SENCO
| Company: | Polaris Community |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £42,000 to £42,000 a year |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | Burnley, BB12 6TG |
| Working pattern: | On-site |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 22 Oct 2026 |
| Closing date: | 21 Nov 2026 |
Summary
Polaris Education - Holdsworth School
SENCO
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Basic Salary: £42,000
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Burnley, Lancashire
Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its young people? If so, Holdsworth School based in Burnley could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference to the lives of young people. We are currently seeking a SENCO to join our growing team. This is an exciting time to join us as we grow our Senior Leadership Team.
About the School
Located in Burnley, Lancashire, our school has capacity for up to 70 pupils and offers safe and supportive environments for pupils from 5 to 18 years old with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
Holdsworth School forms part of the Polaris Community, who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our current growing portfolio of schools across the UK.
Role Responsibilities
- Determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision in the school
- Aid in the design and delivery of additional interventions to reduce attainment gaps
- Assess and monitor the progress of pupils in line with their EHCPs
- Co-ordinate, prepare and chair annual reviews
- Be a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Attend multi-agency meetings and lead on Early Help
- Support the designated teacher for looked-after children, attending meetings and completing reports where necessary
- Liaising alongside the Head Teacher, Tutor, Class Teachers and parents to support individual learning plans
- Be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of specific provisions to support individual pupils with SEN or a disability
- Maintain accurate records
- Provide support to colleagues in developing effective teaching programmes and positive behaviour management techniques around individual children
- Oversee and prepare annual reviews
- Work closely with the Tutor to ensure that the appropriate professionals are involved with the pupil's development and mental health needs
- Be aware of the provision in the Local Offer
- Work with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals and other external agencies
- Be a key point of contact for external agencies, especially the local authority
- Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEN or a disability
- Implement and lead intervention groups for pupils with SEN and evaluate their effectiveness
- Co-ordinate whole school provision so that it meets each individual pupil's needs and monitor its effectiveness
- Secure relevant services for the pupil
- Communicate regularly with parents or carers
- Ensure that if the pupil transfers to or from another school, all relevant information is shared with the receiving school, supporting a smooth transition for the pupil in collaboration with the class teacher
- Promote the pupil's inclusion in the school community and access to the curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activities
- Work with the Headteacher and Tutor, assisting in transitions and consultations
- Cover classes where appropriate during teacher absence
- Teaching commitment
Requirements
- Qualified Teacher Status
- National Award for SEN Co-ordination, or a willingness to complete the new NPQ for SENCOs
- Previous involvement in school self-evaluation and development planning
- Previous experience of teaching in an Autism/SEMH school
- Experience in conducting training/leading INSET
- Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice
- Committed to professional development and willing to learn
What We Offer
- A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody (you included!)
- A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
- An opportunity to make a huge contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching in a safe educational provision
- A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving pupil outcomes
- Being part of an exciting journey as the school continues to grow and develop
- Being part of a passionate, diverse and motivated team where the child is at the centre of everything we do
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Community.
Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Polaris Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.