Program Development and Delivery:
The Alternative Provision Manager will lead and develop the school's on-site alternative provision (AP) offer, delivering high-quality, tailored education for students requiring short-term (e.g., 6-12 week behaviour modification programs) and long-term placements due to social, emotional, mental health (SEMH) needs, risk of exclusion, or other barriers to mainstream education (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, or emotionally based school avoidance). The role ensures personalised learning pathways that promote engagement, attendance, and progress, aligning with the school's inclusion ethos, statutory requirements, and Ofsted standards for vulnerable learners.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee on-site AP programs, including short-term interventions (e.g., behaviour-focused courses) and long-term placements for KS3/KS4 students unable to access mainstream classes.
* Support the delivery (in cohesion with a multi-disciplinary team) a tailored curriculum covering core subjects (English, Maths, PSHE/SRE) and, where appropriate, vocational or therapeutic elements, ensuring accessibility for diverse needs.
* Create individualized education plans (IEPs) based on student referrals, incorporating input from SENCOs, pastoral teams, and external agencies (e.g., CAMHS).
Student Support and Transition:
* Assess student needs through observations, referrals, and risk assessments to determine suitability for short- or long-term AP placement.
* Support reintegration into mainstream classes or transitions to external provisions (e.g., PRUs or colleges) with clear, staged plans.
* Provide crisis intervention, on-call support, and signposting to specialised services (e.g., counselling for trauma, abuse, or mental health).
Team Leadership:
* Manage a dedicated AP team, including teaching assistants, higher-level teaching assistants (HLTAs), and specialist staff (e.g., teachers, SEMH mentors or therapists).
* Provide training, supervision, and performance management to ensure high-quality delivery of interventions and curriculum.
Quality Assurance and Monitoring:
* Evaluate the effectiveness of on-site AP through data tracking (e.g., attendance, behaviour incidents, academic progress) using school MIS systems (e.g., SIMS).
* Ensure compliance with statutory guidance (e.g., Education Act 2002, DfE's Alternative Provision guidance) and safeguarding protocols.
* Report to senior leadership and governors on AP outcomes, including preparation for Ofsted inspections.
Stakeholder Engagement:
* Work closely with parents, carers, and external agencies (e.g., local authority, schools) to support student progress and wellbeing.
* Collaborate with teaching staff to align AP with the school's broader curriculum and ethos.
* Contribute to whole-school training on inclusion and SEMH strategies.
Safeguarding and Inclusion:
* Uphold child protection policies, ensuring all AP activities prioritize student safety and mental health.
* Promote an inclusive environment, accommodating students with SEND and diverse backgrounds.
Administrative Duties:
* Maintain accurate records of student progress, incidents, and interventions.
* Manage the AP hub's staff, resources, and timetabling to optimise provision delivery.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* Demonstrable experience in SEMH support, behaviour management, or alternative provision within a school setting.
* Knowledge of statutory requirements for alternative provision and inclusion (e.g., DfE guidance, SEND Code of Practice).
Desirable:
* Leadership qualification.
* Training in therapeutic approaches, youth work, or SEND coordination.
* Experience managing on-site provisions or small teams in an educational context.
Skills and Competencies
* Strong interpersonal skills to build trust with disengaged students, parents, and staff.
* Creative and flexible approach to curriculum, tailoring content for diverse learners (e.g., hands-on activities, therapeutic sessions).
* Analytical skills to track and interpret data on student outcomes (e.g., using Excel or MIS systems).
* Resilience and empathy in managing challenging behaviours and high-pressure situations.
* Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring all students thrive.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £22,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person