Head of Inclusion
Job Description
GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar is an inclusive, diverse, and high-performing British curriculum school committed to fostering a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. As part of our vision for excellence, we are seeking a
Head of Inclusion to lead and enhance our
Special Educational Needs (SEN), English as an Additional Language (EAL), and Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs, ensuring that all students receive the necessary support to succeed academically and personally.
Job Overview:
The
Head of Inclusion will be responsible for
developing and implementing the school's inclusion strategy, ensuring that students with diverse learning needs are identified, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. This role requires a passionate and experienced leader who can collaborate with teachers, parents, and external professionals to create an inclusive, differentiated learning environment that aligns with
KHDA and SEND guidelines.
Key Responsibilities:
Inclusion Strategy & Leadership:
Develop and lead the school’s
Inclusion and SEN strategy in line with KHDA and GEMS policies. Drive a culture of
inclusive education, ensuring that students with
special educational needs, disabilities (SEND), EAL needs, and high potential (G&T) learners are fully supported. Provide strategic guidance to the
SEN team, Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), EAL teachers, and classroom teachers. Develop, review, and implement
Individual Education Plans (IEPs), intervention strategies, and progress tracking.
Student Support & Intervention:
Identify and assess students with SEND, EAL, or additional learning needs, ensuring early intervention and ongoing support. Work closely with teachers to
differentiate instruction and provide tailored learning plans for students. Oversee
exam access arrangements, accommodations, and curriculum modifications for students who require additional support. Monitor student progress through
regular assessments, parent meetings, and intervention programs.
Collaboration & Professional Development:
Train and mentor teachers in
differentiated instruction, inclusive classroom strategies, and behavior management. Conduct
CPD workshops to enhance teachers' understanding of SEND, EAL, and inclusion best practices. Work closely with
parents, external specialists, and the school leadership team to ensure a cohesive support system for students. Liaise with
KHDA and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with inclusion standards and policies.
Policy & Compliance:
Ensure that
Inclusion policies and procedures align with the
Dubai Inclusive Education Framework. Maintain accurate records and documentation, ensuring compliance with
KHDA reporting and inspection requirements. Support the school’s
Admissions team in assessing new students for learning support needs and guiding families on available resources.
Skills
-
Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Psychology, Educational Leadership, or a related field (Master’s Degree preferred).
-
Recognized qualification in SEN/Inclusion/SEND coordination (e.g., NASENCO, SENCO qualification, PGCE with SEN specialization).
-
Minimum 5 years of experience in Inclusion, SEND, or Learning Support leadership (preferably within a British curriculum or international school setting).
- Strong knowledge of
KHDA guidelines, SEND Code of Practice, and Dubai Inclusive Education Framework.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with students, parents, and staff.
GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.
Job Location Dubai, UAE Company Industry Education Job Role Teacher Career Level Mid Career - Over 2 years experience
GEMS FOUNDERS SCHOOL- AL MIZHAR
Education Dubai, United Arab Emirates GEMS Founders Al Mizhar School (GFM) is a value for money National Curriculum of England School which opened in September 2018 modelled on the highly successful GEMS Founders Dubai School. It educates students from FS1 to Year 12 and will build to a full FS to Year 13 School of 4800 students in subsequent years. The school has a focus on high academic standards, computational thinking, ... social and emotional Education as well as inclusivity to allow all students to succeed through a range of academic and vocational pathways. Alongside well-equipped classrooms, the school has good sports provision, large open plan learning areas to support innovation and creative problem-solving including robotics and 3D printing, a drama/dance studio, specialist music rooms, full Wi-Fi coverage, dedicated food lab, dedicated textiles lab, science labs, art rooms and libraries. FS students have access to attractive indoor and outdoor learning areas. All classrooms are equipped with large LCD screens to enhance student learning. The school follows the National Curriculum for England, offering IGCSE, AS and A level courses in the future as well as a range of vocational pathways.
