SPecialist Officer

  • Colbern Limited
  • Haringey, London
  • Feb 14, 2026
Contractor Administration

Job Description

Commissioning Project Manager

Haringey

Contract

£317.86 per day PAYE or £436.84 per day limited paid via umbrella company inside IR35

Our client is looking for an experienced Commissioning Project Manager

The Strategic AP Commissioner will lead the planning, commissioning, and oversight of Alternative Provision across the local authority to ensure sufficiency, value for money, and improved outcomes for children and young people. The role will align with the SEND and AP Sufficiency Strategy and the Thriving Learners Strategy, ensuring AP is used effectively, sustainably, and as part of a wider inclusion system that prevents exclusion.

The postholder will act as the strategic lead for AP for market shaping, commissioning, and quality assurance, providing oversight of spend from the High Needs Block (HNB) and ensuring robust financial governance. You will be required to undertake a comprehensive review of Alternative Provision (AP) demand, usage, and sufficiency to ensure the Local Authority meets its statutory obligations under the Education Act 1996 and the SEND Code of Practice.

We have a number of opportunities we are recruiting for visit our website for more details colbernlimited co uk

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Sufficiency

More in-depth review of SEND and AP Sufficiency Strategy.

Analyse sufficiency needs across AP, identifying gaps, pressures, and emerging requirements.

Lead development of sustainable solutions beyond expanding places, including outreach and early intervention.

Evaluate how effectively current placements are utilized and the impact on student outcomes

Review the High Needs Block spend and procurement frameworks to ensure value for money

Commissioning and Market Oversight

Review historical trends in permanent exclusions, suspensions, and medical referrals

Consult with Headteachers, SENDCOs, and the Local Authority s Education Team to understand barriers to mainstream retention.

Identify gaps in the local AP market, specifically regarding SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) and primary-age provision, bench-marking with other boroughs

Understanding context in relation to statutory guidance and responsibilities.

Audit the referral and reintegration pathways to ensure students return to mainstream education whenever appropriate.

Inclusion, Prevention and School Engagement

Work with mainstream schools to understand use of resource bases and their contribution to inclusion.

Assess school contributions to the Thriving Learners Strategy and lead a Year One impact audit.

Provide challenge and support to schools around behaviour, inclusion, and AP use.

Promote best practice in early intervention and exclusion prevention.

Financial Governance and HNB Oversight

Evaluate financial implications of AP sufficiency decisions, including risks to the HNB and Safety Valve delivery.

Work with Finance to ensure school cashflows reflect commissioning decisions.

Performance, Impact and Quality Assurance

Sufficiency & Gap Analysis Report: Highlighting "cold spots" in provision.

Strategic Commissioning Roadmap: Recommendations for future practice

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES colbernlimited co uk

The first part of our recruitment process is to send your CV. Should you be short listed Colbern Limited will contact you within 5 days or we may contact you about other job opportunities. Colbern Limited along with our clients are an equal opportunities employer