Durham School provides a first-class all-around educational experience, ensuring all pupils from age 3 to 18 enjoy equality of opportunity to fulfill their potential. We are seeking a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) to lead and manage the schoolwide SEN provision. The successful candidate will work with school leadership to determine the strategic development of SEN, identify student needs at the earliest point, and coordinate effective support programs to improve long-term outcomes for children and young people.
Key Responsibilities
Management and Leadership
- Lead the strategic development of SEN provision across the entire school in collaboration with the Heads of School and Board of Directors.
- Implement a clear approach to identifying and responding to students with special educational needs.
- Oversee day-to-day operations of SEN provision and provide oversight for individual support plans.
- Conduct annual reviews of policies related to students who learn differently, including SEN, EAL (English as an Additional Language), and G&T (Gifted and Talented) policies.
- Evaluate the impact and breadth of support programs through regular monitoring.
Assessment and Identification of Educational Needs
- Integrate SEN identification into the monitoring of student development.
- Use data and coordinate testing to identify students requiring additional support.
- Collaborate with parents regarding early concerns and provide advice on interventions.
Management of Support Programmes
- Provide staff with teaching strategies and information on student learning difficulties.
- Manage EAL support programs and extension activities for more able students.
- Support staff in the differentiation of curriculum materials.
- Serve as the primary contact for external specialists, including psychologists and therapists.
- Provide direct one-on-one or small group teaching support to students.
Monitoring and Reporting
- Maintain accurate records and a register of students with learning support needs.
- Chair termly IEP review meetings with parents and teachers.
- Produce regular progress reports for stakeholders.
Professional Development and Resourcing
- Lead SEN training for teachers and assistants to improve classroom strategies.
- Manage the budget and oversee annual purchases for the Learning Enrichment department.
Access Arrangements and School Life
- Manage applications for exam accommodations and coordinate logistics for public exams.
- Participate in the co-curricular life of the school, including assemblies, events, and trips.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Fully qualified teacher with a minimum of 5 years teaching experience.
- Valid Teacher Services Commission (TSC) Certificate (for applicants in Kenya) or PGCE/QTS (for overseas applicants).
- Minimum of a Level 5 qualification in Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD).
- Enthusiastic, passionate, and adaptable educator with excellent interpersonal skills.
- BA/BSc/HND degree and relevant Professional Certificate.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to send an application by email to hr@durhamkenya.com. Your application must include:
- A letter of application addressed to The Headteacher (maximum one side of A4), explaining your interest and the skills/experiences you bring.
- A fully completed Durham International School Application Form.
- Names and contact details (including email and phone) for three referees, one of whom must be your current employer.
Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. The closing date is 5th June 2026.
