Early Years Learning Lead; Language) Tyneside Early Years Hub​/NEAT Team

This is a secondment opportunity, fixed term to March 2028, working 25.92 hours per week (4 days). Job share opportunities would be considered.

Are you passionate about early language development and ready to make a transformative impact on how young children communicate?

Tyneside Early Years Practice Hub, part of NEAT Academy Trust, is looking for an Early Years Learning Lead (Language) to play a central role in driving high-quality, evidence-informed practice across our region. Backed by the Department for Education’s Best Start in Life strategy, you will empower early years educators, coach setting teams, and build strong local networks to ensure every child gets the communication foundation they deserve.

As an Early Language Lead (ELL) based within our Hub, you will work closely with PSED and Early Maths Leads to deliver high-quality continuous professional development and provide targeted, subject‑specific support to settings across Gateshead, Newcastle, and North Tyneside.

Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs provide advice, share good practice and offer evidence-based professional development for early years practitioners. The Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs programme launched in November 2022 and is supported by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and the National Children’s Bureau (NCB).

Stepping into the Early Language Lead (ELL) role isn’t just about supporting others—it’s an opportunity to advance your own career, deepen your expertise, and build your regional profile.

Here is how the role will benefit you:

• Expand your skill set beyond classroom delivery by mastering coaching models, strategic improvement planning, and bespoke action planning for early years settings.
• The opportunity to Collaborate directly with local authorities, English Hubs, Family Hubs, and local speech and language therapy services, establishing yourself as a key local expert.
• Work directly with evidence-informed frameworks supported by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), putting you at the forefront of early childhood education research and practice.
• Receive comprehensive, expert-led training designed by DfE-appointed Subject Matter Experts.

Expected Interview Dates – 24th and 25th of September 2026.

In the secondment your employer will receive a reimbursement for your overall salary costs up to the maximum of £500 per day including all on-costs and travel costs. This will be agreed with your current employer prior to starting. Please speak to your current employer before applying to ensure they support the secondment.

NEAT is committed to safer recruitment practice and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service is required as part of pre‑employment checks. For shortlisted candidates, we will conduct an online search as part of our screening.