Summary

This 4-month contract with a local authority aims to lead the strategic development and transformation of the Council’s Alternative Provision (AP) services, in alignment with the SEND & AP Change Programme. The role is pivotal in creating a sustainable, inclusive education system through effective planning, commissioning, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

Review the current state of the council’s alternative provision and wider SEND services using the 3-tier model framework.
Develop a strategic plan to implement a sustainable 3-tier AP service.
Contribute to the creation of the Local Area Inclusion Plan (LAIP) and use it to forecast multi-year demand for AP.
Engage with education providers and settings to identify how demand can be effectively met.
Promote early and accurate identification of needs to support inclusion.
Advise on strategic and individual commissioning of services, ensuring changes support inclusive mainstream education.
Design and implement tools to monitor the impact and effectiveness of AP services.
Lead the development of strategy for Appropriate and Alternative Provision.

Essential Experience Required

Proven ability to promote inclusive education and engage stakeholders effectively.
Strong leadership skills with experience in driving cultural and mindset change.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills across diverse stakeholder groups.
In-depth knowledge of appropriate and alternative provision and inclusive education practices.
Understanding of service commissioning within education or public sector.
Reflective practitioner with a strategic mindset.
Familiarity with the SEND & AP Change Programme and its implementation.

Essential Qualification Required

Degree-level qualification in Education, Social Work, Public Policy, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Postgraduate qualification or professional certification in SEND, Inclusion, or Educational Leadership is desirable.

Additional Information

Strategic Consultant Alternative Povision