Corporate Head of Inclusion/SEND (Sparkling GEMS) *all schools

Job Purpose
The Head of Inclusion is responsible for establishing strategic guidance and a framework for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)/Inclusion throughout the organization. This role draws on global best practices while ensuring adherence to all internal and external regulatory standards. The Head will focus on developing and implementing high-quality provisions for SEND, leveraging school networks and practitioners, and collaborating with partners and services to ensure that every child can reach their potential.

Key Accountabilities

Primary Accountabilities

• Lead and direct the Inclusion/SEND strategies for the organization and its schools, collaborating closely with the Chief Education Officer, EVPs of Education, Brand Ambassadors, and School Inclusion/SEND leads. Ensure that the schools embody and consistently implement the GEMS philosophy and Core Values.
• Oversee the Inclusion/SEND strategy, its ongoing development, and the creation of a comprehensive organization-wide action plan, aligning with applicable Inclusion Frameworks.
• Monitor and assess the execution of individual school action plans, ensuring effective implementation.
• Provide strategic direction for the formulation and dissemination of all policies and protocols related to SEND/Inclusion, ensuring that GEMS remains a leader in best practices in this area.
• Collaborate to create a systematic method for collecting and analyzing Inclusion data, while rigorously monitoring student attainment and progress and implementing necessary interventions.
• Enhance the capabilities and infrastructure of School/Cluster Inclusion leads to address current and future challenges effectively.
• Design and implement high-quality professional development opportunities, briefings, projects, and activities for Principals, SENDCo networks, and individual schools as needed.
• Aid in improving student outcomes and closing the attainment gap for all identified students across all phases, ensuring each student reaches their highest potential.
• Provide practical strategies, guidance, and support to teachers, SENCOs, and leaders throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory authorities and external agencies, fostering positive relationships with all stakeholders.

Strategic Leadership and Management

• Establish a robust organizational framework for delivering inclusion, in collaboration with the Chief Education Officer, to execute the overall strategy.
• Develop the Inclusion Strategy to maintain its leadership in inclusive practices, ensuring alignment with GEMS’ mission, strategic plan, and targets.
• Facilitate professional dialogue and performance reviews for relevant staff, identifying key talent within the Inclusion networks to cultivate advanced SEND leads who can disseminate best practices across the network.
• Create and broker school-to-school support and professional development opportunities throughout the entire network of schools.
• Assist in the development of inclusion practices and requirements for both new and established schools.
• Collaborate with colleagues to recruit suitably qualified SEND staff for new and existing schools, considering succession planning and talent management needs.

Working with GEMS Governance

• Provide the Chief Education Officer with timely, relevant data and insights to inform the board and its committees, enabling well-informed decision-making.
• Ensure GEMS complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, confirming that schools adhere to standards and conducting SEND audits and health checks for validation.
• Stay informed of high-quality inclusion practices and systems to guarantee that GEMS’ policies, proposals, and initiatives are top-tier.
• Attend and lead meetings as instructed by your line manager.

Education Leadership

• Maintain a consistent emphasis on high standards of student achievement and outcomes, particularly concerning SEND.
• Collaborate closely with EVP

Apply via the WhatSchool platform.