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Reception Teacher
ELTJUN2622
Salary Scale Range: Main Pay Scale (ECTs welcome to apply)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (in the first instance)
Start Date: September 2026
Location: Piper Knowle Road
Stockton on Tees
TS19 8DE
About us
Harrow Gate Primary Academy is a well-established primary school located in Hardwick, Stockton-on-Tees, serving children aged 2–11. The academy is part of the Enquire Learning Trust, a collaborative network of schools that promotes high-quality teaching, professional development, and shared expertise.
The school is recognised for its inclusive and supportive environment, where every child is valued and encouraged to succeed. Its mission is “to raise the achievement and aspirations of every child,” a principle that underpins all aspects of school life.
Harrow Gate Primary Academy was judged ‘Good’ overall by Ofsted (June 2024), with ‘Outstanding’ for personal development, reflecting its strong commitment to pupils’ wellbeing, behaviour, and growth.
Values and Ethos
The academy’s ethos is rooted in positive relationships, inclusion, and high expectations. Strong, trusting relationships between pupils, staff, and families are seen as essential to both wellbeing and academic success.
The school is guided by its core values, known as the “ART” of Harrow Gate:
Achievement – encouraging all children to meet high expectations and engage fully in their learning.
Resilience – developing confident, determined learners who show perseverance and pride.
Trust – fostering teamwork, honesty, respect, and strong communication across the school community.
These values are embedded in daily practice and reflected in a culture where pupils feel safe, supported, and motivated to reach their full potential.
Benefits of Working at Harrow Gate Primary Academy
Working at Harrow Gate Primary Academy offers a range of professional and personal benefits:
Supportive and collaborative environment – staff work within a strong team ethos, placing children at the centre of everything they do.
Strong leadership and professional development – access to continuous professional development and opportunities through the Enquire Learning Trust.
Positive school culture – a welcoming, inclusive, and community-focused environment that values staff wellbeing and contribution.
Focus on relationships and wellbeing – an emphasis on nurturing positive relationships, which enhances both staff satisfaction and pupil outcomes.
Modern facilities and resources – well-equipped learning environments supporting high-quality teaching and learning.
Additional benefits – access to pension schemes, mentoring, and a strong sense of belonging within a “family” atmosphere.
Harrow Gate Primary Academy is a forward-thinking, inclusive school with a clear moral purpose: to ensure every child achieves their potential. Its commitment to strong relationships, high expectations, and continuous improvement makes it not only an excellent place for pupils to learn, but also a rewarding and supportive environment in which to work.
About the role
Reception Teacher – Role Overview
The Reception Teacher plays an essential role in supporting the early development of children, typically aged 4–5 years. The position centres on establishing a welcoming, nurturing, and stimulating classroom environment where children can grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically through a blend of play-based learning and structured teaching activities, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
The role requires close collaboration with the Early Years team, the adjacent reception class teacher, and teaching assistants. By working together, staff are able to share expertise and provide consistent support for each child's development. Additionally, the role involves regular engagement with parents, carers, and the wider school team. This collective approach ensures that each child’s individual needs are met and helps to foster positive relationships that contribute to every pupil’s progress and wellbeing.
Who the Role Works With / Supports
Reception pupils (Early Years Foundation Stage – EYFS)
Teaching assistants and reception support staff
The Early Years Leader / SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
Other primary school teachers and leadership team
Parents, carers, and external professionals (e.g. speech therapists, health visitors)
Key Responsibilities
Planning & Teaching
Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate lessons in line with the EYFS framework
Provide a mix of structured teaching and child-led play opportunities
Promote early literacy, numeracy, communication, and social skills
Implement Little Wandle Letters and Sounds to support phonics development
Use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds handwriting programme to enhance fine motor skills and letter formation
Deliver Mastering Number sessions to build firm mathematical understanding
Embed strong foundational skills consistently across the setting to ensure children’s readiness for future learning
Child Development & Assessment
Observe, assess, and record children’s progress and development
Identify and support children with additional needs
Maintain accurate records and contribute to individual learning profiles
Environment & Care
Create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment
Ensure safeguarding, health, and safety policies are followed at all times
Support children’s personal, social, and emotional development
Behaviour & Wellbeing
Promote positive behaviour and encourage independence
Support children in developing confidence, resilience, and social skills
Communication
Build strong partnerships with parents/carers, providing regular updates on progress
Work collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies
Day-to-Day Tasks
Setting up learning areas and activities before the school day
Organising and planning for effective use of additional staff
Greeting children and supporting their transition into the setting
Delivering whole class and group teaching sessions
Facilitating play-based learning indoors and outdoors
Observing and interacting with children to support development
Managing routines and transitions across the day
Recording observations and updating assessment records
Communicating with parents at pick-up or through school systems
Attending staff meetings or planning sessions
The Reception Teacher role is dynamic and rewarding, combining teaching, care, and developmental support. It requires patience, creativity, strong communication skills, and a genuine passion for early childhood education.
What we are looking for
Are you a Reception Teacher who truly understands how young children learn, develop, and flourish?
We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable early years professional who puts child development at the forefront of their practice. This role is ideal for someone who takes pleasure in working with our youngest pupils, values the significance of nurturing relationships, and recognises that every moment—whether indoors or outdoors—is an opportunity for meaningful learning.
You will collaborate closely with a supportive team of practitioners, parents, and external professionals to establish a caring, inclusive, and ambitious environment. Here, children’s individual progress and aspirations are thoughtfully encouraged. Working in partnership with families and agencies is at the heart of our ethos: these strong relationships ensure a holistic understanding of each child and enable them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our academy belongs to the Enquire Learning Trust, a large and supportive network of successful primary schools across the North of England. We are located on a substantial housing development in the north of Stockton-On-Tees, with a significant number of pupils eligible for the Pupil Premium and children with a variety of complex and additional needs.
Our school ethos is focused on children achieving well and enjoying their learning, with relationships at its core. To realise this vision, it is vital that all adults foster an environment where every child feels valued and secure, where opportunities in life are enhanced for all, and where pupils leave us equipped to build meaningful and caring relationships as they grow.
We welcome applications from Reception Teachers who are enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile to enrich the lives of our pupils. An excellent understanding of the Early Years curriculum and child development, outstanding classroom abilities, the right motivation, resilience, and a commitment to ongoing learning are essential qualities for anyone seeking to join our Harrow Gate team.
We are looking for a Reception teacher who:
- Has recent experience (within the past two years) of teaching in the Early Years Foundation Stage;
- Possesses a genuine passion for early childhood education and development;
- Supports children to become confident, independent thinkers and inquisitive learners;
- Can appreciate and respond sensitively to the unique needs of every child;
- Is devoted to placing children at the centre of all decisions and actions;
- Is committed to delivering high standards in teaching and classroom practice;
- Will embrace our ethos, vision, and values wholeheartedly;
- Is able to work effectively as part of a team and forge positive relationships with pupils, parents, governors, and staff;
What we can offer
- A school full of wonderful children who make us proud every day
- A real commitment to the well-being of both children and staff
- A supportive senior leadership team who are keen to help you succeed.
- We are well resourced, have fantastic facilities and school grounds
- Great parents that are very supportive of the work that we do here
- A play-based learning environment where children’s well-being and involvement is paramount
- Lots of opportunities for personal development
- A warm and welcoming atmosphere where we value innovation, creative thinking and we are all enthusiastic learners
- Membership of – relevant pension scheme
- Opportunities for development and progression
- Employee Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Lifestyle savings
Working arrangements
Term Time only plus 5 inset days
Monday to Friday
For more information, please contact
Visits to school welcomed. Please contact Sam Scott – 01642 673984 to arrange a convenient time
How to apply
You can apply for this position by visiting The Enquire Learning Trust
Closing date and time: Thursday 2nd July at 15:00
Interview Date: Monday 6th July
DBS/Safeguarding Statement
The Enquire Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As this post involves access to children or vulnerable adults, the successful applicant will be required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS