Dale Futures CIC Alternative Provision Lead
Start Date: September 2026
Salary
Competitive (dependent on experience)
Contract
Full Time, Permanent
Location
Dale Futures CIC, Rochdale
About Dale Futures
Dale Futures CIC is an innovative Alternative Provision committed to reducing suspensions and exclusions through early intervention, high expectations, personalised support, and successful reintegration pathways.
We work with young people who face barriers to education and help them rebuild confidence, engagement, attendance, behaviour, and aspirations.
Our mission is simple:
Every young person deserves a chance to succeed.
Role Purpose
The Alternative Provision Lead will provide strategic and operational leadership across Dale Futures, ensuring outstanding provision for young people who are at risk of exclusion, disengagement, or poor educational outcomes.
The successful candidate will lead teaching and learning, behaviour, safeguarding practice, curriculum development, quality assurance, staff development, and reintegration pathways.
They will play a key role in developing Dale Futures as a centre of excellence for Alternative Provision across Rochdale and Greater Manchester.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Management
- Lead the day-to-day operation of Dale Futures.
- Support the Director in delivering the strategic vision of the organisation.
- Develop systems that ensure high standards of behaviour, attendance, safeguarding and achievement.
- Create a culture of accountability, ambition and continuous improvement.
- Lead staff meetings, training and professional development activities.
- Line manages teaching and support staff.
- Contribute to business development and partnership opportunities.
Teaching and Learning
- Lead and monitor the quality of education across the provision.
- Ensure lessons are engaging, ambitious and tailored to individual needs.
- Drive improvement in literacy, numeracy and employability skills.
- Monitor pupil progress and intervene where progress is not sufficient.
- Develop personalised learning pathways for all pupils.
- Lead curriculum planning and quality assurance processes.
- Maintain high expectations for all learners regardless of starting point.
Behaviour and Inclusion
- Lead the implementation of trauma-informed and relational practice.
- Develop effective behaviour support strategies.
- Support pupils to regulate behaviour and engage positively with education.
- Monitor behaviour data and identify trends.
- Work proactively to prevent permanent exclusions.
- Lead reintegration planning with mainstream schools.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
- Promote a strong safeguarding culture across the provision.
- Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead where required.
- Ensure all safeguarding procedures are followed consistently.
- Champion pupil wellbeing and mental health support.
- Maintain strong links with external agencies.
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build positive relationships with schools, families and external agencies.
- Attend multi-agency meetings and professional reviews.
- Develop referral pathways with schools and local authorities.
- Act as an ambassador for Dale Futures within the local community.
- Strengthen partnerships that improve opportunities and outcomes for young people.
Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Support preparation for Ofsted and inspection.
- Monitor compliance with independent school standards and AP requirements.
- Lead self-evaluation and improvement planning processes.
- Maintain accurate records and reporting systems.
- Ensure policies are implemented consistently.
What We Are Looking ForEssential
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Degree qualification
- Senior or middle leadership experience
- Significant experience working with vulnerable or disengaged learners
- Experience of behaviour leadership, inclusion or alternative provision
- Strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities
- Experience leading and developing staff
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Ability to build positive relationships with young people and families
- Commitment to inclusion and raising aspirations
Desirable
- SENCO qualification or SEND experience
- Experience within Alternative Provision, PRU or Specialist Settings
- Experience preparing for Ofsted inspections
- Experience working with Local Authorities and external agencies
- Leadership qualification (NPQSL, NPQH or equivalent)
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who:
- Believes every young person can succeed.
- Leads with integrity and compassion.
- Has high expectations and strong professional standards.
- Can inspire and motivate both pupils and staff.
- Is resilient, adaptable and solution-focused.
- Can balance support with accountability.
- Shares our commitment to reducing exclusions and improving life chances.
Why Join Dale Futures?
- Opportunity to shape a growing Alternative Provision from the ground up.
- Influence strategic development across Rochdale.
- Work with passionate staff committed to changing lives.
- Genuine opportunity for progression as the organisation grows.
- Make a measurable impact on some of the borough's most vulnerable young people.
Application Deadline: Friday 24 July 2026
Interview Date: TBC
Start Date: September 2026
To Apply: Please submit a completed application form and supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee mentoring programme
- On-site parking
- Transport links
Work Location: In person
