are directed promptly to English Hub Literacy Specialists.
Base School & Secondment
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 – 24th June, 29th June and 2nd July 2026 Early Language Literacy Specialist Days (these must be attended). 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.
Equal Opportunities
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.
Safeguarding and 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.
One Excellence English Hub Early Language Specialist employer: St Michael’s Church of England Primary School
One Excellence English Hub is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of equity and opportunity in early literacy education. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from collaborative support and the chance to make a meaningful impact on children's lives across the North East of England. Our inclusive work environment prioritises diversity and offers unique opportunities for growth, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to our mission of improving literacy outcomes for all children.
Contact Details:
St Michael’s Church of England Primary School Recruitment Team
