Alternative Provision Sufficiency Consultant

Interim Alternative Provision Sufficiency Specialist
Contract: Interim role – 3 months (with potential to extend)
Location: London-based Local Authority / Hybrid (remote with onsite as required)
Salary: £450 per day (Outside IR35). Possible scope for negotiation DoE

Are you an experienced specialist in Alternative Provision with a passion for shaping strategic direction for vulnerable young people? Our client is seeking an Interim Alternative Provision Sufficiency Specialist to complete an independent review of their existing SEND & AP strategy, ensuring stronger focus on AP sufficiency, pathways, and future demand.

In this role, you won’t just be reviewing existing strategies and pathways — you’ll be shaping the direction of AP provision for the next three years. You will play a pivotal role in assessing current offers, understanding shifts in need, and developing a balanced, forward-thinking strategy that reflects the diverse needs of young people across the borough.

About the Interim Alternative Provision Sufficiency Specialist role:

As the Interim AP Sufficiency Specialist, your work will centre on reviewing the existing SEND & AP sufficiency strategy, identifying gaps, analysing current pressures, and developing clear recommendations to strengthen AP sufficiency planning. You’ll bring creativity, strong practical knowledge, and the ability to evaluate complex pathways and provision arrangements.

Key Responsibilities as Alternative Provision Sufficiency Specialist:

• Strategy Review: Lead a full review of the existing SEND & AP Sufficiency Strategy, which has received positive DfE feedback but is currently weighted heavily towards SEND.
• AP Focus: Provide an independent assessment specifically centred on Alternative Provision needs, pathways, and sufficiency.
• Demand & Data Analysis: Analyse recent shifts in demand (currently up to 200 referrals) and identify gaps in provision compared to projected future need.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with leaders across Education, Inclusion, SEND, and local schools to inform strategic recommendations and strengthen alignment.
• Provider Landscape Review: Review the authority’s existing relationship with their primary AP delivery partner — acknowledging strengths while recognising it is not always the right solution and is a high-cost resource.
• Pathway Development: Assess AP pathways from Primary through to Post‑16 and carry out a full review of the existing Post‑16 prospectus.
• Innovation & Creativity: Develop recommendations that support appropriate, high‑quality placements for complex learners using fresh, creative, and practical solutions.
• Capital & Outreach Integration: Align strategic recommendations with a significant multi-million pound capital programme and broad outreach initiatives working with schools to reduce exclusions.
• Market Engagement: Ensure the future strategy reflects an appropriate range of AP options that meet varied needs and engage effectively with the provider market.

Your previous experience as Alternative Provision Sufficiency Specialist:

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Practice-Based Background: Experience rooted in Schools, AP, SEND, Inclusion or Exclusions — not a purely commissioning‑focused background.
• Sufficiency Strategy Expertise: A proven track record of writing AP or SEND sufficiency strategies in previous roles.
• Deep Understanding of AP: Strong knowledge of AP pathways, demand pressures, complex case management, and sufficiency challenges.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Ability to evaluate existing provision, spot gaps, and design sustainable solutions for the next three years.
• Stakeholder Skills: Confidence working with senior leaders, headteachers, AP providers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Creative Problem-Solving: A forward‑thinking approach that supports innovative solutions for diverse and complex learner needs.
• Flexibility: Ability to work remotely while attending on-site meetings to build strong working relationships.

If you’re interested in this Alternative Provision Sufficiency Specialist opportunity, or know someone suitable, please send a CV to Sarah or Nicole – s.williams@baltimoreconsultingltd.com / n.vandermeulen@baltimoreconsultingltd.com

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please do get in contact!)

Equality & Diversity: Our clients are committed to a diverse workforce. Recruitment decisions are based on skills and experience, and reasonable adjustments will be supported throughout the hiring process.
 

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