Assistant Head of Inclusion

Aldar Academies are currently seeking a dedicated professional to be our new Assistant Head of Inclusion – Aldar Academies in Abu Dhabi commencing September 2019.  This role is based at our School Services Centre and involves supporting our family of schools to deliver outstanding provision for all People of Determination (SEND/Inclusion). 

This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar Academies family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi’s leading school group.  

The successful candidate will combine an excellent track record of successful Inclusion leadership experience, developed in the UK or internationally, with strong inter-personal skills and cultural awareness with the ability manage the demands and needs of all stakeholders. Exceptional communication skills combined with being a visible leader and ambassador for inclusion are central to this role.   The role requires strategic thinking with a firm grasp of how to ensure student with special educational needs and People of Determination achieve their potential, learning alongside their peers, by promoting early identification and intervention, teacher education and family support. Candidates must be committed to working in partnership with the local community and developing ways to engage with parents and forge effective partnerships with them.

The successful candidate will be closely aligned with the core values and ethos of Aldar Academies and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region. 

Main Responsibilities

1. Encourage and promote inclusion across schools within the Aldar Academies group

2. Be an exemplar classroom teacher able to offer support and guidance to staff on SEND and inclusion to promote high standards of educational achievement

3. Liaise closely with outside agencies and other professionals to facilitate provision for students in schools

4. Provide support to school based HoI / SEND Coordinators and inclusion teams to:

a. identify student needs, develop IEP / ALP / EHC plans and liaise with families to access external services.

b. develop and maintain accurate records and SEND / G&T registers

c. review school assessment data and conduct assessments to identify priority areas and/or pupils for school based targeted intervention

d. plan and deliver a range of programmes of work to support individual needs

e. monitor the quality and accuracy of risk management plans

f. manage compliance and ADEK application

5. Provide CPD to school staff and families 

6. Identify areas of strength and weakness across the Aldar Academies group of schools to support strategic planning.

7. Support school preparations for external inspections (ADEK, MoI, NEASC, BSE, BSME).

8. Support the aims of the schools; comply with the requirements of health and safety, other relevant legislation and school policies

9. Set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance

10. Undertake other duties from time to time as the Aldar Academies Inclusion Lead requires

Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or Bachelor’s degree in Education with postgraduate qualifications in field of Special Needs or Disabilities, Teaching certification.

Experience: At least 2 years senior or middle leadership in a similar setting and at least 5 years working with children and adolescents with special educational needs, preferably in mainstream educational settings.

Competencies: knowledge of international inspection and evaluation frameworks relating to Inclusion, excellent communication skills in spoken and written form, educational leader and outstanding teacher, sound decision maker, solutions focused, knowledge of child protection and health and safety, experience in developing and/or sustaining high performance teams, highly effective relationship management with a variety of stakeholders, expert knowledge of SEN, EAL and G&T quality provision and curriculum, ideally can communicate in both Arabic and English.

Attributes: collaborative team player, inspirational speaker, empathetic listener, integrity, strategic thinker, able to convert vision into action, internationally minded, emotional intelligence, intercultural awareness, creative, persuasive, flexible and capable of managing growth and instilling high standards, adept in multilingual settings, spirited, pioneering, professional and nurturing.

What we offer

Aldar Academies are a family of world-class, child centred and innovative schools based in the UAE.  We educate over 10,000 students across our group of owned and managed schools and as we grow so does our need for highly skilled, inspirational and dedicated school leaders.  We offer an attractive remuneration package including medical cover, flights, housing and free child school places.  Our future-focussed learning model includes both students and staff and so we place a special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training.  Successful candidates will have access to a wide network of professionals and opportunities to both lead and contribute to training others as well as developing themselves.

Aldar Academies are keen to hear from like-minded, forward thinking school leaders who would welcome the challenge and opportunities that we have to offer.  

Application:

A covering letter and CV including details of two referees should be sent to recruitment@aldaracademies.com

Aldar Academies is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people, and any offer of appointment will be subject to any relevant medical checks and clearance from appropriate safeguarding authorities.