Amy Nash
Lichfield,Staffordshire
Summary
Strategic operations and systems leader with over 16 years experience operating within complex, high-accountability environments across education, inclusion, safeguarding and Alternative Provision. Proven ability to translate strategic priorities into operational delivery through governance, performance oversight, stakeholder alignment and cross-functional collaboration. Experienced in leading organisational change, developing assurance frameworks and coordinating delivery across complex partnership systems. Strong background in strategic planning, operational management, quality assurance and data-informed decision-making within high-pressure and high-scrutiny environments. Currently completing a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship (MBA pathway), focused on strategic leadership, organisational performance and operational management.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Post-16 & Alternative Provision Manager
Walsall Council
01.2023 - Current
- Translate local authority strategic priorities into operational practice through cross-agency collaboration, governance and performance oversight.
- Lead governance, safeguarding, quality assurance and operational oversight frameworks across commissioned Alternative Provision services, strengthening accountability and consistency of provision.
- Led strategic inspection readiness and thematic review activity for Alternative Provision during the Area SEND inspection, with AP oversight recognised by inspectors as a strength across the local area partnership.
- Develop and implement data-informed improvement strategies to strengthen inclusion, safeguarding, attendance and learner outcomes across Alternative Provision systems.
- Coordinate cross-functional collaboration across education, SEND, safeguarding and wider partnership services to support strategic decision-making, operational delivery and complex case planning.
- Support strategic commissioning and sufficiency planning activity, including oversight of provider quality, operational assurance and value-for-money considerations.
- Developed locality-informed inclusion frameworks aligned to SEND and AP reform priorities, strengthening early intervention, multi-agency planning and reintegration approaches.
- Provide strategic guidance, challenge and operational support to schools and partners operating within high-accountability and high-scrutiny environments.
Designated Senior Person for Child Protection, Safeguarding, Attendance & Alternative Provision
The New Leaf Centre, Walsall
11.2018 - 01.2023
- Held senior leadership responsibility for safeguarding, attendance and Alternative Provision within a specialist education setting supporting pupils with complex needs and barriers to engagement.
- Led strategic safeguarding improvement activity which resulted in safeguarding being recognised by Ofsted as a strength within the setting.
- Oversaw safeguarding systems, governance processes and statutory compliance frameworks, strengthening operational consistency and accountability.
- Developed and implemented whole-setting policies, operational procedures and quality assurance processes to strengthen safeguarding culture and professional practice.
- Coordinated multi-agency intervention planning across education, SEND, health and social care services to support complex safeguarding, attendance and behavioural needs.
- Implemented data-informed attendance, behaviour and intervention strategies which improved engagement and reduced exclusions.
- Oversaw alternative learning pathways, reintegration planning and transition arrangements for pupils requiring specialist intervention and support.
- Delivered workforce training and professional development across safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and operational consistency.
- Worked closely with senior leaders, safeguarding partners and external agencies within high-pressure and high-scrutiny environments.
Safeguarding Lead Coordinator
Leamore Primary School
05.2016 - 11.2018
- Led safeguarding and child protection practice across the setting, strengthening operational compliance, safeguarding systems and consistency of practice.
- Contributed to safeguarding improvement activity which supported safeguarding being recognised as a strength within the setting.
- Coordinated early intervention, attendance and behaviour support approaches for pupils at risk of exclusion, disengagement or safeguarding concern.
- Worked collaboratively with families, education professionals and external agencies to support complex case management and early help intervention.
- Drove improvement in safeguarding practice through development of a strong safeguarding culture, clear operational procedures and consistent staff guidance across the school.
Family Support Worker
Leamore Primary School
09.2015 - 05.2016
- Provided targeted support and intervention for vulnerable children and families, with a focus on safeguarding, attendance and engagement.
Exclusions & Reintegration Support Officer
Walsall Council
09.2008 - 09.2015
- Managed reintegration pathways for permanently excluded pupils, coordinating support across schools, services and Alternative Provision settings.
- Supported operational delivery of intervention strategies designed to improve engagement, attendance and progression outcomes.
Education
Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship - MBA Pathway
University of Staffordshire
12-2025
HND Level 5 - Computing
Walsall College
CertHE Level 4 - Social Studies
Staffordshire University
NVQ Level 4 - Business
Business Partnership
Diploma - Child Psychology
Reed
National Leaders Qualification - Behaviour & Attendance
City & Guilds
Skills
- Strategic Operations & Delivery
- Programme & Operational Leadership
- Governance & Performance Oversight
- Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management
- Strategic Planning & Implementation
- Organisational Change & Service Improvement
- Data & Insight-Led Decision Making
- Risk Management & Operational Assurance
- Complex Systems Leadership
- Strategic Relationship & Partnership Management
- Performance Reporting & Quality Assurance
- Decision-Making in High-Pressure Environments
Hobbies and Interests
Longstanding interest in football and elite sport through grassroots participation and coaching development, including beginning coaching qualifications with Staffordshire FA.
Training
- Advanced Child Protection & Safeguarding
- Trauma-Informed Practice & Mental Health Awareness
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- SEND & Inclusive Education Best Practice
- Behaviour Management & Restorative Approaches
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (Refreshed annually)
- Safer Recruitment
- Project Management Fundamentals
References
Available on request
Timeline
Post-16 & Alternative Provision Manager
Walsall Council
01.2023 - Current
Designated Senior Person for Child Protection, Safeguarding, Attendance & Alternative Provision
The New Leaf Centre, Walsall
11.2018 - 01.2023
Safeguarding Lead Coordinator
Leamore Primary School
05.2016 - 11.2018
Family Support Worker
Leamore Primary School
09.2015 - 05.2016
Exclusions & Reintegration Support Officer
Walsall Council
09.2008 - 09.2015
Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship - MBA Pathway
University of Staffordshire
HND Level 5 - Computing
Walsall College
CertHE Level 4 - Social Studies
Staffordshire University
NVQ Level 4 - Business
Business Partnership
Diploma - Child Psychology
Reed
National Leaders Qualification - Behaviour & Attendance
City & Guilds