Alternative Provision Lead

How you'll make a differenceJoin a service focused on improving inclusion and outcomes for children and young people who face barriers to education. As the Alternative Provision (AP) lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening South Gloucestershire's AP system, providing strategic leadership to ensure children and young people receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time. Through a focus on early intervention, quality assurance and effective partnership working, you will help develop a sustainable AP offer that promotes engagement, successful reintegration and positive long-term outcomes.Working closely with schools, trusts and partners, you will ensure AP is used appropriately, lawfully and as part of a graduated approach to inclusion. What you will be doingIt will be your responsibility to provide strategic leadership and direction for AP, ensuring children and young people who are unable to access mainstream education full time receive high-quality, inclusive and effective support that improvements outcomes and promotes participation in education.Using your expertise, you will lead the development and implementation of the council's AP Strategy, driving a coordinated and sustainable approach that reflects local needs, statutory requirements and best practice. Overseeing governance, commissioning, quality assurance and placement arrangements, you will ensure AP is delivered effectively, represents value for money and achieves positive outcomes for children and young people. To support those at risk of exclusion or unable to attend school, you will chair and coordinate multi-agency meetings and processes, bringing together education, health, social care and other partners to identify solutions and agree appropriate support. You will ensure AP is safe, high quality and outcome focused, promoting successful reintegration into mainstream education where appropriate and ensuring placements are regularly reviewed and monitored. Providing professional leadership, support and challenge to schools and partners, you will promote the effective, lawful and appropriate use of AP as part of a graduated approach to inclusion. Using performance data, stakeholder feedback and evidence of impact, you will drive continuous improvement, evaluating provision, identifying emerging needs and informing strategic decision-making across the local area partnership. What we need from youIt is essential that you hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a degree-level qualification.You must have substantial leadership experience within education, inclusion, SEND, safeguarding or commissioning environments.We require you to have a strong understanding of AP, Section 19 duties and SEND legislation.You will have experience of leading service improvement, quality assurance or commissioning activity, particularly in services supporting vulnerable children and young people.We are looking for someone who can build effective partnerships and influence stakeholders, with the ability to work collaboratively with schools, trusts and partner organisations to achieve shared objectives. Demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusive education, you will combine strategic thinking with a focus on delivery, measurable impact and continuous improvement.A postgraduate qualification and experience of leading AP, SEND reform or inclusion programmes within a local authority or multi-academy trust would be desirable.What you need to knowPlease note that due to the nature of this role, it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained. Interviews are likely to be held on 26th & 27th October 2026. How a career at South Gloucestershire Council is differentAs part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and you will have access to a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities.  We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities. If you want to develop a specialism, you’ll get the support you need and your cases will be aligned with your areas of expertise. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Ensuring all our staff are given right skills, knowledge and support to recognise and respond effectively to potential abuse or neglect. Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here. We're building and shaping communities which people are proud of. We're working with the most vulnerable in our community to help them achieve what they want in life. We're investing in our schools to ensure every child and young person in South Gloucestershire achieves their full potential. We've achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference. We’re making a difference, be part of it! To view the full job description, please click this link: AP Lead - Job Description

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