Lancashire County Council
School Place Planning Sufficiency Officer (SEND)
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School Place Planning Sufficiency Officer (SEND) - Grade 9
Location: Preston, Lancashire
Salary: £42,123 - £47,665 Per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Overview
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
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About You
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.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- 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 Lancashire Mindset
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Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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
- 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.
Additional Information
This is designated as an essential car user post. The successful applicant will be required to provide a vehicle for business use and hold appropriate business insurance cover. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability.
Apply
If you are passionate about SEND, strategic planning and making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people across Lancashire, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape the future of SEND education provision across the county.
Apply via the Lancashire County Council recruitment website
Closing Date: 20th November 2026
Interview Date: w/c 30th November 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Applications should therefore be submitted as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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