Location: Tisman's Common, Horsham, RH12 3BL

Main purpose of the role:  

This is more than a job, this a role for those seeking to make a difference in the lives of young people. We are seeking an experienced Alternative Provision Manager, with strong relationship building skills, to be a positive role model for our young people and instructors. You will need to be able to set clear boundaries, be patient and proactive. Every day will be different; you will need to work flexibly to provide a consistent approach to supporting young people and our team of instructors to engage and progress within their individual aims and objectives.

Leading at Tisman’s Alternative Provision will mean working as a part of a multi-faceted program. Our program helps young people who can’t attend mainstream schools or find themselves waiting for a placement and in need of a bridge in between. Many young people need bespoke strategies to support them in attending and engaging in education and we provide this tailored approach to all.  

To lead a team of 3-15 instructors, plan, develop and deliver a high-quality activities within Tisman's Alternative Provision, supporting up to 14 children and young people each day who have experienced challenges in mainstream settings. The manager will ensure we provide nurturing; therapeutic outdoor learning rooted in Tisman's values of connection, community and creativity.

Our ethos is Connection, Community, Creativity - Growing Potential Through Relationships, Nature and Nourishment.

At Tisman's Alternative Provision, our goal is to support young people who may have experienced a cycle of challenges, including early life trauma or neurodivergence, which has affected their ability to thrive. We do this through a relational, consistent, and nurturing approach, fostering a safe and supportive environment where they can rebuild confidence, develop skills, and achieve their potential.

We remain reflective upon our practice to ensure we are all held accountable for not only safeguarding the young people but for supporting them to achieve their best possible outcomes. 

Responsibilities (please refer to the job description for a more detailed list of responsibilities)

• Lead, coordinate and support instructors and team members to ensure high-quality, child-centred provision.
• Oversee planning, timetabling, resourcing, and delivery of structured sessions and activities.
• Ensure compliance with Tisman's policies, safeguarding procedures, and all relevant statutory requirements.
• Monitor the effectiveness of provision through observations, feedback, and data tracking, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Report regularly to the Governance Team ensuring robust oversight of the provision and compliance with best practice. 
• Provide day-to-day operational leadership for the alternative provision, ensuring the smooth running of all activities, sessions, and services.
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities for children aged 6–18, ensuring activities are individualised and engaging, meeting individual needs.
• Involve children in setting their own goals, ensuring that the child’s voice is central to planning and review processes.
•  Support children in making progress across vocational, personal, and social development.

Safeguarding 

The successful candidate is committed to child protection and promoting the welfare of young people. We expect all team members to share the same passion and commitment as our mission statement reiterates, supporting the potential to achieve.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and the successful applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS certificate. As the post will involve regulated activity with children, it is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are included on the children’s barred list held by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013, 2020 and 2023) provide that certain convictions and cautions are “protected”. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry or Justice website or see here Unlock - Filtering Guidance. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. You may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure and Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed.

Person Specification

• Teaching qualification (QTS or QTLS), Coaching or facilitating learning.
• Evidence of continuous professional development and commitment to further professional development.
• A degree or equivalent

Knowledge & Experience  

• Experience working with children with diverse needs 
• Experience delivering forest education or outdoor learning sessions. 
• Understanding of trauma-informed and relational practice.
• Understanding of appropriate strategies for managing children’s behaviour
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work therapeutically while maintaining safe boundaries.
• Ability to plan and facilitate creative outdoor activities.

Skills & Abilities

• A highly motivated, energetic and enthusiastic person who is approachable and promotes positive relationships and has high expectations
• Able to reflect on practice and aim to improve when necessary.
• Provide a therapeutic environment for the young people and create safe boundaries. 
• Able to facilitate a range of indoor and outdoor learning activities.
• A proven track record as an excellent, creative delivery which motivates children.
• Able to relate well to children and share their interests and enthusiasms. 
• Good administrative and organisational skills.
• Able to communicate orally and in writing to a wide range of audiences.
• Working knowledge of ICT and administrative purposes.  
• Commitment to providing an effective learning environment appropriate to the need and abilities of all children. 
• Recent participation in professional development activities and willingness to undertake other training.

Tisman's Alternative Provision will only accept fully completed application forms via MyNewTerm.

It should be noted that the above list of principal duties is not necessarily a complete statement of the final duties of the post.  It is intended to give an overall view of the position and should be taken as guidance only.