Head of Inclusion (AY 2026–2027) / Citizens School, Dubai, UAE

Purpose of the Role:

Citizens School Dubai offers a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment. The selected candidate will hold an essential leadership position on the Extended Senior Leadership Team, directly reporting to the Director of Learning and Quality Assurance. The Head of Inclusion will oversee and advocate for a culture that fosters inclusivity and achievement for every learner.

The Head of Inclusion is tasked with crafting, executing, and managing policies and practices that encourage a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning atmosphere for all students. This role also includes the effective training and assessment of inclusion strategies to ensure that every learner can excel academically, socially, and emotionally.

Your mission is to integrate and cultivate this vision in all aspects of your work. It revolves around guiding learners to uncover their potential and personal pathways, empowering them to take charge of their learning and flourish in their individual ways.

Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, or a related field
- Master’s degree in Special Education, such as the National SENDCo Award or equivalent
- A minimum of 5 years of experience with the National Curriculum for England
- Demonstrated experience in an inclusion leadership role, ideally within a UAE school environment
- Comprehensive understanding of best practices and current trends in inclusion in the UAE, including the KHDA Inclusion Framework
- Leadership capabilities to manage and support a team comprising Inclusion Mentors, Inclusion Learning Support Assistants, and Individual Learning Support Assistants
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders
- Expertise in coordinating with internal staff, parents, and external professionals to support Students of Determination and Gifted and/or Talented learners
- Supervision of the implementation of inclusive practices, ensuring all learners have appropriate curriculum access
- Monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of inclusion and wellbeing programs, including tracking progress for Students of Determination and Gifted and/or Talented learners.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Head of Inclusion plays a pivotal role in guiding the operations and effectiveness of the Inclusion Team.

Team Leadership – Foster a collaborative and introspective culture within the Inclusion Team, ensuring high standards for all learners. Provide leadership and oversight for Inclusion Mentors, Pathway Learning Support Assistants, Positive Behaviour LSAs, Intervention LSAs, and Individual LSAs, ensuring clear deployment, accountability, and professional growth throughout the team.

Strategic Planning - Develop and execute strategic initiatives to enhance the inclusive culture at Citizens School, improve learner progress and outcomes, and maintain high standards for teaching and learning. Lead the creation and ongoing evaluation of alternative learning pathways to ensure all learners can access meaningful and personalized educational experiences in line with the Citizens Future Framework.

Quality Assurance – Regularly assess and evaluate the impact of inclusion provisions, including tracking progress for Learners of Determination and Gifted and Talented Learners. Utilize feedback and evaluation data to make informed adjustments to programs and practices. Establish and implement clear quality assurance systems across all inclusion programs, including interventions, alternative pathways, and behavior support initiatives.

Performance Management – Implement and oversee performance management systems to assess and improve the effectiveness of the Inclusion Team. Set clear expectations and targets while providing regular and constructive feedback. Ensure the Performance Management Framework (PMF) is applied throughout the inclusion team, fostering development and accountability for all inclusion staff.

Curriculum Innovation – Ensure all learners are accommodated through curriculum modifications and adaptations to facilitate progress. Integrate alternative curriculum frameworks as necessary to address learner needs (e.g., alternative pathways, SEMH programs, alternative therapies). Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of alternative learning pathways, including vocational learning, life skills development, and alternative accreditation routes when suitable.

Inclusion - Oversee the formulation and execution of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and support plans for Learners of Determination. Develop strategies to identify and support Gifted and/or Talented students, ensuring they receive appropriate challenges and enrichment opportunities. Collaborate with teachers and support staff to embed inclusive teaching practices across the curriculum for all students. Oversee collaborations with therapy centers and specialist providers while monitoring relationships with external accreditation bodies such as ASDAN, ensuring programs remain relevant and impactful for learners.

Community Engagement - Connect with parents and the broader school community to promote understanding and support for inclusion and wellbeing initiatives. Organize workshops, seminars, and events to raise awareness and foster a positive, inclusive school culture.

Core Responsibilities:
Subject Knowledge
- Serve as an excellent, engaging, and passionate Leader of Inclusion
- Embrace innovative approaches to curriculum and pedagogy, demonstrating a willingness to research and apply updated best practices across all educational areas
- Model and take responsibility for promoting high standards of communication, collaboration, curiosity, and creativity
- Exhibit a clear understanding of developing a fully inclusive school in alignment with the Citizens vision and values.

Curriculum Design and Adaptation
- Design, create, and develop fully inclusive, engaging, and stimulating learning opportunities that enhance knowledge, skills, and learning habits across all curriculum areas
- Plan learning that aligns with the National Curriculum while extending opportunities by implementing the six strands of our core curriculum
- Incorporate regulatory subjects relevant to the region into the broader learning experience for learners
- Clearly plan for learners of varying abilities, ensuring lessons are tailored to meet the needs of all students, including those requiring support or challenge
- Strategize for effective use of digital technology
- Utilize internal tracking systems to monitor and report on learner progress
- Maintain clear and consistent communication with parents regarding learning, including mindset, wellbeing, and holistic progress
- Develop and manage alternative learning pathways and personalized programs for learners needing adapted provision
- Collaborate with external therapy providers, accreditation bodies, and specialist partners (e.g., ASDAN or similar programs).

Learning and Teaching
- Cultivate a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports high expectations and a purposeful atmosphere
- Treat learners with respect, fostering relationships built on trust while maintaining professional boundaries appropriate for a mentor
- Encourage a love of learning and stimulate children’s intellectual curiosity
- Ensure that all learning is engaging and responsive to the needs of learners, considering their pace, interests, and need for choice
- Embrace the School’s commitment to inclusion and innovation
- Support all children in exhibiting integrity, respect, and compassion
- Understand the significance of seamless transitions between year groups and classes
- Center children in the learning process
- Acknowledge and act upon the ideas, thoughts, and suggestions of all children, providing appropriate challenges.

Collaboration and Community
- Regularly reflect on and critically assess your teaching effectiveness and lesson delivery
- Remain open to coaching and appraisal, valuing praise and constructive dialogue regarding development
- Collaborate with colleagues across the team to cultivate best practices, share ideas, and work cohesively to bring out the best in every community member
- Partner with Learning Support Assistants and coaches to ensure all learners can access high-quality learning across the curriculum
- Engage in Action Research and be open to experimenting with approaches that could positively affect the wellbeing and development of learners and subjects
- Contribute positively to the broader life and ethos of the School, including the co-curricular program
- Build strong partnerships with parents, caregivers, and the wider community.
- Citizens School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, expecting all staff and volunteers to share this commitment
- Demonstrate tolerance and respect for the rights of others
- Maintain a professional regard for the ethos, policies, and practices of the School while upholding high standards in attendance and punctuality
- Present a positive image of the school to all stakeholders.

Safeguarding, Inclusion, and Wellbeing
- Citizens School prioritizes safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We implement stringent recruitment procedures to ensure all employees and volunteers possess sound moral character and are suitable for working with children and young adults. The School expects all staff to share and uphold our safeguarding commitment
- Proactively safeguard all children and members of the school community
- Adhere to all school policies and procedures
- Contribute to a fully inclusive school where all staff collaborate to provide an unbiased and prejudice-free environment
- Promote the overall progress and wellbeing of all learners, reporting any concerns to a staff member
- Offer guidance and advice to learners on educational, pastoral, and social matters
- Ensure that learners experience an educational program tailored to their specific needs, enhancing their skills and abilities
- Guarantee that lessons are appropriately planned, delivered, and reviewed
- Assess, record, and report on the development, progress, and attainment of learners in accordance with school policy
- Foster positive behavior for learning for all learners per the school’s guidelines.

Other Responsibilities
Additionally, all staff members are required to undertake any other duties as assigned in consultation with the Principal.

If you are interested in joining a progressive and innovative school with outstanding facilities, skilled mentors, and thriving learners, we encourage you to apply for this role.
How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following documents:
- Completed Citizens TES Application Form
- Current CV with a recent photograph
- Cover letter detailing your suitability for the position
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are encouraged.
Start Date: August 2026

Safeguarding Commitment:

Citizens School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, with all staff and volunteers expected to uphold this commitment.
Diversity & Inclusion Statement:

Citizens School is committed to cultivating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and perspectives, and strive to create a team where diversity is honored and celebrated.