Job Title: Specialist Provision Leader of Literacy
Location: Cabot Learning Federation Special Academies (Locations include Somerset, North Somerset and Gloucestershire)
Contract: Full-Time, Fixed Term Contract until 31 August 2026
Hours: 32.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary Band: M1 - UPS3 (£31,650 - £49,084) + SEN 1 (£2,679 per annum) + TLR 2B (£5,647 per annum)
Your opportunity to develop, implement and lead an engaging Literacy strategy across the Special Academies at CLF:
We are looking for an inspirational teacher with a passion for developing and leading literacy, to deliver excellent educational experiences for pupils in the special academies across our trust.
Great literacy skills improve children’s academic opportunities as well as supporting their mental health and wellbeing, by improving their ability to communicate and understand their own thoughts and feelings.
The successful candidate will work with the Trust Literacy Lead and Special School Principals across Taunton, Weston-Super-Mare and Gloucester to develop and embed an exciting, ambitious and engaging Literacy strategy which provides the flexibility required to meet the needs of children aged 5-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs and Speech, Language and Communication needs.
This is a brand-new role implemented as part of a broader initiative to improve education in our special academies, this really is an exciting chance for a literacy specialist to embed a new strategy and make a lasting impact for pupils in years to come.
Whether you have experience in special school settings or a passion for literacy, apply now to advance your career and champion the success and life chances of all children in our special settings.
About you:
You will be:
- a qualified teacher or hold an equivalent teaching qualification.
- passionate about literacy and able to deliver the curriculum in this area, whilst able to consistently teach high quality lessons across relevant key stages.
- a natural interest in working with pupils from all phases of education and passionate about working in special school settings.
- able to meet the needs of learners from key identified groups, including pupil premium, looked after children, SEND and High Attaining students.
- a strong communicator with the ability to embrace change, motivate colleagues and build positive relationships with students, staff and parents.
- able to recognise, value and support the delivery of opportunities which extend beyond the confines of classroom delivery and seek to enrich and add value to the students experience & learning.
- empowered to develop your own expert practice and support the development of others.
- be highly competent in all elements of the Teachers’ Standards and your achievements and contribution will be substantial and sustained as an Upper Pay Scale teacher.
Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification, prior to submitting an application.
About our Special Academies
There are three SEMH/SLCN special schools in our trust: The Sky Academy in Taunton; Lime Hills Academy, with bases in Weston-Super-Mare and Nailsea; and The Brook Academy in Gloucester. Each provision has their own identity, vision and values but we work collaboratively in our aim to building strong relationships grounded in care and high expectations – we empower students to unlock their potential to achieve success, growth, and pride on their own terms. We are committed to helping students feel a sense of belonging and to have a voice, enabling them to reflect on their journey, appreciate their achievements, and walk confidently towards their future.
As part of developing the offering to the pupils in our special settings, we have focused on working collaboratively to address four core areas this year: Speech, Language and Communication support, Trauma Informed training and practice, Educational Psychology support (including strengthening our links with the local authorities to improve services and support to our pupils), and finally Literacy across the schools. This role supports our aims to remove the barriers for pupils to access education ultimately improving their outcomes and life chances.
Why work at the CLF?
We are a diverse and inclusive community of 35 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.
What We Can Offer You:
- Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
- Sector-leading support and professional development through the CLF Institute.
- A collaborative culture which supports workload.
- A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.
- Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
- A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
- Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking and many more!
Recruitment Timeline:
- Closing Date: Tuesday 22 April @ 11.59am
- Visit: Please contact Emma Wykes if you would like any further information or to arrange a visit.
- Short-listing: 22 and 23 April 2025
- Interviews: Tuesday 29 April 2025
All recruitment process updates relating to a short-listing outcome and potential invite to interview will be emailed to the address you have registered your account with (please check both your inbox and junk folders). Copies of all correspondence will also appear under the ‘messages’ section when logged into your account.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role.
