Job Description

Provision Lead - Alternative Provision
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

Make a Meaningful Impact

This is a rare opportunity to lead a new specialist provision where your leadership will directly shape the experiences and outcomes of vulnerable learners. You will be instrumental in building a safe, ambitious, and nurturing environment where young people can re-engage with education and thrive.

If you are ready to take on this exciting leadership role in Northampton from September 2026, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to take the next step in your leadership career.