Strategic Lead, Alternative Provision & Inclusion

South Gloucestershire Council; West of England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Wellbeing support

Staff discounts

Job summary

South Gloucestershire Council seeks an experienced lead officer for Alternative Provision (AP) to shape the strategic development, quality assurance and operational oversight of a coherent AP system. The role focuses on early intervention, reintegration and positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

Working with schools, health partners and SEND services, you will ensure AP is used effectively, lawfully and as part of a graduated approach to inclusion, chair multi-agency

Qualifications

• Essential you hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a degree-level qualification.
• Substantial leadership experience within education, inclusion, SEND, safeguarding or commissioning.
• Strong understanding of AP, Section 19 duties and SEND legislation.
• Experience leading improvement, quality assurance or commissioning for vulnerable children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction to ensure high-quality, inclusive support for those who cannot access mainstream education full time.
• Develop and implement South Gloucestershire's AP Strategy.
• Lead governance, commissioning, quality assurance and placement oversight.
• Chair and coordinate multi-agency processes to support those at risk of exclusion or unable to attend school.
• Ensure AP is safe, high quality, and supports reintegration where appropriate.
• Provide professional leadership and challenge to schools and partners on AP use.
• Use performance data and stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement and inform strategy.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic thinking

Partnership development

Influencing practice

Delivery focus

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Degree-level qualification

Postgraduate qualification in AP/SEND (desirable)

Job description

South Gloucestershire Council seeks an experienced lead officer for Alternative Provision (AP) to shape the strategic development, quality assurance and operational oversight of a coherent AP system. The role focuses on early intervention, reintegration and positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

Working with schools, health partners and SEND services, you will ensure AP is used effectively, lawfully and as part of a graduated approach to inclusion, chair multi-agency