Taskforce Manager - Alternative Provision Specialist

Barnet Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnet Education and Learning Service invites applications for roles within the Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforces (APST) across the Local Authority. APST creates multi-disciplinary teams delivering rapid, responsive support to children in AP or at risk of exclusion.

The post holder will join a collaborative, high‑calibre team working with PRUs, schools and the wider Local Area SEND network to address SEN, wellbeing, behaviour and safeguarding needs.

Job description

Job Description

Since November 2021, Alternative Provisions in 22 LAs have successfully piloted the Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforces (APST) model (including within local authority-maintained Pupil Referral Units, AP Academies and AP Free Schools, and increasingly within mainstream schools as well). APST has been seen as transformative for schools involved in the pilot, enabling rapid, early and appropriate intervention, enhancing wider practice in school/s, and driving improved education (and safeguarding) outcomes for children and young people. APST is a workforce model, which builds capacity and capabilities to deliver rapid, responsive understanding of need and intervention for children. Taskforces are multi-disciplinary teams providing cohesive, holistic support to children, young people and their families who are either in AP or on the cusp of exclusion or suspension from mainstream school. Barnet already have elements of APST within the borough, but we will be enhancing existing arrangements by having specialist professionals working as one multi-disciplinary team, working in schools, PRUs and as part of the Barnet Local Inclusion Support Offer. The aim is to holistically address the range of challenges children and young people are experiencing to help them re-engage with education, remain safe, and succeed and thrive at school (AP and mainstream) and when they leave. This includes appropriate understanding and support for SEN needs, intervention to address mental wellbeing, regulation and behaviour, and safeguarding needs within or outside the home. APST teams work by providing direct support to children and families, responsively sharing information, delivering training and advice to schools, and embedding practice within the whole school.

The post holder will report to Head of Specialist Inclusion Service, and work together with the APST, Multi-Disciplinary Teams at the PRUs, schools, settings and the wider professional network across the Local Area SEND and AP system.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic, friendly and supportive team that are dedicated to providing a high-quality service to schools and settings. Successful candidates will be joining a creative and highly skilled team that is well-regarded and valued by schools and services across Barnet. You will benefit from a supportive senior leadership team committed to promoting the wellbeing of staff and work-life balance, ongoing training and development.

Closing date for applications: 14/10/2026 - 12PM Noon

Barnet Education and Learning Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) with barred list check is required for all successful applicants. In addition, if this post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations, the successful applicant will be required to declare.

We are committed to practising in ways that are equitable, anti-racist and culturally responsive and we welcome candidates who share this commitment. We have developed an equity and anti-racism policy which outlines our values and actions in this area including ongoing CPD and offering support to our school community. Recruitment of a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve is part of our ongoing commitment and is embedded in this policy and therefore, we welcome applicants who are underrepresented in our profession.

Interview date: 20/10/2026