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- Tasks: Lead and oversee Alternative Provision, ensuring high-quality education and support for pupils.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving life chances for vulnerable students.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for impactful partnerships and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students needing alternative education.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and substantial leadership experience in education required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Role Purpose
To provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of Alternative Provision (AP), ensuring high-quality education, safeguarding, therapeutic support, and measurable outcomes for pupils who require education outside mainstream settings. The Director will ensure the provision is compliant, financially sustainable, trauma-informed, and relentlessly focused on improving life chances.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement the long-term vision and strategy for Alternative Provision.
- Ensure alignment with statutory frameworks (DfE guidance, Ofsted framework, SEND Code of Practice, safeguarding legislation).
- Lead continuous improvement planning and quality assurance processes.
- Build a culture of high expectations, accountability, and compassion.
- Safeguarding & Compliance
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or oversee DSL function.
- Ensure compliance with all safeguarding, health & safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain readiness for inspection (Ofsted or relevant regulatory body).
- Oversee risk management systems and incident reporting.
- Educational Quality
- Oversee curriculum design that is flexible, inclusive, and responsive to SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs.
- Ensure robust assessment, tracking, and progress monitoring systems.
- Monitor teaching quality and lead performance management.
- Ensure appropriate qualifications pathways (GCSEs, vocational, functional skills).
- SEND & Inclusion
- Ensure EHCP provision is delivered effectively.
- Work closely with Local Authorities, SEN teams, and external professionals.
- Oversee interventions for pupils with complex needs.
- Operational Management
- Lead and manage senior leaders and staff teams.
- Oversee staffing structure, recruitment, retention, and CPD.
- Manage budgets and ensure financial efficiency.
- Monitor pupil attendance, behaviour, and engagement.
- Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with Local Authorities, commissioners, schools, social care, and families.
- Represent the provision at strategic forums.
- Develop referral pathways and service agreements.
- Data & Impact
- Use data intelligently to drive improvement.
- Track outcomes including attendance, attainment, reintegration, qualifications, and post-16 destinations.
- Report to governors/trustees on performance and risk.
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent senior education experience.
- Substantial leadership experience within Alternative Provision, SEMH, or specialist education.
- Deep knowledge of safeguarding and SEND legislation.
- Experience managing budgets and leading multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed and restorative approaches.
Desirable
- NPQH or equivalent leadership qualification.
- Experience with Ofsted inspections at leadership level.
- Experience working with Local Authorities and commissioning frameworks.
Director of School Effectiveness employer: Acqhired
Contact Detail:
Acqhired Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of School Effectiveness
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in Alternative Provision. Attend relevant events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your achievements in strategic leadership and operational management. Use real examples of how you've improved educational outcomes or compliance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to appear. Reach out directly to schools or organisations that align with your values and vision for Alternative Provision. Express your interest and share how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of School Effectiveness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for improving educational outcomes shine through. We want to see how your vision aligns with our mission to provide high-quality education and support for pupils outside mainstream settings.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your leadership experience in Alternative Provision or similar settings. We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of SEMH needs and can demonstrate a track record of driving improvement and compliance.
Be Specific About Your Achievements: Use concrete examples to illustrate your successes in previous roles. Whether it’s improving attendance rates or leading a successful Ofsted inspection, we want to hear about the measurable impact you’ve made in your career.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acqhired
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding legislation, SEND frameworks, and trauma-informed practices. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in Alternative Provision or SEMH settings. Think about times when you’ve led teams, managed budgets, or implemented strategic changes. Be ready to discuss how you build a culture of high expectations and accountability.
✨Engage with Data
Since data-driven decision-making is crucial for this role, come prepared to discuss how you’ve used data to drive improvements in educational settings. Share specific metrics you’ve tracked and how they influenced your strategies for enhancing pupil outcomes.
✨Build Relationships
This position requires strong partnerships with various stakeholders. Think about your experiences working with Local Authorities, families, and other educational bodies. Be ready to share how you’ve built and maintained these relationships to support pupils effectively.