Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

Blackburn with Darwen Council; St. James; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Teachers’ Pension Scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Job summary

St. James’ Church of England Primary School is seeking a part‑time SENCO to lead SEND provision with strategic direction and collaboration across staff and external agencies. You will drive targeted interventions, monitor progress, and ensure high standards of inclusive teaching for all pupils.

Applicants should hold QTS and NPQ for SENCO (or NASENCo) with a proven track record in primary education. DBS checks and safeguarding compliance are essential commitments.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Holds NPQ for SENCO or NASENCo or currently completing NPQ for SENCO.
• Proven track record of outstanding primary teaching and SEND leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership for SEND provision in line with the School Improvement Plan and SEND Code of Practice.
• Guide and support staff in delivering high-quality, inclusive teaching and interventions.
• Monitor assessment data and plan future resourcing.
• Coordinate EHCP processes, annual reviews and multi‑agency support.
• Lead and deploy support staff with mentoring and CPD.
• Promote an inclusive curriculum and high expectations for all pupils.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Communication skills

Coaching and mentoring

Data analysis

Relationship building

Education

QTS

NPQ for SENCO / NASENCo

Job description

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

location_on St James (Lwr Darwen) CE Primary School

location_on St James (Lwr Darwen) CE Primary School 20/11/2026

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

St. James CE Primary School (Lower Darwen)
Off Stopes Brow
Lower Darwen
Blackburn
BB3 0QP

Job Title: Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
Grade/Salary: Upper Pay Scale
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Terms: 2 days (0.4 FTE), Part Time
Closing Date: Friday, 20th November 2026
Required from: January 2027

The Governors and leadership team of St. James’ Church of England Primary School are seeking to appoint an inspiring, dedicated, and strategic part-time Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to join our team.
Set within a caring and supportive Christian community, our mission is to challenge educational and social disadvantage by leading high-quality SEND provision. We are looking for an experienced teacher and leader who shares our commitment to ensuring all pupils are supported to ‘fulfil their potential and grow in God’.

The Role As SENCO, you will hold strategic responsibility for the leadership and day-to-day coordination of provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities across the school. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, teaching staff, support staff, and external agencies, you will ensure our pupils receive the tailored support necessary to make accelerated progress and thrive in a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for SEND provision in line with our School Improvement Plan and the SEND Code of Practice.
• Guide and support teaching and support staff in delivering high-quality, inclusive First Teaching and targeted interventions.
• Monitor, track, and evaluate assessment data across the school to measure the impact of interventions and plan future resourcing.
• Coordinate EHCP processes, annual reviews, and multi-agency support, maintaining strong partnerships with parents, carers, and external specialists.
• Lead and deploy support staff effectively, providing mentoring, coaching, and targeted CPD.
• Champion high expectations and an inclusive culture where every pupil can access a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum.

We Offer You:

• An exceptionally visible, approachable, and supportive Senior Leadership Team
• A dedicated, collaborative staff team committed to mutual support and positive relationships
• A culture focused on high expectations, manageable workload, and meaningful feedback
• Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and comprehensive health and wellbeing support for you and your family
  Person Specification
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Holds the National Professional Qualification for SENCOs (NPQ for SENCO) or the legacy National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCo) — or who is currently completing the NPQ for SENCO
• Proven track record of outstanding primary teaching practice and successful leadership or coordination of SEND provision.
• In-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, statutory compliance, and evidence-based interventions.
• Skilled in analysing pupil progress data to inform whole-school provision and resource allocation.
• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills to engage parents, staff, and external partners effectively.
• An unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Safeguarding Statement St. James’ C of E Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Children's Barred List check, alongside identity, right-to-work, and online pre-recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. To arrange an informal visit or conversation with the Headteacher, please contact the school office on 01254 698656.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory check supplied by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The check will include any cautions, reprimands, or final warnings as well as convictions.