Teacher & Literacy, Language & Communications Leader

• Teacher & Literacy, Language & Communications Leader
• Stephenson Way Academy & Nursery School
• UPS1-3 plus TLR £5,872 (pending pay award)
• Full Time – Permanent Contract

Stephenson Way Academy and Nursery School is seeking to appoint an excellent classroom practitioner and ambitious school leader to take responsibility for Literacy, Language and Communication from Nursery to Year 6.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher who is ready to take a significant leadership role in the next stage of our school’s development.

We are looking for someone who understands that strong literacy begins long before children can read and write independently. The successful candidate will lead a coherent approach to communication and language, vocabulary, oracy, reading and writing, ensuring that children develop the knowledge, confidence and skills they need from their earliest experiences in Nursery through to the end of Year 6.

This is a teaching and leadership role. The successful candidate will have their own class and must be able to demonstrate consistently strong classroom practice. They will also have dedicated leadership responsibility for improving literacy, language and communication across the school.

The role will commence on 1st January 2027

We are looking for talented and motivated individuals who will be able to:

• Be an excellent teacher who models high expectations, strong classroom practice and excellent outcomes for pupils.
• Provide whole-school leadership for Literacy, Language and Communication from Nursery to Year 6.
• Develop a coherent progression in communication and language, oracy, vocabulary, reading and writing across the school.
• Ensure that strong foundations in communication, language and early literacy are established in EYFS and KS1 and successfully built upon throughout KS2.
• Support the continued development of early reading, working closely with relevant leaders to secure consistency and strong outcomes.
• Develop a strong whole-school reading culture and ensure that pupils become increasingly fluent, confident and thoughtful readers.
• Lead the development of writing across the curriculum, ensuring that pupils develop the transcription, composition, vocabulary and language knowledge needed to write successfully.
• Champion spoken language and vocabulary development, particularly for pupils who enter school with limited language and communication experiences.
• Work alongside teachers in classrooms through coaching, modelling, team teaching, planning support and professional dialogue.
• Use assessment, pupil work, lesson visits and outcomes to identify strengths and priorities and take effective action to improve provision.
• Lead high-quality professional development for teachers and support staff.
• Ensure that approaches are inclusive and appropriately adapted for pupils with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and pupils who need additional support with communication and literacy.
• Work closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders to implement relevant priorities within the School Improvement Plan and evaluate their impact.
• Contribute to curriculum development and whole-school improvement beyond their immediate leadership area.
• Build strong relationships with pupils, staff and families and actively promote our commitment that every child is known, valued and championed.
• Show a commitment to working collaboratively within the Trust.

Employee benefits include: –

• Teachers Pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Simplyhealth
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee discounts
• Extensive CPD and upskilling opportunities

The closing date for applications is 7th October 2026

The selection process will be based upon how well the applicant meets the job description/personal specification, an observation task and a structured panel interview on 21st October 2026 in school.

To arrange a visit to the school, please contact Mrs Kim Bushby, Head Teacher on 01325 300324

An application pack for the post is available via the Tudhoe Learning Trust website

Application forms should be returned to the Trust HR Manager via email at recruitment@tudhoelearningtrust.co.uk.

Tudhoe Learning Trust is committed to providing opportunity for all and creating a balanced and diverse workforce that represents the communities it serves. Applications from all communities are positively welcomed. Applicants who identify themselves as disabled will receive an interview provided, they meet minimum criteria. The Trust is committed to promoting the welfare of and safeguarding all children in its schools and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All positions are subject to the completion of checks, including an Enhanced DBS clearance. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines 2026, an online search will also be carried out for short-listed candidates prior to interview. This is to identify any incidents or issues that are publicly available online, which the school may explore with applicants at interview. This is a safeguarding check to assess if the individual is suitable to work with young and/or vulnerable learners.