Strategic Lead for Alternative Provision & Inclusion

Rochdale Council; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Rochdale is seeking a Strategic Lead for Alternative Provision and Inclusion to enhance educational outcomes for vulnerable children. The role involves leading significant projects, fostering partnerships, and implementing best practices across schools. An inspiring leader with experience in children's services and a strong vision for inclusion is essential. This position offers a chance to influence education and inclusivity within the community on a fixed-term contract.

Benefits

Casual car allowance

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Experience in improving outcomes for vulnerable pupils.
• Strong leadership skills in children’s services.
• Ability to create a compelling vision for inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Fair Access and AP functions.
• Strengthen inclusive practice across schools.
• Drive system-wide improvement for vulnerable children.

Skills

Leadership in children's services

Partnership working

Data-informed improvement

Education

Qualified to meet specification criteria

Job description

Strategic Lead for Alternative Provision and Inclusion (2Year Fixed Term)

About the Role

We’re looking for an inspiring, valuesdriven leader to drive forward inclusion and alternative provision across Rochdale on a 2year fixedterm contract. As major legislative changes approach, this temporary role will give us the agility to evolve and strengthen the service in line with forthcoming reforms. In this strategic role, you will lead our Fair Access and AP functions, strengthen inclusive practice across schools, and drive systemwide improvement for vulnerable children and young people. You will influence practice, lead highimpact projects, and champion better outcomes across the borough.

About You

You will bring deep experience of improving outcomes for vulnerable pupils, strong leadership in children’s services, and a clear, compelling vision for inclusion and Alternative Provision. You excel in partnership working, datainformed improvement, and building positive relationships with schools, families and multiagency partners. You embody our Proud, Passionate and Pioneering values in everything you do.

About Us

Rochdale Borough Council is committed to improving the life chances of all children and young people. You’ll join a supportive, ambitious Schools and Inclusion Service working collaboratively with schools, social care, SEND, Early Help, health partners and AP providers. We offer a culture of learning, strong professional networks, and the opportunity to influence boroughwide change. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects staff to share this commitment.

Further Information

• Grade : Soulbury 811 + 3 SPA points
• Hours : 37 per week
• DBS : Enhanced with barred list (Child Workforce)
• Application Type : To apply for this job role please complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the specification criteria of the job role. You must meet all essential criteria to be shortlisted. (CV's are acceptable for this job role)
• Casual car allowance

If you’re passionate about inclusive education and committed to improving outcomes for all children and young people, we want to hear from you.

To apply please demonstrate how you meet the 5 essential requirements of the person specification

Please include reference to your qualification that are specified within your application.

Shortlisting Date : Monday 26th January 2026 9am

Interview Date : Thursday 5th February

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.