About the role
We are seeking a committed, resilient and confident Deputy Lead of Provision to support the effective day-to-day running of our alternative provision.
This is a full-time, permanent, term-time-only position, working 40 weeks of the year.
The successful candidate will work with some of the most vulnerable young people in the area, including pupils who may display highly challenging and complex behaviours. Some pupils may have experienced trauma, disrupted education, exclusion or significant social, emotional and mental health needs.
This is a demanding but highly rewarding position. You will need to remain calm under pressure, establish clear and consistent boundaries, and build positive relationships with young people who may find it difficult to engage with education or trust adults.
This is a key leadership position with responsibility for behaviour, attendance, curriculum delivery, safeguarding, staffing and the overall operation of the site. You will work closely with the Head of Provision to create a safe, structured and engaging environment where pupils can rebuild confidence, develop positive behaviours and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Key responsibilities
- Support the Head of Provision with the safe and effective day-to-day management of the site.
- Take responsibility for running the site in the absence of the Head of Provision.
- Lead daily staff briefings and communicate operational, pupil and safeguarding priorities.
- Manage staff cover, rotas, deployment and pupil supervision.
- Oversee pupil behaviour systems and ensure expectations are applied consistently.
- Support pupils who may display highly challenging or complex behaviours.
- Support the delivery of effective pastoral care and targeted interventions.
- Monitor attendance and work with pupils, families, schools and other professionals to address concerns.
- Support the planning, coordination and delivery of an appropriate and engaging curriculum.
- Assist with the quality assurance of teaching, learning and interventions.
- Monitor pupil progress through observations, assessments, staff feedback and individual support plans.
- Support staff performance, wellbeing and professional development.
- Provide guidance, mentoring and constructive feedback to team members.
- Ensure resources, facilities and learning environments are safe, organised and appropriate.
- Contribute to policies, procedures and quality-improvement plans.
- Undertake the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead when the Head of Provision is absent.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure safeguarding concerns are reported and managed correctly.
Essential experience and qualities
The successful candidate must have:
- QTS or relevant leadership experience within an SEMH, alternative provision, SEND or similar educational setting.
- Direct experience of working with young people who display highly challenging or complex behaviours.
- Experience of supporting vulnerable children or young people with additional or complex needs.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding and child-protection responsibilities.
- Experience of managing behaviour and establishing positive, consistent learning environments.
- The ability to manage incidents involving dysregulation, verbal aggression, physical aggression or refusal to engage.
- Emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm, professional and consistent under pressure.
- An understanding of trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches.
- Strong organisational and people-management skills.
- The confidence to lead staff and take responsibility for the site when required.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with pupils, families, schools and professionals.
- The ability to balance clear boundaries and high expectations with empathy and understanding.
- A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people who have experienced barriers within mainstream education.
- A willingness to undertake approved positive-handling and safeguarding training.
Desirable experience
- Previous experience in a deputy, supervisory or management position.
- Experience of curriculum coordination, pastoral leadership or quality assurance.
- Previous experience working as a DSL or Deputy DSL.
- Current safeguarding leadership training.
- Team Teach, PRICE, MAPA or equivalent positive-behaviour-support training.
- Knowledge of attendance procedures and alternative provision standards.
What we offer
- A meaningful leadership role where you can make a genuine difference.
- A permanent, term-time-only contract covering 40 weeks per year.
- The opportunity to help shape and develop a growing provision.
- A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
- Ongoing training and professional-development opportunities.
- A positive working environment focused on relationships, inclusion and improved outcomes.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to safer-recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, identity and right-to-work checks, and any other checks required for the role.
Pay: £26,500.00-£28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Profit sharing
Work Location: In person
