Alternative Provision Strategic Lead in London

Alternative Provision Strategic Lead in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives in Alternative Provision to support vulnerable children and prevent exclusions.
  • Company: Join Knowsley Council, an award-winning local authority committed to community impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and shape educational outcomes.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in education, strong commissioning, and performance management skills.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to fair employment and community growth.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are looking for driven and passionate people to work with us to deliver real benefits for our residents and businesses and become part of the Knowsley Journey.

Location: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Municipal Buildings, Hybrid Working

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time

Hours: 36 hours per week.

Closing Date: 03/05/2026 at 23:59

Reference: CVP 0585

Knowsley Council is an award‑winning Local Authority, named Local Authority of the Year in the Municipal Journal Awards 2024. We are an Accredited employer under the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter, demonstrating that we are committed to the principle of fair employment and we are dedicated to providing a healthy, fair, inclusive and just workplace.

Our local authority is in a strong financial position, with a balanced budget that ensures stability and growth. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a Senior Leadership Team committed to making a positive impact in our community.

Knowsley Council is seeking an experienced and committed leader to provide strategic leadership across Alternative Provision, including hospital education, short‑stay alternative provision and commissioned provision for pupils who are permanently excluded. The role plays a key part in fulfilling the Council’s statutory Section 19 duties (Education Act 1996) and improving outcomes for vulnerable children, with a strong focus on preventing exclusion, reducing time out of education and supporting pupils to reintegrate successfully into mainstream education wherever possible.

You will lead behaviour support and outreach, oversee the commissioning of the Pupil Referral Unit and other alternative provision, and ensure robust arrangements are in place that meet statutory requirements and deliver high‑quality outcomes. The role also includes leadership of the hospital education and home tuition service, and working closely with schools to address emotional barriers to school attendance as early and effectively as possible.

We are looking for a proven education and inclusion leader with strong commissioning, performance and financial management experience, able to operate confidently in a political environment and influence at senior level.

At Knowsley Council we will consider requests for flexible working. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, working from home, compressed hours, part‑time. You will be required to work from the office along with your teams on a hybrid basis.

We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief, or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.

Please note sponsorship is not available for this role. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applicants.

Alternative Provision Strategic Lead in London employer: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

Knowsley Council is an award-winning Local Authority that prioritises fair employment and inclusivity, making it an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong financial position and a commitment to employee growth, we offer flexible working arrangements and a supportive work culture that values diversity and collaboration. Join us in our mission to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and be part of a dedicated Senior Leadership Team driving positive change in Knowsley.
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

Contact Detail:

Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Alternative Provision Strategic Lead in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and how you can contribute to the Knowsley Journey. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your achievements and how they relate to the role of Alternative Provision Strategic Lead.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Knowsley Council.

We think you need these skills to ace Alternative Provision Strategic Lead in London

Strategic Leadership
Education and Inclusion Expertise
Commissioning Skills
Performance Management
Financial Management
Political Acumen
Influencing Skills
Behaviour Support
Outreach Coordination
Knowledge of Statutory Requirements
Emotional Support Strategies
Collaboration with Schools
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Alternative Provision Strategic Lead. We want to see how you can bring real benefits to our residents and businesses!

Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for education and inclusion shine through in your application. We’re looking for driven individuals who are committed to making a positive impact in our community, so don’t hold back!

Highlight Relevant Experience: Be sure to showcase your leadership experience, especially in commissioning and performance management. We want to know how you've successfully influenced at senior levels and tackled challenges in a political environment.

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Alternative Provision Strategic Lead. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around statutory duties and improving outcomes for vulnerable children. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for the position.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in education and inclusion leadership. Think about times when you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders or managed commissioning processes. This will demonstrate your capability to operate in a political environment and lead effectively.

✨Understand the Community Impact

Research Knowsley Council's initiatives and how they benefit the community. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals, particularly in preventing exclusions and supporting reintegration into mainstream education. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in making a difference.

✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions

Since the role offers hybrid working, think about how you can manage your time effectively in both office and remote settings. Be prepared to discuss your approach to flexible working and how it can enhance your productivity and team collaboration.

Alternative Provision Strategic Lead in London
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Location: London

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