At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve alternative education provisions for vulnerable learners in Cumbria.
- Company: Cumberland Council, committed to inclusive education and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and the chance to shape local education.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families through impactful leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or alternative provision with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 52413 £ per year.
Cumberland Council is seeking an Alternative Provision Lead to drive our vision for inclusive education and excellence in alternative provision.
Salary: £51,356 to £52,413 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Cumbria House, Carlisle
Contract: Fixed term (2 years)
Why this role matters
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on improving the quality, consistency and outcomes of alternative provision across the local area. You will shape how we support some of our most vulnerable learners, ensuring services are effective, compliant and ambitious.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the monitoring and evaluation of alternative provision settings
- Driving quality assurance frameworks and continuous improvement
- Using data and intelligence to improve outcomes and performance
- Providing expert advice to schools, services and partners
- Leading engagement with schools, providers, families and multi‑agency partners
- Reporting on performance, risks and development to senior leaders
What We’re Looking For
- Significant experience within education, SEND or alternative provision
- Demonstrated impact in improving provision quality or outcomes
- Strong analytical, leadership and influencing skills
- Thrives in complex, multi‑agency environments
- Committed to inclusion, equity and high aspirations for all learners
What You’ll Gain
- The opportunity to shape the future of alternative provision locally
- A visible leadership role influencing strategy and delivery
- The chance to work with committed partners across the system
- A rewarding role with real impact for children and families
Why join us?
- Outstanding quality of life in Cumbria, surrounded by stunning landscapes
- Supportive environment that values collaboration, compassion and innovation
Contact
For more information or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Natalie Bevan by email at natalie.bevan@cumbria.gov.uk.
DBS Checks
This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is an Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s & Adults Barred List check.
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets)
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview Information
Closing date: 12/06/2026
Interview date: TBC
Closing Information
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Alternative Provision Lead - CMB2537e in Carlisle employer: Cumberland Council
Cumberland Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and shape inclusive education for vulnerable learners in the picturesque setting of Cumbria. With a strong commitment to collaboration, compassion, and innovation, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values professional growth and impactful contributions to the community. Join us to make a real difference while enjoying an outstanding quality of life surrounded by stunning landscapes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Alternative Provision Lead - CMB2537e in Carlisle
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education and alternative provision. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on roles that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Cumberland Council's vision for inclusive education and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven quality and improved outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for inclusion! During interviews, highlight your commitment to supporting vulnerable learners and how you’ve successfully engaged with multi-agency partners in the past. This will demonstrate that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely invested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, if you meet the essential criteria, you could be guaranteed an interview. So, what are you waiting for? Get that application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Alternative Provision Lead - CMB2537e in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Alternative Provision Lead. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific examples where you've made a difference in education or alternative provision. We want to see how you've driven quality and improved outcomes for learners.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of alternative provision and inclusive education. Brush up on current trends, policies, and frameworks that impact the role. This will not only show your passion but also your commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in complex, multi-agency environments. Think about times when you've driven quality assurance or led teams to improve educational outcomes. Be ready to discuss how you can influence strategy and delivery effectively.
✨Data is Your Friend
Since this role involves using data to drive improvements, come prepared with examples of how you’ve used data analysis in previous roles. Discuss specific metrics you’ve tracked and how they informed your decisions. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and your ability to enhance performance.
✨Engage with Empathy
This position requires a strong commitment to inclusion and equity. Be ready to talk about how you’ve engaged with schools, families, and multi-agency partners in the past. Show your understanding of their needs and how you can foster collaboration to support all learners effectively.
