Assistant Head Teacher to lead English, Phonics and Oracy in Smethwick

Role Overview

• Lead English, phonics and oracy across the school
• Drive standards and pupil outcomes
• Monitor teaching, learning and progress
• Contribute to whole‑school leadership and improvement
• Support and develop colleagues through strong leadership
• Contribute fully to the strategic direction of the school
• Include a teaching commitment of 2 days per week to model excellent classroom practice
• Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead

What we are looking for

• Be an excellent classroom practitioner with high expectations
• Have proven leadership experience and impact
• Have strong subject knowledge in English and early reading
• Be committed to inclusion, safeguarding and raising achievement for all pupils

What the school offers its staff

• A very warm and welcoming community that values community engagement and strives to make a positive impact on the lives of pupils and families
• Work within a collaborative and supportive team dedicated to continuous improvement and professional development
• A strong commitment to your professional development
• A happy and inclusive school

Further details about the role

The Assistant Head Teacher will play a key role in the strategic leadership of the school, supporting the Head Teacher and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to secure high‑quality teaching, excellent outcomes for all pupils, and strong safeguarding practice. The wider area of responsibility is agreed individually with an AHT and can be changed under discussion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development, delivery and evaluation of English, Phonics and Oracy across the school, ensuring a high‑quality, coherent and progressive curriculum that raises attainment for all learners.
• Support staff in planning and delivering high‑quality teaching, providing coaching, mentoring and professional development that strengthens subject knowledge and pedagogy.
• Teach a class for part of the week (dependent on the needs of the school) and model exemplary classroom practice consistent with school expectations.
• Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, working within statutory guidance and school policies.
• Manage safeguarding concerns, referrals, and multi‑agency communication to ensure the safety and welfare of pupils.
• Lead and manage a designated phase (e.g., EYFS/KS1/KS2), overseeing curriculum, teaching, and pastoral support.
• Support teachers with planning, assessment, behaviour, and provision for SEND and vulnerable pupils.
• Create an inclusive, engaging, and ambitious learning environment that meets the needs of all learners.
• Demonstrate strong leadership behaviours, high expectations, and professional integrity.
• Engage in continual professional development aligned to school priorities.
• Support the development and performance management of staff, including ECTs and support staff where appropriate.
• Work closely with SENCo, pastoral teams and external professionals to support pupil wellbeing and positive engagement.
• Champion the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with additional needs, ensuring equitable access to the curriculum.
• Lead professional development across the school relating to English, Phonics and Oracy, ensuring staff are confident, knowledgeable and research‑informed.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), medical, online and social media prohibition from teaching, right to work, satisfactory references, suitability to work with children, and disclosure of unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.