SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator)

Job Title: SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator)

Location: UAE
Reports To: Principal / Head of School
Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications
Contract Type: Full-time

Job Purpose

The SENDCO will lead and manage the provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the appropriate support and resources to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The role involves working closely with teachers, parents, external specialists, and the school leadership team to create and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and foster an inclusive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities 1. Identification and Assessment

• Lead the identification of students with special educational needs through observation, teacher reports, and formal assessments.
• Coordinate assessments to diagnose learning difficulties or disabilities, collaborating with external professionals (e.g., educational psychologists, speech and language therapists).
• Develop a process for early identification of SEND needs across the school.

2. IEP Development and Implementation

• Create, review, and update Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for each student with SEND in collaboration with teachers, parents, and specialists.
• Monitor the progress of students with SEND and adjust learning strategies to ensure their needs are met effectively.
• Ensure that IEPs are implemented in the classroom and all staff are informed about their roles in supporting students with SEND.

3. Supporting Teaching and Learning

• Provide guidance, coaching, and resources to teachers and support staff to enhance the learning experience of students with SEND.
• Develop and deliver professional development workshops to build the capacity of staff to support inclusive education.
• Support teachers in differentiating lessons and assessments to accommodate the needs of SEND students.

4. Liaison with External Agencies

• Work in partnership with external agencies such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists to support the needs of SEND students.
• Maintain clear lines of communication between the school, families, and external professionals to ensure a holistic approach to each student’s development.

5. Compliance and Policy Implementation

• Ensure the school’s SEND provision complies with UAE laws, policies, and guidelines (e.g., Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework).
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and local policies regarding SEND and inclusive education, and ensure they are implemented effectively within the school.
• Develop and maintain SEND policies, ensuring these are shared with all staff and implemented across the school.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Regularly assess the effectiveness of SEND provision in the school, using data and reports to track progress.
• Lead the review and evaluation of strategies and interventions to improve outcomes for students with SEND.
• Provide regular feedback and reports to the senior leadership team on the progress of students with SEND and the effectiveness of interventions.

7. Collaboration with Parents and Guardians

• Develop strong relationships with parents and guardians, ensuring they are involved in decision-making regarding their child's education.
• Communicate regularly with parents to provide updates on progress and to address any concerns regarding their child’s support.
• Organize and lead meetings with parents to discuss IEPs, progress, and future plans.

8. Resource Management

• Manage and allocate the SEND budget effectively, ensuring that resources are used to support students’ needs.
• Oversee the acquisition and maintenance of learning aids, assistive technology, and any other resources necessary to support students with SEND.

9. Promoting an Inclusive Culture

• Foster a culture of inclusivity in the school, ensuring that all students, including those with SEND, are valued and integrated into the school community.
• Lead awareness programs within the school to promote understanding and respect for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

Key Requirements Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field (Master’s degree in Special Education or Educational Leadership is preferred).
• SENDCO qualification or certification
• Teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent).

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience, with a focus on supporting students with special educational needs.
• Previous experience in a SENDCO or leadership role is preferred.
• Experience working within an inclusive education setting, particularly in the UAE or a similar international context.

Skills and Competencies

• In-depth understanding of special educational needs and disabilities, and how to support them in a mainstream school setting.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead a team of teachers and support staff in the delivery of SEND programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with students, parents, staff, and external professionals.
• Ability to create, implement, and evaluate Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of UAE laws and policies related to SEND and inclusive education.