Hales Valley Multi Academy Trust is a primary academy trust, based in Dudley, West Midlands. We currently consist of seven very different primary schools, ensuring that our Trust is a diverse and exciting place to work and learn. We put our children at the heart of everything we do and are dedicated to providing them with an enriching curriculum, underpinned by our overall commitment to high standards across the board. We value our staff and ensure that they are well supported and trained. We have a continual professional development guarantee that provides a clear career pathway of training and opportunities for all staff at all levels. Our family of schools work closely together, ensuring that staff and children benefit from sharing the excellent practice that exists across the Trust. Our schools are well supported by the Board of Directors and the Trust Central team. We believe that we are stronger together – all schools sharing capacity, resources and expertise. We believe that collaboration is fundamental to providing the best learning opportunities through a meaningful curriculum where children and adults acquire the knowledge, skills and positive attitudes to prepare and strengthen them for their role in society: today, tomorrow and in the future. We support and care for each other, especially when things go wrong; we are a family. This role provides you with an opportunity to join our family to improve outcomes for children. If you are interested in finding out more please do get in touch – we would be very happy to meet with you. Lutley Primary School is a successful and popular primary school based in Halesowen. Our latest Ofsted states that we are "ambitious about ensuring each pupil achieves their academic potential". Pupils are respectful of one another and behave exceptionally well in a calm and orderly environment. Strong shared values are realised as a result of the school's drive to ensure that no pupil or member of staff is left behind" We are proud of our achievements and are seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our team. Please watch our promotional video to see what life at Lutley is all about https://www.lutley.dudley.sch.uk/page/?titleAboutUs&pid6 The Role - Lead Practitioner for EYFS with expertise in early reading (HVT0621) We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Lead Practitioner to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in early years education, with a special focus on early reading. The successful candidate will be a role model for high-quality teaching practices, offering coaching, mentoring, and training to staff. As an expert in early reading, particularly phonics, you will lead the development and implementation of strategies to raise both teaching standards and pupil outcomes. You will collaborate with the Early Reading Lead and contribute to the ongoing professional development of the team, ensuring that the needs of both pupils and staff are consistently met. The Lead Practitioner will lead the enhancement of teaching skills through coaching, training, and modeling high-quality practice, particularly in early reading. They will share expertise to develop staff and improve both teaching standards and pupil outcomes. For more information about this exciting role, please see Job Description attached to this advert. In addition, we offer a full induction programme and opportunities for continual professional development. We can provide a supportive staff, together with children who are eager to learn, within an excellent school environment. Hales Valley Trust would like to hear from you if you are someone who: Is passionate about enabling all children to achieve success Is a caring professional Has a clear understanding of the primary curriculum Has a dynamic and creative approach to learning Has high expectations of attainment and behaviour Has energy and enthusiasm, an open and positive approach Is able to work supportively and work in a team Experience in pastoral, counselling, pastoral care practices and supporting pupils with diverse needs. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to build strong relationships with pupils, staff, and parents. A compassionate and empathetic approach, with the ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism. Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and the ability to act as a Deputy Safeguarding Lead. We can offer you: Highly motivated staff A leadership team whose focus is on improving outcomes for our children Children who value learning and supportive parents An ethos of valuing staff and their Professional Development A stimulating learning environment which is conducive to learning Competitive salary Generous benefits (pension, holiday, discounted fees at our Trust schools) Employee Assistance Programme (supporting your health and wellbeing) Networking and support opportunities between the Trust schools If you have any questions about the role, please contact Helen O'Grady via email hogradylutley.dudley.sch.uk To apply, please complete an application form/monitoring form available on this advert. Please clearly quote the vacancy you are applying for on the application form. Closing Date: 13th March 2025 Shortlisting: 14th March 2025 Interviews: WC 17th March 2025 Additional Information: Hales Valley Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974