Durham School provides a first-class all-around educational experience. All pupils, from age 3 through to 18, enjoy the equality of opportunity necessary to fulfill their potential, are well-prepared for further education and have the confidence to face an ever-changing global environment. To ensure this, Durham School provides a broad and balanced curriculum of GCSEs, iGCSEs and A-Levels and places great emphasis on giving pupils the flexibility to choose the curriculum which best suits them.
Role Overview
The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) is responsible for the strategic development and day-to-day operation of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision across the school. The role ensures that students with diverse learning needs, including those requiring English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs, are identified early and provided with effective support to fulfill their potential.
Key Responsibilities
Management and Leadership
Together with the Heads of School and Board of Directors, determine the strategic development of the SEN provision in the School.
Ensure the School has a clear approach to identifying and responding to students with special educational needs.
Oversight of the specific provision made to support individual students with SEN across the whole school.
Annual review of school policies related to students who learn differently (including SEN policy, EAL policy, G&T policy and parts of Curriculum policy).
Monitor the effectiveness of the School’s programmes of support and resources through annual review and evaluation.
Assessment and Identification of Educational Needs
Ensure the identification of SEN is built into the overall approach to monitoring student progress.
Identify students who require additional support using data and coordinating appropriate testing/assessment.
Involve parents in discussions about early concerns and decision-making regarding interventions.
Management of Students’ Programmes of Support
Share information with teachers on known students’ learning difficulties and associated teaching strategies.
Manage the EAL programme of support for English second language speakers.
Manage extension activities for more able students.
Support teaching and support staff in the differentiation of curriculum materials.
Provide professional guidance to colleagues and serve as the point of contact for external specialists (psychologists, therapists).
Provide one-on-one or small group teaching support.
Monitoring Progress and Reporting
Maintain records of all students with SEN to track progress and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Ensure Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are completed and chair termly review meetings.
Produce regular reports and updates for teachers and parents.
Professional Development of Staff
Prepare and lead SEN training for teachers and teaching assistants.
Ensure staff understand different kinds of educational needs and the school's approach to addressing them.
Schoolwide Resourcing
Ensure the school is equipped with adequate resources and equipment for diverse special educational needs.
Manage and develop budgets for schoolwide resources and departmental needs.
Management of Access Arrangements
Apply to exam boards for access arrangements for students qualifying for public exam accommodations.
Coordinate venues and technical requirements for exams.
Other Responsibilities
Contribute to the busy life of the School through participation in the co-curricular programme.
Attend parents' meetings, assemblies, plays, concerts, and workshops.
Engage in continual self-assessment and keep current with curriculum and educational developments.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to send an application by email to hr@durhamkenya.com. The application must include:
A letter of application addressed to The Headteacher, of no more than one side of A4, explaining why you would like this role and the skills and experiences you can bring to it.
A fully completed Durham International School Application Form.
The names and contact details of three referees, one of whom must be your current employer.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to send an application by email to hr@durhamkenya.com with the following information:
A letter of application addressed to The Headteacher (maximum one A4 page) explaining your motivation and suitability.
A fully completed Durham International School Application Form.
Names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three referees (one must be your current employer).
Please note: Incomplete applications missing the covering letter or application form will not be considered.
