Head of Inclusion/SENDCO

Client of Teach East; Fujairah; On-site; AED 540,000 - 760,000; Full time

Job summary

Teach East has a vacancy for Head of Inclusion SENDCO in Fujairah, UAE. The role demands strategic leadership over an Inclusion Department, ensuring high standards of equity, safeguarding, and targeted support for students with diverse needs.

You will develop and review policy, mentor staff, and collaborate with families and external partners to implement effective IEPs and interventions. On-site position with a senior leadership remit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology, or a closely related field.
• Recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, B.Ed., QTS, or equivalent).
• Recognised SENDCO/Inclusion qualification (e.g., National Award for SEN Coordination, Master's in Special Education, or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years of teaching experience, with significant SEND experience in a school setting.
• Minimum 2–3 years of leadership experience in inclusion/SEND roles.
• In-depth knowledge of SEND legislation, frameworks, and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for the Inclusion Department driving equity, belonging and high expectations for students with diverse needs.
• Develop, implement and review the school’s Inclusion Policy and School Improvement Plan for SEND.
• Lead, mentor and coach the inclusion team and related staff.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the department including timetabling and budget oversight.
• Contribute to whole-school strategic planning as a key member of the leadership team.
• Oversee identification, assessment, and provision for SEND, including IEPs and personalised plans.
• Coordinate access arrangements for exams to ensure appropriate accommodations.
• Lead safeguarding and wellbeing initiatives for students with SEND.
• Engage parents and external professionals to support provision.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Coaching

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Policy development

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field

PGCE/B.Ed./QTS or equivalent

SENDCO/Inclusion qualification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Head of Inclusion SENDCO Female Location Fujairah UAE Employment type Full-time Workplace On-site

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Management Provide visionary leadership for the Inclusion Department driving a culture of equity belonging and high expectations for students with diverse learning needs
• Develop implement and review the school s Inclusion Policy and School Improvement Plan for SEND ensuring alignment with UAE national priorities e g UAE National Policy for Empowering People of Determination and international best practice
• Lead mentor and inspire a team of inclusion specialists learning support assistants and EAL teachers through regular coaching performance appraisals and professional development
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the department including timetabling staff allocation resource management and budget oversight
• Contribute to whole-school strategic planning as a key member of the school s leadership team

Student Support and Intervention

• Oversee the identification assessment and provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities SEND including learning difficulties physical disabilities speech and language needs social-emotional challenges and gifted and talented students
• Lead the implementation of a graduated response Assess Plan Do Review to ensure timely and effective interventions for all students requiring support
• Ensure the development and implementation of high-quality Individual Education Plans IEPs Personalised Learning Plans and behaviour support plans in collaboration with teachers parents and external specialists
• Monitor and track student progress using data to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and make evidence-based decisions
• Coordinate access arrangements for internal and external examinations e g IGCSE A-Level IB to ensure students with SEND receive appropriate accommodations

Staff Development and Capacity Building

• Lead whole-school professional development on inclusive teaching practices differentiation and strategies for supporting diverse learners
• Provide targeted coaching and mentoring to classroom teachers and teaching assistants to build their capacity to meet the needs of all students
• Model best practices in inclusive pedagogy demonstrating how to adapt resources differentiate instruction and create accessible learning environments

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

• Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all vulnerable students
• Lead the school s response to child protection concerns involving students with SEND working closely with external agencies and families
• Promote positive mental health and wellbeing for all students with a particular focus on those with additional needs

Parent and Community Engagement

• Build strong trusting relationships with parents and caregivers providing regular updates guidance and support regarding their child s progress and provision
• Lead parent workshops and information sessions on topics such as understanding SEND supporting learning at home and navigating transition processes
• Liaise with external professionals e g educational psychologists speech and language therapists occupational therapists paediatricians to secure specialist assessments and interventions
• Represent the school at local authority meetings and with regulatory bodies e g KHDA SPEA regarding inclusion and SEND provision

Compliance and Data Management

• Ensure full compliance with UAE federal and local regulations regarding People of Determination including accurate record-keeping and reporting
• Maintain comprehensive confidential records for all students on the SEND register including assessment data intervention logs and communication with parents and external agencies
• Prepare reports for senior leadership governors and regulatory bodies on the effectiveness of the school s inclusion provision

Additional Information

We welcome applications from passionate experienced and student-centred leaders who are committed to creating an inclusive school environment where every student feels valued supported and challenged to achieve their full potential. The school values inclusion as a core pillar of its mission and offers a supportive environment for its Inclusion Department to thrive.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology, or a closely related field.
• Recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, B.Ed., QTS, or equivalent).
• Recognised SENDCO/Inclusion qualification (e.g., National Award for SEN Coordination, Master's in Special Education, or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years of teaching experience , with significant experience working with students with SEND in a school setting.
• Minimum 2 3 years of leadership experience in an inclusion/SEND role (e.g., SENDCO, Head of Learning Support, or similar).
• In-depth knowledge of SEND legislation, frameworks, and best practices (e.g., UAE People of Determination policy, UK SEND Code of Practice, or equivalent).
• Proven experience developing and implementing IEPs , behaviour plans, and intervention programmes.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills , with the ability to inspire and influence colleagues.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and promoting the welfare of all children .
• Experience in an international or multicultural school setting , particularly in the UAE or the Middle East.
• Experience with specific SEND approaches (e.g., ABA, TEACCH, PECS, Makaton, Zones of Regulation).