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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a KS1 Teacher

💰 £30,000 - £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience and scale)

EducationTeachingPrimary School

🎯 Role Definition

As our new KS1 Teacher, you will be the cornerstone of our pupils' early educational journey. You will be instrumental in developing foundational literacy and numeracy skills, fostering curiosity, and creating a safe, vibrant, and stimulating learning atmosphere. This role is perfect for an educator who is passionate about Key Stage 1, adept at differentiation, and dedicated to the holistic development of every child. You'll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking team committed to achieving a standard of excellence in a nurturing school community.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Early Career Teacher (ECT) / Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT)
  • Experienced Teacher relocating or returning to the profession
  • Teaching Assistant (TA) who has achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Advancement To:

  • KS1 Phase Leader or Year Group Leader
  • Assistant Headteacher / Deputy Headteacher
  • Subject Lead (e.g., Literacy, Maths, Science Coordinator)

Lateral Moves:

  • Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
  • Pastoral Lead or Safeguarding Officer
  • EAL (English as an Additional Language) Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan, prepare, and deliver creative and engaging lessons that are aligned with the KS1 National Curriculum objectives.
  • Conduct high-quality daily phonics sessions using the school's chosen systematic synthetic phonics programme (e.g., Letters and Sounds, Read Write Inc.).
  • Assess, monitor, record, and report on the learning needs, progress, and attainment of all pupils, using this data to inform future planning.
  • Create a stimulating, safe, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes a love of learning and encourages student independence.
  • Differentiate teaching and learning activities to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and English as an Additional Language (EAL).
  • Manage classroom behaviour effectively and consistently by implementing the school’s positive behaviour management strategies.
  • Build strong, positive, and collaborative relationships with pupils, parents, and carers to support student progress and well-being.
  • Work collaboratively with fellow KS1 teachers, teaching assistants, and the Phase Leader to plan, share best practices, and ensure curriculum continuity.
  • Utilise a range of Assessment for Learning (AfL) techniques to provide immediate feedback and adapt teaching within the lesson.
  • Ensure the safeguarding and welfare of all children, adhering strictly to all school policies and child protection procedures.
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  • Prepare pupils for statutory assessments, such as the Phonics Screening Check and KS1 SATs, in a supportive and low-stress manner.
  • Maintain a vibrant and interactive learning environment through high-quality, purposeful displays of children's work that celebrate effort and achievement.
  • Communicate effectively with parents and carers regarding their child's progress through parents' evenings, written reports, and regular informal discussions.
  • Use educational technology, such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, and learning platforms, to enhance and enrich learning experiences.
  • Support the social and emotional development of young children, fostering resilience, empathy, and self-confidence.

Secondary Functions

  • Lead, manage, and develop a curriculum subject area or school-wide initiative, driving improvement and sharing expertise with colleagues (commensurate with experience).
  • Actively contribute to the wider life and ethos of the school by participating in and organising school events, assemblies, and extra-curricular clubs.
  • Engage in continuous professional development (CPD) and training, actively seeking opportunities to improve your own practice.
  • Collaborate with the SENCO to develop and implement effective Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and support strategies for pupils with additional needs.
  • Participate in and contribute to staff meetings, inset days, and parent workshops, playing an active role in the school community.
  • Undertake pastoral duties and support the personal, social, and emotional well-being of all pupils in your care.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Secure and in-depth knowledge of the KS1 National Curriculum.
  • Proficiency in teaching systematic synthetic phonics and early reading strategies.
  • Demonstrable experience with KS1 statutory assessments, including the Phonics Screening Check.
  • Skilled in using formative (AfL) and summative assessment data to track progress and raise attainment.
  • Competent in using educational technology, including interactive whiteboards, tablets, and digital learning platforms like Seesaw or Tapestry.
  • Proven ability to plan and deliver well-structured, differentiated lessons.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with children, parents, and colleagues.
  • Patience, empathy, and a nurturing disposition suited to working with young children.
  • Creativity and innovation in lesson design to make learning memorable and fun.
  • Strong organisational and time-management abilities to balance teaching, assessment, and planning.
  • A resilient, adaptable, and positive attitude with a passion for lifelong learning.
  • A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively as part of a dedicated team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • A Bachelor's Degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or a BEd.

Preferred Education:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with a Primary specialism.
  • A Master's Degree in Education or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Primary Education
  • Education Studies
  • English, Mathematics, or Science (with a PGCE)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • We welcome applications from both experienced teachers and Early Career Teachers (ECTs). For experienced candidates, 1-5+ years of teaching in a primary setting is typical.

Preferred:

  • Proven experience teaching successfully in either a Year 1 or Year 2 class.
  • Experience in a subject leadership or coordination role is highly desirable.
  • A track record of raising pupil attainment and achieving good or outstanding pupil outcomes.
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