SENDCo., Primary School (August 2026)

The Arbor School is seeking a passionate and committed SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) to join our dynamic community. This role presents a fantastic opportunity for an experienced middle leader who is dedicated to inclusive education and believes in the potential of every child to succeed. The successful applicant will bring extensive SEND expertise and a strong grasp of evidence-based inclusive strategies. Reporting to the Head of Inclusion, you will lead a team of inclusion teachers and support staff, ensuring the implementation of exceptional educational programs across the Primary School. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the SEND department, crafting and adjusting curriculum pathways and targeted interventions designed for a wide range of learners, including those with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and physical disabilities. Working collaboratively with class teachers, specialists, year group leaders, and department heads will be crucial in integrating inclusive practices throughout the school. Strong communication with parents, offering professional development opportunities, and participating in action research centered on sustainable, skills-based growth will be key aspects of this position.

We anticipate welcoming a new team member in Term 3, but for an exceptional candidate, a start date in August 2026 may be considered.

Enough For All, For Ever

Established in 2018, The Arbor School embodies a distinctive educational philosophy that is experiential, authentic, and drawn from the natural beauty, human creativity, and pressing ecological and social challenges of the Arabian Peninsula.

Our dedication to fostering a learning community that seeks to comprehend and rejuvenate the health of ecological and human systems as interconnected elements of a larger whole requires a combination of optimism, ambition, and humility. We firmly believe in the intrinsic goodness of individuals and their capacity to act with empathy and compassion, mirroring the hope that is essential for learning toward a sustainable future. The resilience and determination needed to tackle global challenges are vital for uncovering sustainable solutions and advocating for the social changes necessary to implement these solutions. Our recognition that we are all learners—never masters—fuels our commitment to inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

Understanding the interconnectedness of cognitive, emotional, and participatory areas and their impact on learning, we embrace a holistic educational approach designed to prepare learners to:

• Grasp the interlinked principles of sustainability, individual and collective well-being, and social and environmental justice;

• Discover purpose, meaning, and joy in their relationships with the natural world and each other, while valuing diverse perspectives;

• Achieve a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy through their actions both at home and within the wider community.

The Arbor Promise

Teachers at Arbor are part of a community that values inclusivity, enthusiasm, and active engagement. They cultivate authentic relationships with their colleagues and enjoy positive interactions with school leadership, who prioritize their well-being. Arbor educators demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, remain steady during change, and exhibit creativity and adaptability when solving problems. They bring their passions and interests into the school environment, which is an expectation of the role. We are dedicated to meeting agreed-upon deadlines, communicating proactively with constructive intent, and sharing a collective enthusiasm for providing the highest quality education to our students.

Job Summary
As a key member of the Middle Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Head of Inclusion to enhance and lead SEND provision throughout the school. You will champion the learning and personal development of students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that high-quality, inclusive practices are effectively implemented across the Primary phase. In your capacity as SENDCo at The Arbor School, you will play a crucial role in fostering a culture of belonging and achievement, aligned with our Strategic Intent, Mission Statement, and the Arbor Promise, making sure every learner flourishes within our values-driven community.

Key Responsibilities

• Committing to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of students (in line with Arbor’s Safeguarding framework/policy/Code of Conduct).

• Actively representing and embodying the Arbor vision, mission, and values.

• Ensuring compliance with the Arbor Staff Handbook and the Arbor Support Teacher: A Framework for Outstanding Support.

• Executing school policies, procedures, and expected practices as determined by the Senior Leadership Team at The Arbor School.

• Creating and maintaining a well-organized, safe, and engaging learning environment, serving as a model to promote high standards of work displayed in classrooms and communal areas while focusing on celebrating accomplishments and showcasing specialist subject knowledge.

Required Candidate Profile

• Native-level proficiency in English.

• A Bachelor's degree in Special Needs Education/Inclusion or a related field, coupled with a PGCE in Education with QTS or an equivalent qualification.

• Additional qualifications, such as the National Award for SEN Coordination, are preferred.

• A minimum of three years of experience in SEN or inclusion roles within the UK or a reputable British school.

• A proven history of exceptional teaching and learning, with the ability to cultivate a caring and nurturing classroom environment.

Remuneration: A competitive, tax-free salary package will be provided in accordance with the School's policy and UAE labor law regulations.

Application: To apply for this position, please complete the application via TES and upload:

• An updated CV that includes a recent photograph.

• A letter of application, not exceeding two pages, detailing your educational philosophy and your fit for The Arbor School.

The Arbor School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all students and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We adhere to high standards of effective, safer recruitment practices with a focus on child protection. All appointments are contingent upon CV and qualification verification, interviews, identity checks, criminal record reviews, and successful references.

All appointments are subject to the approval of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.