Deputy Manager - Alternative Provision in Ipswich

We are seeking an experienced and approachable operational leader to join Keys Engage as Deputy Manager. Reporting to the Service Lead, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the service. You will directly manage Progress Coordinators, provide operational oversight and performance support to Engage Mentors, and ensure learner journeys continue to progress positively. This role requires someone who can maintain strong operational oversight across a growing service, support staff performance, monitor quality and safeguarding standards, and work collaboratively with colleagues, families, schools, Local Authorities and other professionals., Operational Leadership

• Oversee the daily operation of the Engage service across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.
• Identify and resolve operational challenges including staffing pressures, capacity issues and delivery gaps.
• Ensure delivery remains aligned to the Engage trauma-informed and relational practice model.
• Monitor service performance and elevate significant concerns appropriately.

Learner Progress & Transitions

• Maintain oversight of learner progress through the Engage framework.
• Ensure learners are making meaningful progress and receiving the support they need.
• Support effective transition planning, helping learners move towards mainstream, specialist or alternative educational destinations.
• Ensure actions from reviews, meetings and commissioner discussions are followed through.

People Management

• Line manage Progress Coordinators through supervision, support and accountability.
• Conduct quality and performance reviews with Engage Mentors.
• Identify development needs and support continuous professional growth.
• Address performance concerns in line with organisational procedures.

Quality, Safeguarding & Compliance

• Ensure safeguarding, quality assurance and compliance systems are consistently implemented.
• Maintain high standards of documentation, reporting and record keeping.
• Monitor emerging safeguarding, risk and quality themes and ensure appropriate escalation.

Referrals & Capacity Planning

• Assess the operational feasibility of new referrals.
• Consider learner needs, risk, staffing availability, geography and service capacity.
• Provide recommendations regarding placement suitability and sustainability.

Partnership Working & Service Improvement

• Build strong professional relationships with Local Authorities, schools, families and partner agencies.
• Act as an operational point of contact for complex delivery issues.
• Contribute ideas and operational insight to support the continued development of Keys Engage., This is an exciting opportunity to take a key leadership role within a growing and innovative service that genuinely changes lives.

Working alongside the Service Lead, Progress Coordinators and Mentors, you'll help ensure children and young people receive the support they need to make meaningful progress and move towards successful educational futures. Most importantly, you'll be joining a team that believes every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive through strong relationships, personalised support and unwavering belief in their potential.Safeguarding Keys is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks and are expected to share this commitment.

You will have significant experience within alternative provision, SEND, specialist education, SEMH services or a related children's service, alongside experience of supervising or developing staff.

Requirements & Skills

• Managing staff, teams or service delivery.
• Supporting children and young people with complex needs.
• Working within safeguarding, risk management and quality assurance frameworks.
• Managing competing priorities across multiple learners, staff and locations.
• Working within multi-agency and commissioned services.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Using data and service information to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.
• Producing high-quality professional reports and records., Leadership or management qualification.
• Teaching qualification or relevant professional qualification.
• Experience of trauma-informed practice.
• Experience working with Local Authority commissioned services.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is

• Calm, resilient and solution-focused.
• Organised and able to maintain oversight across multiple priorities.
• Relational and supportive, while holding others accountable.
• Ethical, professional and decisive.
• Committed to high standards and continuous improvement.
• A positive team player who contributes to a strong organisational culture.