Talent Connex | Multi skilled Agency Southbank | Waterloo Recruitment Specialists | Talent Connex Recruitment London

Job Description: Strategic Alternative Provision (AP) Commissioner Job Purpose The Strategic AP Commissioner will lead the planning, commissioning, and oversight of Alternative Provision across the local authority to ensure sufficiency, value for money, and improved outcomes for children and young people. The role will align with the SEND and AP Sufficiency Strategy and the Thriving Learners Strategy, ensuring AP is used effectively, sustainably, and as part of a wider inclusion system that prevents exclusion. The postholder will act as the strategic lead for AP for market shaping, commissioning, and quality assurance, providing oversight of spend from the High Needs Block (HNB) and ensuring robust financial governance. You will be required to undertake a comprehensive review of Alternative Provision (AP) demand, usage, and sufficiency to ensure the Local Authority meets its statutory obligations under the Education Act 1996 and the SEND Code of Practice. Key Responsibilities Strategic Planning and Sufficiency • More in-depth review of SEND and AP Sufficiency Strategy. • Analyse sufficiency needs across AP, identifying gaps, pressures, and emerging requirements. • Lead development of sustainable solutions beyond expanding places, including outreach and early intervention. • Evaluate how effectively current placements are utilized and the impact on student outcomes • Review the High Needs Block spend and procurement frameworks to ensure value for money Commissioning and Market Oversight • Review historical trends in permanent exclusions, suspensions, and medical referrals • Consult with Headteachers, SENDCOs, and the Local Authority’s Education Team to understand barriers to mainstream retention. • Identify gaps in the local AP market, specifically regarding SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) and primary-age provision, bench-marking with other boroughs • Understanding context in relation to statutory guidance and responsibilities. • Audit the referral and reintegration pathways to ensure students return to mainstream education whenever appropriate. Inclusion, Prevention and School Engagement • Work with mainstream schools to understand use of resource bases and their contribution to inclusion. • Assess school contributions to the Thriving Learners Strategy and lead a Year One impact audit. • Provide challenge and support to schools around behaviour, inclusion, and AP use. • Promote best practice in early intervention and exclusion prevention. Financial Governance and HNB Oversight • Evaluate financial implications of AP sufficiency decisions, including risks to the HNB and Safety Valve delivery. • Work with Finance to ensure school cashflows reflect commissioning decisions. Performance, Impact and Quality Assurance • Sufficiency & Gap Analysis Report: Highlighting "cold spots" in provision. • Strategic Commissioning Roadmap: Recommendations for future practice