REMA Early Years Specialist Teacher

The starting salary for this permanent, part-time role is £13,759 - £20,996 per annum (pro rata to £34,398 - £52,490 FTE), plus TLR 2 (£3,527), pro rata to the successful candidate's working pattern. This is a 0.4 FTE post.

Please note, the 2026/7 pay award is pending and that, once agreed, any increase will be backdated to your start date in post.

We have a great opportunity to join our Race and Ethnic Minority Achievement (REMA) team as a REMA Early Years Specialist Teacher. You will help Early Years settings across Surrey strengthen inclusive practice and improve access, participation and outcomes for children from ethnic minority communities, including children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and children from Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showmen communities.

The anticipated start date is 1st January 2027, or earlier if possible.

The role combines home-based and office-based work with regular travel to Early Years settings and other locations across Surrey. The working pattern will be agreed in line with service needs and Surrey County Council's approach to flexible working.

Our Offer to You

• Teachers' Pay and Conditions, including membership of the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS)
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About The Role

This is a highly impactful specialist role that supports Early Years practitioners, settings and colleagues across Surrey to meet the language, learning and inclusion needs of children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and those from minority communities. Working closely with practitioners, clusters, families and partner services, you will provide expert advice, consultation and targeted support to help ensure children can access high-quality Early Years education and achieve positive outcomes.

The role involves undertaking specialist language assessments, including cases where Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may be suspected, and producing clear, evidence-informed reports that support effective planning and relevant statutory processes. You will model effective practice, recommend appropriate interventions and help practitioners distinguish between language acquisition needs and potential additional needs, enabling timely and appropriate support for children.

A key aspect of the post is building practitioner confidence through the planning and delivery of cultural awareness and evidence-informed EAL training, online surgeries, clinics and professional discussions. You will also develop and maintain strong, trusted relationships with families, Early Years settings, REMA colleagues and wider partner agencies to promote inclusion, support effective transitions and improve outcomes for children and their families.

Alongside direct support activity, you will be responsible for maintaining accurate records, managing referrals and caseloads, evaluating the impact of interventions and contributing to termly monitoring against the Early Years Service Level Agreement and its key performance indicators. You will provide professional leadership by sharing specialist expertise, developing resources and contributing to quality assurance and service development, although the role does not currently include direct line-management responsibilities.

During the first 12 to 18 months, you will play a key role in delivering and embedding REMA's Early Years offer, strengthening relationships with Early Years teams and settings, supporting timely multilingual assessments and contributing to training, consultations, targeted setting support and the evaluation of impact. This position offers a significant opportunity to make a difference by supporting early identification and intervention, reducing barriers to participation and ensuring children's language, cultural and learning needs are recognised and understood at the earliest possible stage.

Your Application 

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours :

• Degree-level qualification and Qualified Teacher Status, with at least two years' teaching experience and evidence of relevant continuing professional development.
• Strong knowledge of Early Years pedagogy, language acquisition, inclusive practice and effective approaches for improving outcomes for children with EAL and children from minority communities.
• The ability to use assessment accurately, adapt teaching and advice to individual strengths and needs, and contribute thoughtfully where EAL and possible SEND intersect.
• Experience of advising, coaching or training other professionals and building effective relationships with settings, families and partner services.
• Relevant safeguarding knowledge and experience, with evidence of strong safeguarding practice and a clear understanding of responsibilities when working with children and families.
• Excellent written, verbal, organisational and digital skills, including the ability to manage a varied caseload, keep high-quality records and evaluate impact.
• A solution-focused commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, together with the willingness and ability to travel throughout Surrey.

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and answer the following four questions:

• Please describe your experience of supporting young children with EAL and explain how your practice improved their inclusion, progress or participation.
• Give an example of how you used assessment and professional judgement to understand a child's strengths and needs, particularly where language acquisition and possible SEND needed careful consideration.
• Tell us about a time when you advised, coached or trained Early Years practitioners or other professionals. How did you evaluate the impact?
• This role involves independent case management alongside close partnership working. How do you prioritise competing demands, maintain accurate records and build effective relationships?

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 1st November with interviews planned to follow. We will interview candidates on a rolling basis and therefore encourage an early application.

Contact Us

Please contact us if you would like an informal discussion about the role, flexible working, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Angela Thomas, REMA Lead Teacher, via email at View email address on surreycc.gov.uk . 

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. 

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.