Head of Inclusion - Special Educational Needs

Aldar Education LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 335,000 - 670,000; Full time

Job summary

Aldar Education in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, invites applications for the role of Head of Inclusion. The post requires leading SEN provision, coordinating with teachers and families, and driving school-wide inclusive practices.

The successful candidate will develop IEPs, manage the Inclusion team and oversee assessments, ensuring high standards of student achievement and wellbeing within a UAE school context.

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher status or equivalent teaching qualification.
• Master's SEN qualification or external certification in SEN.
• Minimum 5 years in Special Educational Needs with leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and promote inclusive education across the school.
• Develop school-wide inclusion approaches and oversee SEN provision.
• Provide guidance to teachers on SEN and inclusive teaching practices.
• Lead the Inclusion team and deliver staff induction and training.
• Develop and maintain high-quality IEPs and progress tracking.
• Coordinate with families, external agencies and specialists.

Skills

SEN leadership

Inclusion strategy

Staff development

Assessment/data analysis

IEPs

Education

Master's SEN qualification

Qualified teacher status

Job description

Head of Inclusion - Special Educational Needs Job Snapshot - Role: Head of Inclusion - Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Primary-Secondary Education - Function: Special Education - Experience: Minimum 5 years in Special Educational Needs (SEN), including previous SEN or Learning Support leadership experience - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Position Overview

Aldar Education is seeking an outstanding Head of Inclusion to join its team in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Head of Inclusion will lead and develop inclusive education provision across the school, ensuring that students with special educational needs receive appropriate support to achieve their academic, social and personal potential. The role combines strategic leadership, classroom teaching, staff management, student assessment and the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The successful candidate will work closely with teachers, Inclusion Assistants, families and external specialists to deliver effective interventions and monitor student progress. Applicants must be qualified teachers with a relevant SEN qualification and at least five years of experience in special educational needs, including previous leadership of SEN or Learning Support provision in a primary or secondary school.

Key Responsibilities

Inclusion Leadership and School Development

• Lead and promote inclusive education throughout the school.
• Develop a school-wide approach that supports students with different learning needs.
• Provide professional guidance to teachers and support staff on SEN and inclusive teaching practices.
• Demonstrate exemplary classroom teaching and promote high standards of educational achievement.
• Implement strategic inclusion initiatives and evaluate their impact on student learning.
• Support the school 's educational objectives, policies and inclusive learning environment.
• Contribute to the school pastoral committee and relevant student support discussions.

Inclusion Team Management

• Lead and manage staff responsible for supporting students with special educational needs.
• Provide line management and professional guidance to Inclusion team members.
• Deliver induction and training for newly appointed Inclusion staff and Inclusion Assistants.
• Identify professional development needs and provide appropriate training.
• Support teachers and classroom assistants in implementing effective inclusion strategies.
• Promote collaboration and consistent practice across the Inclusion team.

Individual Education Plans and Student Support

• Develop and maintain high-quality Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Coordinate individual care plans and targeted learning support programmes.
• Identify students requiring additional academic, developmental or behavioural support.
• Plan and deliver interventions based on assessed individual needs.
• Provide individual or group instruction when appropriate.
• Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of student intervention plans.
• Maintain accurate records of student support arrangements and progress.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

• Review whole-school assessment data to identify priority areas for intervention.
• Conduct assessments to identify individual learning needs and developmental delays.
• Use standardised assessment results to inform educational support.
• Monitor student progress and attainment through appropriate data analysis.
• Maintain accurate SEN registers and records of student provisions.
• Evaluate intervention outcomes using measurable evidence of progress.
• Use assessment findings to review and improve inclusion provision.

Inclusive Teaching and Classroom Support

• Work alongside class and subject teachers to deliver differentiated lessons.
• Undertake co-teaching activities to support students with additional learning needs.
• Prepare and implement appropriate learning interventions.
• Provide direct teaching support to individual students or groups when required.
• Monitor student work and provide appropriate feedback during learning activities.
• Help teachers adapt instructional approaches to meet identified needs.
• Promote student independence, participation and educational achievement.

Specialist and External Agency Collaboration

• Liaise with colleagues from other schools, external agencies and specialist professionals.
• Coordinate with relevant specialists to inform school-based support arrangements.
• Maintain effective communication with families regarding inclusion provision.
• Deliver training and guidance to colleagues and families.
• Participate in student admissions, evaluations, assessments and transitions for Students of Determination (SoD).
• Support coordinated planning for students requiring additional educational provision.

Regulatory Documentation and Access Arrangements

• Prepare required inclusion documentation for submission to the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) or other relevant educational bodies.
• Complete assessments and applications relating to student access arrangements.
• Maintain accurate and meaningful SEN registers.
• Ensure IEPs, intervention records and progress information are appropriately documented.
• Monitor student attainment and support provision through reliable records.
• Support compliance with relevant educational requirements and school procedures.

Student Wellbeing and Behaviour

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the school 's behaviour policy.
• Promote student self-esteem, positive behaviour and independence.
• Support the management of student behaviour in accordance with whole-school policies.
• Encourage a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Follow applicable health and safety requirements and school procedures.
• Maintain professional standards of conduct, punctuality, attendance and appearance.
• Undertake other reasonable duties assigned by the Principal within the responsibilities of the position.

Required Qualifications

• Qualified teacher status or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
• SEN qualification at Master 's level or external certification in an aspect of Special Educational Needs.

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the field of Special Educational Needs.
• Previous experience leading SEN or Learning Support provision in a primary or secondary school.
• Demonstrated experience leading a special education or inclusion team.
• Evidence of implementing strategic school initiatives with measurable impact.
• Experience maintaining accurate SEN registers and developing effective IEPs.
• Experience designing and delivering individual intervention plans.
• Experience administering standardised assessments to inform student support.
• Proven ability to monitor and evaluate intervention effectiveness.
• Experience using student data to track the progress and attainment of Students of Determination.

Job-Specific Knowledge and Skills

Special Educational Needs Expertise

• Strong understanding of different special educational needs and developmental delays.
• Ability to identify individual learning requirements and appropriate support strategies.
• Expertise in differentiated teaching and inclusive classroom practice.
• Knowledge of individual education planning and targeted intervention programmes.
• Ability to assess student needs and recommend suitable educational provision.

Leadership and Professional Development

• Proven ability to lead and manage an Inclusion team.
• Ability to guide teachers and support staff in implementing effective SEN strategies.
• Experience delivering training to colleagues and families.
• Strong collaboration skills when working with school leaders and external specialists.
• Ability to implement and evaluate school-wide inclusion initiatives.

Assessment and Data Management

• Ability to administer and interpret standardised assessments.
• Experience maintaining accurate SEN registers and student progress records.
• Strong understanding of data-informed intervention planning.
• Ability to measure the effectiveness of individual support programmes.
• Experience preparing relevant educational documentation and access arrangement applications.

Professional Attributes

• Commitment to inclusive education and high standards of student achievement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with families, teachers and specialist professionals.
• Professional approach to student wellbeing and school safeguarding responsibilities.
• Understanding and appreciation of the culture and values of the UAE.
• Commitment to Aldar Education 's values and educational ethos.

About Aldar Education

Aldar Education is a school education provider based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Through its family of schools, Aldar Education supports high-quality teaching, inclusive learning and the development of students with diverse educational needs. The organisation offers education professionals opportunities to contribute to school improvement, educational leadership and student achievement while supporting the continued development of its school communities.