Special Education Needs (SEN) Specialist

We’re currently seeking an experienced Special Education Needs (SEN) Specialist, who has previous experience of working in an education setting incorporating children with severe and complex needs. This role will be based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The SEN Specialist will be part of an exciting project that has been launched by Shamal Group Limited (Abu Dhabi) in conjunction with a UK based Special Education Needs (SEN) school.   The role will be to work on the development and opening of a SEN school in Abu Dhabi.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Project Related Tasks

• Research, planning and preparation of documentation needed for the school licensing process via the Department of Education and Knowledge, Abu Dhabi.
• Support for the design and development of a SEN curriculum and broader school activities.
• Support for developing policies and procedures for the SEN school including Occupational Safety and Health, pupil assessments, recruitment and admissions processes.
• Be a trusted advisor to the construction team and make recommendations for the implementation of safe and suitable infrastructure needs for the SEN school and other related projects.
• Support with the recruitment, interviewing and selection of staff for the SEN school.
• Support for setting up and implementing appropriate governance and systems for the SEN school and other related projects.
• Work with the corporate marketing team to develop marketing materials aligned with the vision and mission of the SEN school and other related projects.
• Support with the planning, preparation and implementation of sponsorship initiatives for the SEN school and other related projects.
• Be an ambassador for the new school and assist in the recruitment of new staff, e.g. attend job fairs, breakfast mornings etc.
• From time to time, the candidate may be required to support the design and implementation of activities for the mainstream school in addition to the work required for the SEN school.
• To create and implement a strategic plan, underpinned by sound financial acumen, which identifies priorities and targets for school improvement to secure outstanding outcomes, as verified by independent evaluation and ADEK inspection.

Teaching and Learning

• Lead the setup and management of an assessment and therapeutic team that can undertake a holistic assessment of individual pupil’s special educational needs to guide school admissions and ongoing objectives for class staff.
• Organise a curriculum that is broad, balanced and relevant to pupils’ special educational needs, based on the English National Curriculum, complies with Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) regulations, and meets the individual priority educational needs of each pupil.
• Organise policies and systems that provide support for pupils’ care and well-being. This is to include provision for personal care needs, therapeutic and medical assistance.
• Devise and implement appropriate systems to monitor, evaluate and maintain the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning.
• Build a professional, reflective, and developmental learning culture within the school engaging with other schools, colleges and the wider community, to create an effective learning community.

Strengthening Community

• Create and maintain effective partnerships with parents and families, Governors, and the wider community to support and improve pupils’ achievements, personal development and career aspirations.
• Develop effective links with the local community to extend the curriculum, enhance teaching, provide vocational opportunities, and broaden learning opportunities.
• Promote a clear vision of the equality, entitlement, and inclusion of pupils with special educational needs.
• Actively promote the school as a centre of excellence for the education of pupils with special educational needs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree holder in an applicable field
• PGCSE (or equivalent) holder with qualified teacher status.
• Senior Management experience in a special school for at least three years.
• To have worked in at least two Special Education Needs schools, with experience in a mainstream school.
• Experience within the United Arab Emirates would be preferable, although not essential.
• Knowledge and experience of outstanding practice within SEN school provision.
• Experience of teaching pupils designated to have severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties (including physical), SPLD and other learning difficulties.
• Additional qualification in special educational needs or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Experience of working with external partners and other agencies, including therapeutic/medical/assessment personnel and those responsible for safeguarding and child protection.
• Experience of providing support mechanisms for pupils, parents and families.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS:

• Has an excellent level of operational knowledge and experience in setting up policies, processes and systems for a (SEN) school.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the wider project management team to ensure key milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Ability to work at pace with an open and can-do attitude.
• Experience of working with a partner mainstream or independent school.

OUR OFFER:

• Competitive, tax-free salary
• Residency Visa provided (if required)
• Medical Insurance provided
• Annual return flight to Home Country

Closing Date : 16th May 2018

Please send a CV and cover letter to: jemma.lewis@shamalae.com