Head of Inclusion – Secondary (SENCo)

Safeguarding Statement

At Taaleem, we are firmly committed to safeguarding the well-being of children and enhancing their welfare. We adhere to high standards of effective child protection practices and expect all team members to share this commitment. Candidates who are successful in the hiring process will undergo thorough background checks, including strong references, verification of qualifications, identity checks, and police screenings, which will encompass international checks.

Job Overview

This position offers a remarkable opportunity to join the award-winning team at Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, a prestigious British international school located in the vibrant city of Dubai.

The Head of Inclusion – Secondary will lead outstanding support for Students of Determination in the Secondary school, ensuring that inclusive practices are woven into teaching, learning, and pastoral systems.

In this essential middle leadership role within a distinguished school and department, the chosen candidate will operate both strategically and operationally to remove obstacles to learning, cultivate high expectations, and secure strong academic and personal outcomes for all students requiring additional support.

This role combines specialized expertise with instructional leadership—mentoring teachers, shaping classroom practices, and ensuring that research-based interventions effectively promote student progress.

At DBSJP, our initiatives are driven by professional dialogue, innovation, and a shared ambition. Aligned with our vision of "Enjoy, Aspire, Achieve," you will join a community that emphasizes excellence, professional growth, and well-being, all within a premier, state-of-the-art educational setting.

Job Specification

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Strategic Leadership & Ethos

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Foster a strong inclusive ethos that reflects school values and KHDA expectations.

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Promote high standards for student learning, independence, and achievement.

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Contribute to the creation of comprehensive whole-school inclusion planning and self-evaluation processes (SEF, DSIB readiness, policy reviews).

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Ensure adherence to policies, systems, and procedures within the Secondary school, maintaining coherence and effectiveness.

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Guarantee complete compliance with JCQ exam access arrangements.

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Support the admissions, enrollment, and transition processes for students with additional needs.

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Identification, Assessment & Provision

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Lead the identification and assessment of students with additional needs through observation, screening, diagnostic evaluations, and data analysis.

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Maintain and regularly review a detailed Secondary SEND register.

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Collaborate with teachers to observe, assess, and identify barriers to learning.

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Employ effective screening and diagnostic methods.

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Oversee the coordination of examination access arrangements and ensure compliance.

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Manage and guarantee quality assurance in the development, implementation, and review of IEPs/Edukey plans.

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Design and implement evidence-based interventions for individual students and small groups.

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Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and adjust provisions as necessary.

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Teaching & Learning Impact

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Ensure Inclusion Specialist Teachers support classroom teachers in developing differentiated and inclusive teaching strategies.

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Conduct learning walks and lesson observations with a focus on inclusion and adaptive teaching.

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Provide coaching and professional development to teachers and LSAs to help eliminate barriers to learning.

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Lead the creation of relevant and meaningful learning pathways, courses, and activities for students with complex learning needs.

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Oversee the implementation of strategies and provide targeted feedback to enhance classroom practices.

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Encourage a graduated approach to support that strengthens teacher capacity and promotes student independence.

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Data & Outcomes

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Track the progress and development of identified students in collaboration with Heads of Department and Year Leaders.

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Analyze achievement, progress, and pastoral data to identify trends and gaps.

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Prepare reports for senior leadership, inspections, and governing bodies.

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Ensure transparency in monitoring systems and provide clear evaluations of impact.

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Leadership & Line Management

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Line manage Inclusion Specialist Teachers, LSAs, and ILSAs within the Secondary department.

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Mentor and onboard new team members, ensuring robust support is consistently available.

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Lead weekly Student Support meetings.

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Support performance management processes focusing on differentiation and impact.

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Foster a collaborative, reflective, and high-performing team culture.

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Partnership & Communication

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Facilitate collaborative meetings to develop and review individual education plans.

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Maintain effective communication with teachers, pastoral leaders, and senior leadership.

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Provide clear guidance and support to parents and staff.

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Ensure regular meetings with parents and teachers.

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Establish and nurture relationships with external agencies (e.g., psychologists, therapists).

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Represent Inclusion at parent events and school functions.

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Compliance & Safeguarding

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Act on Records of Concern as required.

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Ensure all essential student information is shared appropriately and professionally.

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Maintain accurate documentation and records, particularly regarding JCQ requirements for Exam Access Arrangements.

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Ensure resource allocation is effective and tailored to student needs.

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Professional Growth & Wider Contribution

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Contribute to Taaleem-wide professional sharing and collaboration.

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Engage in ongoing professional development relevant to inclusive practices.

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Support cross-phase transitions and strategic Inclusion initiatives.

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Participate actively in Inclusion Networks through Taaleem, BSME, or beyond.

Person Specification

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Possesses a recognized SENCo qualification or equivalent.

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Demonstrates a deep understanding of barriers to learning and inclusive pedagogy.

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Has experience in a Secondary setting with strong curriculum knowledge.

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Is skilled in coaching and developing teachers.

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Effectively utilizes data to drive decision-making and evaluate outcomes.

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Builds positive, solution-focused relationships with parents and staff.

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Is organized, strategic, and emotionally intelligent.

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Maintains high expectations and believes in the potential of all students.

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Can balance operational details with strategic vision.