Lancashire County Council is committed to ensuring that children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have access to high-quality education provision in the right place and at the right time. We are seeking an ambitious and analytical School Place Planning Sufficiency Officer (SEND) to help deliver Lancashire’s strategy for SEND sufficiency. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future shape of SEND education across one of the largest local authorities in the country, supporting the development of specialist provision, SEND capital projects and long-term place planning solutions. About the Role As part of the School Place Planning Team, you will support the delivery of the Council’s strategic approach to ensuring sufficient SEND school places are available across Lancashire. Working closely with colleagues in SEND Services, Education Capital, schools, academy trusts, dioceses and other stakeholders, you will analyse demand, monitor provision, identify future needs and help develop evidence-based solutions to meet growing pressures within the SEND system. The role combines data analysis, strategic planning, project management and stakeholder engagement, providing a unique opportunity to influence decision-making at both operational and strategic levels., You will:
- Support the delivery of Lancashire’s SEND Sufficiency Strategy.
- Analyse SEND pupil data and forecast future demand for specialist provision across the county.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of the SEND Capital Programme.
- Support the commissioning of additional SEND places through school expansions, specialist units and new provision.
- Monitor SEND sufficiency trends and identify areas of emerging demand.
- Prepare reports, briefings and recommendations for senior officers and elected members.
- Work with schools, trusts, dioceses and partner organisations to develop sustainable sufficiency solutions.
- Support Local Plan consultations and assess the impact of housing growth on SEND provision.
- Contribute to the development of methodologies for securing developer contributions towards SEND infrastructure.
- Monitor projects, timelines and outcomes to ensure value for money and effective delivery.
- Support the annual review of SEND sufficiency across Lancashire.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders to support strategic planning and service development.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
- Highly analytical and comfortable working with large datasets and complex information.
- Able to interpret legislation, guidance and policy and apply these within a practical planning context.
- An excellent communicator capable of building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Confident preparing reports, briefings and evidence to support decision-making.
- Organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Comfortable working independently whilst contributing positively to a collaborative team culture., Degree level qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
- Experience of working within SEND, education planning, school organisation or a related field.
- Experience of analysing data and presenting findings clearly to a variety of audiences.
- Experience of working across multiple projects and competing priorities.
- Understanding of SEND legislation and statutory guidance, including the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Strong Microsoft Excel and IT skills.
- Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable
- Project management or management qualification.
- Experience within local government, education infrastructure planning or capital programmes.
- Understanding of school organisation processes and SEND commissioning.
- Knowledge of planning policy, developer contributions or education capital delivery.The Government has confirmed that local government across Lancashire will be reorganised, with the current 15 councils being replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire from April 2029.
If you are successful in your application, you will initially join Lancashire County Council. However, as part of the planned transition, your employment will transfer to one of the new unitary councils from April 2029, subject to the implementation of the reorganisation and relevant employment legislation. Throughout this period, our focus remains on delivering excellent services to our communities. By joining us now, you’ll play an important role in shaping the future of local government and helping to build a strong new organisation that will serve residents for years to come. Please note: that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this roleSalary £42,123 – £47,665 Per annum | 37 hours per week | Full time, Permanent | Preston, Lancashire In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website., At Lancashire County Council, we are guided by our commitment to: Growth Continuously learning, developing and improving. Ownership Taking responsibility and delivering high-quality outcomes. Optimism Approaching challenges positively and seeking solutions. Positive Impact Making a meaningful difference for Lancashire’s residents and communities.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Excellent annual leave entitlement.
- Access to learning and development opportunities.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunity to influence strategic SEND provision across Lancashire.
- Involvement in high-profile projects that directly support children and young people with additional needs.
Our Values We are looking for individuals who share our values:
- Supportive – valuing and encouraging others.
- Innovative – always seeking better ways of working.
- Respectful – treating everyone fairly and with dignity.
- Collaborative – working together to achieve the best outcomes for Lancashire residents.
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