Teacher & Literacy, Language & Communications Leader

Stephenson Way Academy and Nursery School; Newton Aycliffe; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Stephenson Way Academy and Nursery School in Newton Aycliffe is seeking a talented leader to drive literacy across the school, from the early years to Year 6. You will model high expectations in teaching, develop a coherent progression in communication and language, and foster confident readers and writers.

You will lead whole‑school literacy development, provide coaching and professional dialogue, design assessment for learning, and ensure inclusive provision for pupils with SEND and those

Qualifications

• Lead literacy across Nursery‑Year 6 with strong classroom practice.
• Provide whole‑school leadership for literacy and language.
• Develop progression in communication, language, oracy, reading and writing.
• Ensure inclusive provision for pupils with SEND and those needing extra support.

Responsibilities

• Be an excellent teacher who models high expectations and outcomes for pupils.
• Provide whole‑school leadership for Literacy, Language and Communication from Nursery to Year 6.
• Develop a coherent progression in communication, language, oracy, reading and writing.
• Lead development of reading culture and writing across the curriculum.
• Coach colleagues through planning support, modelling and team teaching.
• Use assessment to identify strengths and priorities and drive improvement.
• Lead high‑quality professional development for teachers and support staff.

Skills

Strong leadership

Coaching and mentoring

Team teaching

Assessment for improvement

Curriculum development

Job description

We are looking for someone who understands that strong literacy begins long before children can readand write independently. The successful candidate will lead a coherent approach to communication andlanguage, 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 beable to demonstrate consistently strong classroom practice. They will also have dedicated leadershipresponsibility for improving literacy, language and communication across the school.

The role willcommence 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 excellentoutcomes for pupils.
• Provide whole-school leadership for Literacy, Language and Communication from Nursery toYear 6.
• Develop a coherent progression in communication and language, oracy, vocabulary, readingand writing across the school.
• Ensure that strong foundations in communication, language and early literacy are established inEYFS and KS1 and successfully built upon throughout KS2.
• Support the continued development of early reading, working closely with relevant leaders tosecure consistency and strong outcomes.
• Develop a strong whole-school reading culture and ensure that pupils become increasinglyfluent, confident and thoughtful readers.
• Lead the development of writing across the curriculum, ensuring that pupils develop thetranscription, composition, vocabulary and language knowledge needed to write successfully.
• Champion spoken language and vocabulary development, particularly for pupils who enterschool with limited language and communication experiences.
• Work alongside teachers in classrooms through coaching, modelling, team teaching, planningsupport and professional dialogue.
• Use assessment, pupil work, lesson visits and outcomes to identify strengths and priorities andtake 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 withinthe School Improvement Plan and evaluate their impact.
• Contribute to curriculum development and whole-school improvement beyond their immediateleadership area.
• Build strong relationships with pupils, staff and families and actively promote our commitmentthat every child is known, valued and championed.
• Show a commitment to working collaboratively within the Trust.