Provision Lead in Northampton

Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire

Start Date: September 2026

Contract: Full-Time | Permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Are you an inspirational leader with a passion for supporting young people with SEND and SEMH needs? Do you have the vision, drive, and expertise to lead a brand‑new Alternative Provision that transforms outcomes for learners who need a different pathway to succeed?

We are seeking a dedicated and forward‑thinking Provision Lead to launch and lead a newly developed ARP (Alternative Resource Provision) in Northampton, starting September 2026. This is a unique opportunity to shape and embed a specialist provision designed to support up to 30 students with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), anxiety‑related needs, and/or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Many learners may also be working with external agencies such as CAMHS or similar clinical services. This provision will support young people who are currently struggling to access mainstream education, providing a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where they can re‑engage with learning, rebuild confidence, and achieve aspirational social and academic outcomes.

About the Role

As Provision Lead, you will hold overall responsibility for the leadership, development, and day‑to‑day running of the ARP. You will be central to establishing a strong culture of consistency, care, and high expectations, ensuring every learner is supported to make meaningful progress. You will work closely with senior leaders, families, external agencies, and specialist services to ensure a fully coordinated approach to supporting vulnerable learners and improving long‑term outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the ARP team, including teaching and support staff
• Oversee the daily operation of the provision, ensuring structure, safety, and stability
• Design and deliver a personalised, inclusive curriculum tailored to individual learner needs
• Develop and implement strategies to improve engagement, attendance, behaviour, and progress
• Embed trauma‑informed, relational approaches to teaching and behaviour support
• Collaborate with external agencies including CAMHS, local authority teams, and social care
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of education, pastoral support, and student outcomes
• Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, SEND, and health & safety requirements
• Manage resources and staffing effectively to support the success of the provision
• Report on progress, impact, and outcomes to senior leaders and stakeholders

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven leadership experience within education, SEND, SEMH, or Alternative Provision settings
• Strong understanding of EBSA, anxiety‑related needs, ASC, and complex learner profiles
• A genuine commitment to inclusive education and improving life chances for vulnerable young people
• Experience leading teams, managing change, and driving improvement initiatives
• Excellent communication, organisation, and relationship‑building skills
• A calm, consistent, and relational leadership style
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, and external professionals
• Passionate about creating an environment where every young person can succeed

What We Offer

• A full‑time, permanent leadership role within a brand‑new ARP setting
• The opportunity to shape and establish a provision from its foundation
• Competitive salary reflective of experience and responsibility
• Strong support from senior leadership and wider network partners
• Ongoing professional development and leadership development opportunities
• A highly rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference in young people’s lives