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

Purpose of the Role:

Citizens School Dubai is an exciting and innovative place to work. The successful candidate will play a crucial leadership role within the Extended Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the Director of Learning and Quality Assurance. The Head of Inclusion is responsible for overseeing and promoting a culture of inclusivity and success for all learners.

The Head of Inclusion is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing policies and procedures that promote an inclusive, supportive, and safe learning environment for all learners. The role involves the effective training and monitoring of inclusion practices to ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Your role is to embed and develop this vision in everything that you do. It is about guiding learners to discover their own potential and pathways, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and thrive in their unique ways. 

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, or a related field

• Master’s degree in Special Education, i.e. the National SENDCo Award or equivalent

• At least 5 years’ experience of the National Curriculum for England

• Proven experience in an inclusion leadership role, preferably in a UAE school setting

• In-depth knowledge of best practices and current trends in inclusion within the UAE, including the KHDA Inclusion Framework

• Leadership skills to line manage and support a team of Inclusion Mentors, Inclusion Learning Support Assistants and Individual Learning Support Assistants

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders

• Proficiency in coordinating with internal school staff, parents and external professionals to support Students of Determination and those learners who are Gifted and/or Talented

• Overseeing the implementation of inclusive practices, including ensuring all learners have access to an appropriate curriculum

• Monitor and evaluate the implementation and impact of inclusion and wellbeing programs, including tracking progress for Students of Determination and Gifted and/or Talented learners.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Head of Inclusion is crucial in leading the operation and effectiveness of the Inclusion Team.

 

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

Strategic Planning - Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance the inclusive culture of Citizens School, the progress and outcomes of our learners and ensuring high standards for teaching and learning. Lead the development and ongoing review of alternative learning pathways to ensure all learners can access meaningful and personalised learning experiences aligned with the Citizens Future Framework.

Quality Assurance – Regularly monitor and evaluate the implementation and impact of the inclusion provision, including tracking progress for Learners of Determination and Gifted and Talented Learners. Use feedback and evaluation data to make informed adjustments to programs and practices. Develop and implement clear quality assurance systems across all programmes delivered within the inclusion provision, including interventions, alternative pathways and behaviour support programmes.

Performance Management – Implement and oversee performance management systems to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of the Inclusion Team. Setting clear targets, expectations and providing regular and effective feedback.  Ensure the Performance Management Framework (PMF) is implemented across the inclusion team, supporting the development and accountability of all inclusion staff.

Curriculum Innovation – Ensure all learners are catered for with curriculum modifications and adaptations to ensure progress. Integrate alternative curriculum frameworks as required to meet the needs of the learners (e.g. alternative pathways, SEMH programs, alternative therapies). Lead the design, implementation and monitoring of alternative learning pathways including vocational learning, life skills development and alternative accreditation routes where appropriate.

Inclusion - Oversee the development and implementation of Individualised 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 ensure that inclusive teaching practices are embedded across the curriculum for all students. Oversee partnerships with therapy centres and specialist providers and monitor relationships with external accreditation providers such as ASDAN, ensuring programmes remain relevant and impactful for learners.

Community Engagement - Engage with parents and the wider school community to promote understanding and support for inclusion and wellbeing initiatives. Organise workshops, seminars, and events to raise awareness and create a positive and inclusive school culture.

 

 

Core Responsibilities: 

Subject Knowledge  

• Be an excellent, engaging and passionate Leader of Inclusion

• Embrace an innovative approach to curriculum and pedagogy, and a willingness to research and apply updated, best practice in all areas of education;  

• Model and take responsibility for promoting high standards of communication, collaboration, curiosity and creativity; 

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the development of a fully inclusive school in line with the Citizens vision & values.

 

Curriculum Design and Adaptation 

• Plan, create and develop fully inclusive, exciting and engaging learning opportunities that enhance knowledge, skills and learning habits in all areas of the curriculum; 

• Plan learning that takes into account the National Curriculum and considers how to extend learning opportunities by implementing the six strands of our core curriculum; 

• Consider regulatory subjects in region and ensure that these are incorporated into the wider learning experience for learners; 

• Clearly plan for learners of all abilities, accounting for those who need support or challenge by making sure that lessons are tailored to the needs of all learners;  

• Plan for effective use of digital technology;  

• Use internal tracking systems to monitor and report on progress;  

• Communicate clearly and regularly with parents with regards to learning, including; mindset, wellbeing and holistic progress.  

• Develop and manage alternative learning pathways and personalised programmes for learners requiring adapted provision

• Work with external therapy providers, accreditation bodies and specialist partners (e.g. ASDAN or similar programmes).

 

Learning and Teaching 

• Create and nurture a positive and inclusive learning environment which supports high expectations and a purposeful atmosphere; 

• Treat learners with respect, building relationships rooted in trust and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to a mentor’s professional position; 

• Promote a love of learning and children’s intellectual curiosity;  

• Ensure that all learning is engaging and responds to the needs of learners, taking into account their pace of learning, their interests and their need for choice;  

• Embrace the School’s approach to inclusion and innovation; 

• Support all children to behave with integrity, respect and compassion; 

• Have an understanding of the importance of a smooth transition between year groups and classes; 

• Place children central to the purpose of learning; 

• Take into account the ideas, thoughts and suggestions of all children and act upon them accordingly, challenging appropriately. 

 

Collaboration and Community 

• Regularly reflect on and critically evaluate your own teaching and the effectiveness of lessons and approaches to teaching;  

• Be open minded to coaching and appraisal, taking on board praise and dialogue around development;  

• Collaborate with colleagues across the team to develop best practice, share ideas and work cohesively to bring out the best in every member of the community; 

• Work in partnership with Learning Support Assistants and coaches to ensure that all learners can access high quality learning in all aspects of the curriculum; 

• Engage in Action Research and be willing to experiment with approaches that could positively impact the wellbeing and development of learners and subjects;  

• Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the School including contributing to the broad cocurricular programme on offer;  

• Develop a strong partnership with parents/carers and the wider community.  

• Citizens School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment;  

• Show tolerance of and respect for the rights of others;  

• Have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the School and maintain high standards in personal attendance and punctuality; 

• Present a positive image of the school to all other stakeholders. 

Safeguarding, Inclusion and Wellbeing 

• Citizens School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We execute rigorous recruitment procedures that ensure all employees and volunteers are of sound moral character and are suitable people to work with children and young adults. The School expects all staff to share and uphold our commitment to safeguarding; 

• Taking a proactive approach to safeguard all children and members of the school community; 

• Commit to upholding all school policies and procedures; 

• Be part of a fully inclusive school where all members of staff work together to provide a fully inclusive environment and working practices, free of bias and prejudice; 

• Promote the general progress and well-being of all learners and report concerns to a staff member; 

• Provide guidance and advice to learners on educational, pastoral and social matters; 

• Ensure that learners experience an educational programme that is personalised to their particular needs, developing their skills and abilities; 

• Ensure that lessons are appropriately planned, delivered and reviewed; 

• Assess, record and report on the development, progress and attainment of learners in line with school policy; 

• Ensure positive behaviour for learning for all learners in line with the school’s policy; 

 

Other Responsibilities 

• Additionally, all staff are required to undertake any other duties that may be allocated, in consultation with the Principal. 

 

If you would like to work in a forward-thinking and innovative school, with excellent facilities, talented mentors and thriving learners, then please make contact and apply for this role.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit the following documents:

• Completed Citizens TES Application Form

• Up-to-date CV with a recent photograph

• Cover letter outlining your suitability for the role

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.

• Start Date: August 2026
  

Safeguarding Commitment:

• Citizens School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

• Diversity & Inclusion Statement:

• Citizens School is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment. We value applications from all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and perspectives, and strive to build a team where diversity is respected and celebrated.