Head of Secondary Inclusion at Safa Community School

We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Head of Secondary Inclusion to join our highly successful Inclusion department. The successful candidate would be expected to lead inclusion across the Secondary school along with the Assistant Principal Inclusion.

In 2019 the school was awarded the title of ‘Best New School in the UAE’ and 2021 shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Most loved’, ‘Happiest’ and ‘Best Value Added’ for schools across the UAE. The school has one of the best staff retention rates in Dubai and was voted one of the 15 Best Schools in the UAE by the Schoolscompared.com survey. 

Safa Community School is an all-through UK curriculum school, from FS1 to Year 13, with 2,070 on roll. (@safa_scs and Safa Community School Youtube ).  We pride ourselves on our high standards across all aspects of school life. This includes high academic progress and a wide variety of extra-curricular success. 

We are looking to appoint a Head of Inclusion with the passion and commitment to promote and develop an outstanding Inclusion department. The Head of Inclusion, together with the Assistant Principal, will also be responsible for all DSIB Inspection preparation and readiness. This is an exciting time to join SCS with a new Senior School extension offering more world-class facilities completing in September 2022.

What can SCS offer? 

• the ability to develop and grow within the Secondary School;    
• the opportunity to be innovative and to develop new educational procedures and student experiences;    
• the ability to develop a significantly broad portfolio;    
• an exciting, challenging and stimulating place to work in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Who/what is SCS looking for? 

• excellent leadership potential, strong management and communication skills demonstrable through your present role;    
• the ability to communicate a clear vision for improving standards within the department;    
• a capacity for hard work and resilience; and a belief that this is at the core of success;    
• a creative thinker with ability and determination to secure high-quality outcomes for all students;    
• an exceptional and innovative classroom practitioner;    
• demonstrable ability to lead, inspire and motivate others;    
• readiness for meeting the high expectations in Dubai with enthusiasm;    
• a leader who places the well-being of all students first.

It is desirable that the successful candidate:  

• Will hold relevant qualifications, including the National Award SENDCo. (NASENCO) and QTS.    
• Can evidence and demonstrate child-centred, strong inclusive practice.    
• Most importantly should be enthusiastic about Inclusion and be able to convey this to develop our inclusive community.    
• Have an understanding of assessment and examinations at KS3, KS4 & KS5 and the available exam concessions.    
• Will deliver in-house training and professional development to upskill staff & departments    
• Works effectively as part of a team.    
• Actively keeps up to date with the developments in Inclusion and has extensive knowledge of special educational needs.    
• Strong communication skills to work successfully in partnership with students, staff, specialists & families.    
• Has a willingness to develop as a professional, taking opportunities to train further within the department, or outside to progress in their career.

General Professional Responsibilities

Professional duties shall be deemed to include the following duties:    

• Using assessment and internal data to identify needs, monitor and tracking student progress and developing an impactful programme of provision.    
• Maintaining an accurate record of student information, with a robust cycle of target setting, monitoring & evaluation.    
• Communicating and consulting with the parents of students who experience SEND, and developing a supportive Team Around the Child (TAC).     
• Liaising with external professionals and ensuring that teachers are enabled to effectively plan for their students with SEND    
• Developing a coordinated approach to training and development of Inclusion Learning Assistants    
• Assessing and preparing students who experience SEND for examinations, recording and reporting such assessments and supporting students to develop their post-school pathways.    
• Displaying an innovative mindset in engaging, supporting and developing students with SEND.    
• Participating in arrangements for CPD, contributing to his/her own professional development and using that knowledge to further develop the Inclusion community.    
• Working as a member of a team in the shaping of departmental policy and practice, with a focus on developing Inclusive practices across the Secondary School.    
• Participating in departmental meetings & Open Evenings.    
• Participating in administrative and organisational tasks in order to ensure the smooth running of the department.    
• Familiarising themselves with the DSIB inspection framework and the expectations of outstanding Inclusive practice in the UAE.    
• Being supportive of UAE initiatives & cultural expectations.

Application Process for Head of Inclusion

Closing date for applications is Thursday, 13th January 2022 at 12 noon UAE time.

The selection process is to be held as applications are received.

Safa Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please see below for the full application process.

Dear Candidate

 The application process is:    

1. Submit a full resume/CV and covering letter (only two A4 pgs) via email to secondaryrecruitment@safacommunityschool.com    
2. Provide at least 3 referees’ names, telephone numbers (with international dialling codes) and email addresses.  One must be a current employer.    
3. Please provide your Skype contact details (if you have these).    
4. You are welcome to visit the school informally and by arrangement with the Principal’s PA, Ms. Leander Le Grange (pa@safacommunityschool.com).    
5. The closing date for all applications is. Thursday, 13th January 2022 at 12 noon UAE time. However, applications will be processed as received, and initial Skype interviews will be arranged for successful candidates as applications are received.    
6. Once initial Skype interviews are concluded, arrangements will be made individually with those candidates who will proceed to the second round of interviews.