[2486] Head - Inclusion- Virginia International Private School (AY 26/27)

As the leading educational institution in Abu Dhabi, we provide inclusive and innovative learning experiences that aim to inspire and empower our communities. Our diverse range of brands caters to learners of all ages, from early childhood through to adult education, ensuring that we offer the broadest selection of curricula across the largest number of locations in Abu Dhabi.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate the school's Inclusion Strategy, policy, and graduated response to additional needs.
• Cultivate an inclusive culture, ensuring it is woven into the school improvement planning process.
• Maintain high expectations for all students while assessing the impact of inclusive practices on educational outcomes.
• Provide training, coaching, and modeling for teachers to boost their ability to deliver quality inclusive education.
• Work collaboratively with curriculum leaders to adapt planning, resources, and assessments for diverse learning needs.
• Oversee inclusion staff, ensuring effective professional development and performance management.
• Set up systems for monitoring and providing constructive feedback to improve the quality of teaching and learning within the inclusion team.
• Keep accurate records and use assessment data to evaluate the effectiveness of provisions and inform future actions.
• Prepare regular reports on inclusion outcomes for senior leaders, governors, and parents.
• Ensure adherence to statutory deadlines (e.g., EHCP reviews, referrals).
• Align all inclusion practices with the school's safeguarding policies and legal requirements.
• Advocate for student well-being and support effective behavioral strategies.
• Manage budgets related to resources, staffing, and specialist provisions as needed.
• Ensure that all documentation, referrals, and SEND processes comply with local and national guidelines.
• Engage in the admissions process by conducting interviews and lesson observations when required.

Specific Duties

• Organize classroom provisions, learning materials, and displays to foster an inclusive learning environment.
• Plan and support sessions that cater to a wide range of abilities.
• Observe, assess, and review student progress, making adjustments to provisions as necessary.
• Collaborate with professionals (such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists) as needed.
• Use school systems (e.g., Target Tracker, CPOMS) to document progress, incidents, and communications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (PGCE or equivalent) along with a Bachelor's degree.
• An additional qualification in SEND/Inclusive Education is preferred (e.g., National SENCo Award).

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of 2-4 years of teaching experience, with recent involvement in a SEND/EAL or inclusion role.

Job-Specific Knowledge & Skills

• In-depth understanding of the SEND legal framework, graduated response, and strategies to support diverse learners.
• Experience working with students who speak English as an additional language.
• Demonstrated success in leadership and staff development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with parents and external agencies.
• Strong dedication to child well-being.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and effectively drive change.
• Enhanced DBS/police check (or local equivalent).

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Employment offers are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.