Alternative Provision Operational Lead

Ackerman Pierce Ltd; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local education authority is looking for an Alternative Provision Operational Lead to manage the implementation and oversight of services that ensure high-quality education and outcomes for children unable to access mainstream education. The role requires significant experience in education or SEND, as well as strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in education, social care, or a related field.
• Evidence of continuous professional development in leadership or SEND.
• Experience of partnership working with schools and families.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of the Alternative Provision strategy.
• Oversee referrals and placements of children in Alternative Provision.
• Work with schools and multi-agency teams for coordinated support.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Data analysis

Negotiation skills

Project management

Education

Degree in education or social care

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Alternative Provision Operational Lead. Service: Education and SEND Service. Reports to: Service Manager (Education Inclusion / SEND). Working Arrangements: Predominantly Remote, Occasional Onsite Working.

To lead, develop, and manage the Local Authority's strategy, systems, and processes for Alternative Provision (AP), ensuring high-quality education and outcomes for children and young people who cannot access mainstream education. To oversee commissioning, quality assurance, and monitoring of AP providers, ensuring they meet statutory requirements and deliver inclusive, safe, and effective provision. To work collaboratively with schools, families, providers, and multi-agency partners to ensure early intervention, effective placement, and smooth reintegration into education. To contribute to the Local Authority's statutory duties in relation to education, SEND, and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership — Lead on the development, implementation, and monitoring of the LA\'s Alternative Provision strategy in line with statutory requirements and local priorities; support the Service Manager in shaping policy, procedures, and commissioning arrangements for AP, ensuring value for money and high-quality outcomes; provide expert advice and guidance to schools, colleagues, and partners regarding AP pathways and statutory responsibilities.
• Operational Management — Oversee day-to-day management of referrals, placements, and monitoring of children and young people in AP; manage and quality-assure contracts, service level agreements, and provider relationships; ensure compliance with Ofsted, DfE, and safeguarding expectations; monitor attendance, attainment, progress, and reintegration of pupils accessing AP, identifying trends and reporting on impact.
• Partnership & Collaboration — Work closely with schools, academies, colleges, providers, and social care to ensure coordinated support for children and young people; build positive relationships with parents/carers and young people to ensure that their voice informs provision and planning; develop multi-agency approaches to support vulnerable learners and reduce exclusions.
• Data & Reporting — Maintain robust systems for data collection, analysis, and reporting on AP usage, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness; prepare reports and briefings for senior managers, elected members, and external agencies.
• Safeguarding & Inclusion — Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are embedded across all AP commissioning and monitoring activities; promote inclusion, equity, and access to education for all children, particularly those with SEND or facing additional vulnerabilities.

Person Specification

• Degree-level qualification in education, social care, or a related field (essential).
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent education-related qualification (desirable).
• Evidence of continuous professional development in leadership, safeguarding, or SEND (essential).
• Substantial experience working within education, SEND, or inclusion services (essential).
• Proven track record of managing or commissioning alternative provision, PRUs, or specialist services (essential).
• Experience of partnership working with schools, multi-agency teams, and families (essential).
• Experience of managing budgets, contracts, and service level agreements (desirable).
• Experience of using data to evaluate impact and drive service improvement (essential).
• Strong knowledge of legislation, statutory guidance, and policy relating to Alternative Provision, SEND, exclusions, and safeguarding (essential).
• Understanding of effective practice in inclusive education and reintegration (essential).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills with a range of stakeholders (essential).
• Ability to analyse complex information and produce clear, concise reports for different audiences (essential).
• Strong organisational and project management skills (essential).