2-3 month contract role with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
The Commissioning Project Manager (Strategic Alternative Provision Commissioner) will lead the strategic planning commissioning and oversight of Alternative Provision (AP) across the London Borough of Haringey within Childrens Services.
The postholder will ensure sufficiency value for money and improved outcomes for children and young people requiring Alternative Provision aligning delivery with the SEND and AP Sufficiency Strategy and the Thriving Learners Strategy.
The role will provide strategic leadership for AP market shaping quality assurance and High Needs Block (HNB) oversight ensuring statutory compliance under the Education Act 1996 and the SEND Code of Practice.
This is a project-based interim assignment focused on reviewing demand usage financial sustainability and inclusion impact across the boroughs AP system.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
Lead a comprehensive review of SEND and AP sufficiency across the borough.
Conduct detailed sufficiency and gap analysis identifying emerging pressures and cold spots in provision.
Develop sustainable commissioning solutions including outreach and early intervention models.
Evaluate current placement utilisation and impact on pupil outcomes.
Map and monitor all commissioned AP provision including independent commissioning arrangements.
Shape and develop the local AP market to address gaps particularly in SEMH and primary provision.
Co-design a coherent borough-wide AP offer with schools and providers.
Audit referral commissioning and reintegration pathways to promote return to mainstream education.
Ensure compliance with statutory guidance and best value principles.
Work with Headteachers and SENDCOs to understand exclusion drivers and mainstream retention barriers.
Provide challenge and support to schools regarding AP use and inclusion practice.
Lead a Year One impact audit of the Thriving Learners Strategy.
Promote early intervention and exclusion prevention approaches.
Provide oversight of High Needs Block (HNB) expenditure relating to AP.
Evaluate financial risks including Safety Valve implications.
Work collaboratively with Finance to align commissioning decisions with school cashflow planning.
Ensure robust governance and compliance within relevant financial frameworks.
Produce a Sufficiency & Gap Analysis Report with clear strategic recommendations.
Develop a Strategic Commissioning Roadmap for future AP delivery.
Provide formal reports and recommendations to senior leadership.
Skills/Experience:
Significant experience in Alternative Provision (AP) commissioning within a local authority setting.
Strong understanding of SEND legislation the Education Act 1996 and the SEND Code of Practice.
In-depth knowledge of inclusion exclusion and reintegration frameworks.
Experience overseeing High Needs Block (HNB) budgets and financial governance.
Strong data analysis capability including demand modelling and trend analysis.
Experience conducting sufficiency reviews and market shaping exercises.
Excellent stakeholder engagement skills including working with Headteachers SENDCOs and providers.
Proven ability to deliver strategic reviews and transformation projects.
Financially astute with strong risk assessment capability.
Ability to operate independently within a complex political and educational environment.
Strong written skills including production of strategic reports and recommendations.
Resilient outcome-focused and able to manage competing priorities.
Additional Information:
The closing date: 23/02/2026 @12:00.
Client: London Borough of Haringey.
Location: 48 Station Road London (Hybrid).
Hours: 36 per week (09:0017:00).
Compliance: Standard (DBS Required).
Rate Guide: 436.84 Umbrella.
Significant experience in Alternative Provision (AP) commissioning within a local authority setting. Strong understanding of SEND legislation the Education Act 1996 and the SEND Code of -depth knowledge of inclusion exclusion and reintegration frameworks. Experience overseeing High Needs Block (HNB) budgets and financial governance. Strong data analysis capability including demand modelling and trend analysis. Experience conducting sufficiency reviews and market shaping exercises. Excellent stakeholder engagement skills including working with Headteachers SENDCOs and providers. Proven ability to deliver strategic reviews and transformation projects. Financially astute with strong risk assessment capability. Ability to operate independently within a complex political and educational environment. Strong written skills including production of strategic reports and recommendations. Resilient outcome-focused and able to manage competing priorities.
Job Location:
Daily Salary:
Experience Required:
Posted on:
4 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
