Head of Alternative Provision
THE UFTON COURT EDUCATIONAL TRUST
43,000
Ufton Court, Green Lane, Ufton Nervet, Reading, RG7 4HD
Full-time
Listed today
Head of Alternative Provision Job Specification Job Title Head of Alternative Provision Location Ufton Court, Green Lane, Ufton Nervet, Reading, RG7 4HD Salary Contract £43,000 - £50,000 Permanent . F ull time . Holiday 33 days inclusive of bank holidays (pro -rata for part -time) Reporting to Director of Learning Closing d ate Shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may close earlier should an appointment be made. About Ufton A place with history and a future to build . Ufton Court has a long using history, outdoor learning and real people in meaningful ways. -standing commitment to learning beyond the classroom: -world experience to engage young Today, Ufton is evolving. We are growing not by scaling sameness, but by deepening impact. At the heart of that evolution sits The Nest. We are seeking a Head of Alternative Provision to shape the next chapter. This is a role with real autonomy: owning curriculum design (non informed, experiential) and leading the day provision, in clos e partnership with the Director of Education . -to -day operational delivery of the -traditional, trauma - This role is for you if you: • Believe curriculum should be lived , not just timetabled • Are energised by building something purposeful, not maintaining the status quo • Combine creativity with rigour and care with high expectations Ufton Court Educational Trust is a Registered Charity No. 1116659 | Registered in England & Wales. Company No: 579428 Registered Office: Ufton Court, Green Lane, Ufton Nervet, Reading, RG7 4HD | 0118 983 2099 | enquiries@ufton.org.uk | uftoncourt.org.uk • Want your leadership to leave a legacy for young people The Nest: small by design, ambitious by intent The Nest is Ufton Court’s Alternative Provision, intentionally small, relational, and flexible, designed for young people who have not found success within traditional education systems. We currently support up to 50 young people, with planned growth that will carefully expand capacity while protecting the personalised, relational approach at the heart of our model. We work with learners who may experience: • Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) • SEMH and neurodivergence especially affected by early childhood trauma • Disengagement, anxiety or disrupted educational journeys The Nest exists to re belonging through: -engage, rebuild confidence and restore a sense of • Outdoor and experiential learning • Trauma -informed, relational practice • Flexible, responsive curriculum design • High expectations without high pressure Why this role matters The Head of Alternative Provision will be joining The Nest at a pivotal moment. We are: • Consolidating strong foundations • Expanding our curriculum thinking • Strengthening operational systems • Preparing for future growth and sustainability This role is not about maintaining the status quo. It is about shaping what comes next. Ufton Court Educational Trust is a Registered Charity No. 1116659 | Registered in England & Wales. Company No: 579428 Registered Office: Ufton Court, Green Lane, Ufton Nervet, Reading, RG7 4HD | 0118 983 2099 | enquiries@ufton.org.uk | uftoncourt.org.uk You will have: • Direct ownership of curriculum design with freedom to think beyond traditional models • Responsibility for the day -to -day operational leadership of the provision • A genuine partnership with the Director of Education to influence strategic direction • The opportunity to help define what excellent alternative provision looks like at Ufton and beyond. Who thrives at Ufton • Values -led, reflective and purpose -driven • Comfortable with ambiguity and growth • Energised by building, not inheriting • Equally committed to care and rigour Why join us now This is a rare opportunity to: • • Join a charity with credibility, ethics and ambition Shape an Alternative Provision with real autonomy • Build a curriculum that puts human development before compliance • Leave a legacy that extends beyond one cohort or one timetable If you are looking for a role where your thinking, leadership and values genuinely matter Ufton welcomes you. Ufton Court Educational Trust is a Registered Charity No. 1116659 | Registered in England & Wales. Company No: 579428 Registered Office: Ufton Court, Green Lane, Ufton Nervet, Reading, RG7 4HD | 0118 983 2099 | enquiries@ufton.org.uk | uftoncourt.org.uk Person Specification Key Responsibilities Curriculum Leadership Lead the design and development of a non aligned to the needs of individual learners rather than age -traditional, holistic curriculum -related expectations i. ii. iii. iv. -building into a coherent curriculum model Integrate outdoor learning, experiential education, therapeutic approaches and skill Ensure curriculum intent, implementation and impact are clearly articulated for internal quality assurance and external stakeholders Use assessment meaningfully focusing on progress, confidence, self efficacy and engagement, not just academic outputs Adapt and refine curriculum models in response to learner needs, data and emerging best practice. - Operational Leadership i. ii. iii. Take ownership of the daily operational running of The Nest Ensure robust systems are in place for safeguarding, attendance, risk assessment, behaviour support, and wellbeing Lead staffing deployment, timetabling and practical delivery in a way that balances flexibility with consistency iv. Maintain high standards of compliance while protecting the ethos and relational nature of the provision v. Work closely with central teams (HR, safeguarding, operations) to ensure smooth and sustainable practice. Strategic & Collaborative Leadership i. Work collaboratively with the Director of Education to shape the strategic ii. iii. iv. growth and future direction of The Nest Contribute to wider organisational thinking around inclusion, alternative pathways and innovation in education Support partnership working with schools, local authorities and external professionals Play an active role in preparing the provision for future development (e.g. -readiness where appropriate). growth, commissioning, inspection Ufton Court Educational Trust is a Registered Charity No. 1116659 | Registered in England & Wales. Company No: 579428 Registered Office: Ufton Court, Green Lane, Ufton Nervet, Reading, RG7 4HD | 0118 983 2099 | enquiries@ufton.org.uk | uftoncourt.org.uk v. Ownership of budget planning and resource management for the Alternative Provision, supporting both current delivery and planned growth while protecting quality and relational practice. People & Culture i. ii. iii. iv. -led leadership Lead, support and develop a small, committed team, modelling reflective and values Create a culture of high expectations, psychological safety and continuous learning Support staff to work creatively and confidently with complex learners Champion Ufton Court’s ethos around belonging, inclusion, and growth. Essential Skills, Experience & Attributes Leadership & Education • Significant experience in alternative provision, SEND, inclusion, specialist education, educational psychology, youth work, or related fields supporting children and young people with complex needs, trauma, or barriers to engaging in education. • Experience operating at senior leadership level (e.g. Assistant Head, AP Lead, SEN leader) • Expertise understanding of the needs of young people who experience EBSA, SEMH, trauma, or disengagement from mainstream education • Minimum Degree -level qualification in a relevant discipline and professional expertise gained through substantial practice in education, inclusion, or child development Curriculum & Pedagogy • Ability to think beyond traditional school models of curriculum and assessment • Deep, demonstrable understanding of trauma -informed, relational, and child -centred practice, and the ability to embed this consistently across provision • Confidence in designing learning experiences that are practical, experiential, and purposeful Ufton Court Educational Trust is a Registered Charity No. 1116659 | Registered in England & Wales. Company No: 579428 Registered Office: Ufton Court, Green Lane, Ufton Nervet, Reading, RG7 4HD | 0118 983 2099 | enquiries@ufton.org.uk | uftoncourt.org.uk • Ability to translate innovative practice into clear frameworks and language for stakeholders Operational & Organisational Skills • Highly organised with the ability to hold multiple moving parts in a small provision • Strong understanding of safeguarding and operational risk in AP settings • Ability to balance creativity with structure, safety, and accountability • Comfortable making decisions and taking ownership in a fast -evolving environment Personal Attributes • Values -led, reflective, and emotionally intelligent • Resilient and adaptable able to lead through ambiguity and growth • Collaborative by instinct, but confident in holding responsibility • Motivated by impact, purpose, and building something meaningful Values Alignment You share our values of agility with consistency, playful and professional, acting today for tomorrow, and the belief that curiosity leads to excellence. We are based in a glorious rural location but that does mean you'll need access to your own transport. Whilst on usually a homemade site, you’ll have lunch provided and there is around. sweet treat You must have the right to work in the UK . To apply, please submit your the role and how you align with Ufton's values CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for to recruitment@ufton.org.uk . We will only consider applications that provide a covering letter. high volume of applications for our roles and carefully review each one. However, due to capacity we are unable to provide individual feedback for candidates who are not shortlisted for interview . We receive a We are interviewing candidates on a rolling basis , so do apply early. Ufton Court Educational Trust is a Registered Charity No. 1116659 | Registered in England & Wales. Company No: 579428 Registered Office: Ufton Court, Green Lane, Ufton Nervet, Reading, RG7 4HD | 0118 983 2099 | enquiries@ufton.org.uk | uftoncourt.org.uk Ufton is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates employment are subject to a satisfactory completed enhanced DBS Baring Service) check and at least three references. , especially those from underrepresented communities . All offers of (The Disclosure and Ufton Court Educational Trust is a Registered Charity No. 1116659 | Registered in England & Wales. Company No: 579428 Registered Office: Ufton Court, Green Lane, Ufton Nervet, Reading, RG7 4HD | 0118 983 2099 | enquiries@ufton.org.uk | uftoncourt.org.uk