Head - Inclusion

Role Overview

Head of Inclusion at Aldar Education, Abu Dhabi. This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and help shape the future of Abu Dhabi's leading school group.

Role Purpose

To lead and champion inclusion across the school at all levels, providing strategic direction and specialist support for special educational needs (SEN) provision. The successful candidate will model exemplary teaching practice, guide staff on SEN and inclusion to promote high standards of educational achievement, and ensure all students with identified needs receive targeted, evidence-based intervention.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage the Inclusion team.
• Line manage staff employed to support children with special needs.
• Provide full induction and training for the school Inclusion team and Inclusion assistants.

Inclusion Strategy & Advocacy

• Encourage and promote inclusion across the school at all levels.
• Implement strategic initiatives and demonstrate impact within the school.
• Contribute to the development of behaviour policy and promote pupils' self-esteem.
• Participate in the school pastoral committee.
• Support the aims of the school and comply with health and safety, relevant legislation and school policies.

Assessment, Data & Planning

• Review whole school assessment data and conduct assessment to identify priority areas and pupils for targeted intervention.
• Maintain accurate records, IEPs and coordinate care plans.
• Maintain SEN registers and rigorous data of progress, attainment and provisions.
• Prepare documentation for submission to ADEK or other educational bodies.
• Complete assessments and applications for access arrangements.
• Utilize data to monitor and track student progress and attainment.

Intervention & Instruction

• Plan and deliver a range of programmes of work to support individual needs.
• Identify, develop and deliver interventions for individuals based on identified needs.
• Provide individual or group instruction where appropriate.
• Undertake co-teaching to support class and subject teachers with the delivery of differentiated lessons.
• Deliver a range of specific intervention programmes and prove effectiveness of measures.

Professional Development & External Liaison

• Be an exemplary classroom teacher, supporting and guiding staff on SEN and inclusion.
• Provide training within and beyond the school to colleagues and families.
• Deliver training for colleagues and families.
• Liaise closely with colleagues from other schools, outside agencies and other professionals.
• Liaise with external specialists to inform school-based provision.

Admissions & Transitions

• Participate in the admissions, evaluations, assessments and subsequent transitions of students with SEN.

General Duties

• Set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance.
• Undertake other duties from time to time as the Principal or Head of Inclusion requires.
• Monitor work assigned by teachers—checking and correcting individual work while in progress.
• Manage student behaviour in line with the whole school policy.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Certification

• Qualified teacher.
• SEN Qualification at Master's level or external certification on an aspect of SEN.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in the field of SEN.
• Previous experience leading SEN or Learning Support in a primary or secondary school.

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated expertise in leading a special education or inclusion team.
• Evidence of implementing strategic initiatives and impact within a school.
• Capacity to identify a range of need types and development delays.
• Experience in maintaining accurate and meaningful SEN registers and developing high quality IEPs and intervention plans.
• Experience in administering standardized assessments to inform provision.
• Proven capacity to utilize data to monitor and track student progress and attainment.
• Confidence in delivering a range of specific intervention programmes and measuring their effectiveness.

Additional Information

• Successful candidates must be closely aligned with core school values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.