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- Tasks: Lead and develop a new Alternative Provision for children and young people in Barnsley.
- Company: Reeson Education, a values-driven organisation focused on inclusive education.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £40,000, 30 days leave, gym membership, and flexible working.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team committed to inclusion and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape impactful educational pathways and create meaningful change for vulnerable learners.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in SEND or Alternative Provision settings and strong operational skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 46000 £ per year.
Are you an ambitious and values-driven leader with a passion for inclusive education and alternative provision? Reeson Education are proud to be supporting a brand new Alternative Provision setting in the recruitment of an exceptional Head of Alternative Provision to lead, develop, and grow a high-quality provision for children and young people across Barnsley. This is not a standard leadership role. This is a unique opportunity to shape provision from the ground up, combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational delivery. You will oversee existing provision while driving the development of new pathways for learners with SEND, SEMH needs, and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). If you are passionate about creating meaningful change and building an inclusive environment where young people can thrive, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
About the Provision
Our approach is built around strong relational practice, nurture, and high-quality support for vulnerable learners. We are committed to:
- Small group teaching with no more than 12 learners per class, and a maximum of 10 within primary provision
- High staff-to-student ratios to ensure personalised support and meaningful relationships
- A trauma-informed and nurturing environment where pupils feel safe, understood, and valued
- Prioritising staff wellbeing as a key driver of positive student outcomes
- Creating inclusive pathways that support academic, emotional, and personal development
The Role of Head of Alternative Provision
As Head of Alternative Provision, you will play a central role in shaping strategy, driving quality, and building sustainable provision that meets the needs of young people with additional barriers to learning.
Key Responsibilities as Head of Alternative Provision:
- Lead the strategic development and growth of alternative provision across multiple sites
- Design and launch new SEND and Alternative Provision pathways
- Oversee the quality of education, behaviour, safeguarding, and learner outcomes
- Lead, develop, and support teaching and pastoral teams
- Create personalised, trauma-informed approaches to learning and behaviour support
- Develop strong partnerships with Local Authorities, schools, families, and external agencies
- Ensure high-quality provision for students with SEND, SEMH needs, and EHCPs
- Drive a culture of inclusion, accountability, and aspirational outcomes
What We're Looking For
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Proven leadership experience within SEND, SEMH, or Alternative Provision settings
- Strong understanding of EHCP processes and supporting learners with complex needs
- A track record of improving outcomes for vulnerable or disengaged young people
- Experience developing provision, implementing new initiatives, or leading change
- Strong operational leadership alongside strategic vision
- Resilience, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to inclusive practice
- The ability to inspire staff teams and build strong professional relationships
What We Offer
Head of Alternative Provision Salary & Bonus
- Starting salary of £40,000
- Performance-based annual bonus of up to 10-15% linked to KPIs and growth milestones
Head of Alternative Provision Annual Leave & Wellbeing
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Birthday Day off
- Gym membership
- Pension contribution
- Flexible working arrangements where operationally possible
Career Progression as a Head of Alternative Provision
- Clear progression pathway into Senior and Executive Leadership roles
- The opportunity to grow alongside an expanding provision
Professional Development
- Funded CPD and leadership development opportunities
- Specialist SEND and Alternative Provision training
- The opportunity to shape innovative and impactful practice across the organisation
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to:
- Build and lead a flagship Alternative Provision model
- Have genuine influence over provision strategy and organisational growth
- Create lasting and meaningful change for children and young people
- Be part of a forward-thinking and values-led organisation committed to inclusion
Application Process
If you are ready to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in Alternative Provision, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your up-to-date CV, including clear reference contacts, along with a cover letter evidencing how you meet the criteria for this role.
Head of Alternative Provision in Barnsley employer: REESON Education
Contact Detail:
REESON Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Alternative Provision in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in alternative provision. Attend local events or webinars to meet potential collaborators and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your vision for inclusive education. Talk about how you can create meaningful change and build strong relationships with students and staff.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully led teams or implemented new initiatives. Use specific examples that highlight your operational leadership and strategic vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our mission to support vulnerable learners and create an inclusive environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Alternative Provision in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Alternative Provision role. Highlight your leadership experience in SEND and SEMH settings, and don’t forget to showcase any initiatives you've led that improved outcomes for vulnerable learners.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your values align with our commitment to inclusive education. Share specific examples of how you've created meaningful change in previous roles.
Showcase Your Strategic Vision: In your application, demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational leadership skills. We want to see how you plan to develop and grow alternative provision while ensuring high-quality support for all learners.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead and innovate in alternative provision.
How to prepare for a job interview at REESON Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of SEND, SEMH, and EHCP processes. Brush up on your knowledge about alternative provision settings and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusion
Demonstrate your commitment to inclusive education during the interview. Share examples of how you've created supportive environments for vulnerable learners and how you plan to implement similar strategies in this new role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as developing new pathways for learners or managing a crisis in a classroom. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses to showcase your strategic and operational leadership skills.
✨Build Connections
Highlight your ability to forge strong partnerships with local authorities, families, and external agencies. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in the past to improve outcomes for students, as this is crucial for the role.