Head of Inclusion (Maternity Cover)- Two Terms

About Horizon English School Dubai:

Founded in 1989, Horizon English School (HES) is one of the longest-established British schools in Dubai. Situated in Jumeirah, our institution caters to an international community of approximately 1,300 students and around 200 staff members. We have consistently achieved outstanding ratings from the KHDA and BSO for several years and are accredited by BSME (British Schools in the Middle East).

This role presents a unique opportunity to join the senior leadership team. We are excited to connect with candidates who resonate with our core values:

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The importance of building trust with students and colleagues

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The belief that every child can thrive in a nurturing environment

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The commitment to ongoing personal growth

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The value of collaboration in achieving the highest standards

Visit our website and social media platforms to learn more about what makes Horizon an exceptional place to learn and work:

https://horizonschooldubai.com/

https://www.instagram.com/horizonschooldubai/

About Cognita:

Cognita is a global leader in independent education, established in 2004 with a growing network of over 100 schools across 16 countries, including Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East, serving more than 85,000 students. While each school has its unique identity, we all share a common goal: to cultivate an environment where everyone can “Thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”

At Cognita, we understand that every student is unique. We celebrate their individual personalities and strengths, offering tailored academic, social, and emotional support to meet their diverse needs, regardless of their location. We safeguard their unique qualities while providing a wealth of knowledge, opportunities, and best practices, ensuring they receive a truly world-class education.

Role Overview:

In collaboration with the Principal, the Head of Inclusion will lead the strategic development of inclusive practices within the school. You will manage the daily operations of the Inclusion department and coordinate tailored support for individual Students of Determination, including those from inclusive groups.

You will provide professional guidance to colleagues both within and beyond the inclusion department, working closely with staff, parents, and external agencies.

Duties and responsibilities:

Leadership of strategy

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Contribute to and enhance a vision for inclusive practice that aligns with our aspirations for a thriving school, a progressive curriculum, and community service.

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Stay informed about UAE, UK, and international initiatives and policies that may impact the school’s strategy and practices.

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Act as an advocate for inclusive practices within the community, challenging prevailing norms to continuously improve our offerings.

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Balance the three elements of our school improvement model, creatively considering what is achievable for our community.

Leadership of culture

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Foster an inclusive culture within the school by addressing exclusive beliefs, language, and practices.

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Lead a team of inclusion specialists, modeling (and expecting from the team) behaviors that broaden our horizons.

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Work to reduce inconsistencies in inclusive practices within the school by establishing clear Horizon habits and assisting colleagues in embodying them.

Leadership of continuous improvement

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With support from senior leaders, identify key improvement priorities and systematically implement enhanced practices.

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Commit to your own leadership development.

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Provide a range of professional learning opportunities for both the inclusion team and the wider staff.

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Contribute to the school’s self-evaluation, particularly focusing on provisions for Students of Determination.

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Assist with the school development plan as necessary and in the formulation of whole-school policies.

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Maintain a strategic overview of provisions for Students of Determination across the school, monitoring and assessing quality.

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Identify staff training needs and develop plans to address them.

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Lead INSET/CPD for staff.

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Guide and support teaching assistants and learning support assistants.

Management of records

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Ensure an accurate SEND register is maintained, helping colleagues to thoroughly understand their Students of Determination.

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Keep records precise and current.

Management of relationships with stakeholders and organizations

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Collaborate with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, and external agencies to facilitate transitions into the school and ongoing support.

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Prepare and assess information to assist the governing board in meeting its responsibilities.

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Communicate effectively and promptly with families.

Management of support for Students of Determination

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Analyze and respond to assessment data for Students of Determination.

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Lead the implementation of intervention groups for Students of Determination and evaluate their effectiveness.

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Coordinate the identification of needs process.

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Oversee the IEP process in collaboration with parents and students.

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Ensure that relevant information is communicated to any receiving school when a student transfers, facilitating a smooth transition.

Skills & Competencies:

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Qualified teacher status (or equivalent).

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A relevant SEND/Inclusion qualification or substantial leadership experience in inclusion.

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Outstanding leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

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Proven ability to manage teams, resolve challenges, and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Our Offer:

The successful applicant will receive a tax-free salary, accommodation allowance, private medical insurance, and end-of-service gratuity. Additionally, we are strongly committed to supporting the professional development and career aspirations of the successful candidates.

Applications should be submitted using the TES online application form; only fully completed applications will be reviewed. Please attach your current and updated CV to support your application.

Interviews will be conducted both online and in person.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, so we encourage candidates to apply early.

Thank you for considering Horizon English School. Due to the expected volume of applications, only those shortlisted will be contacted.

"Horizon English School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect the same dedication from their employees. All new staff members will undergo thorough and enhanced pre-employment checks, which include identity verification, criminal background checks for all countries of residence, qualification verification, employment history checks to address any employment gaps, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment within the past 10 years."