Head of Inclusion

Role Overview

The Head of Inclusion is responsible for leading and managing the school's Inclusion Strategy and its provision, ensuring it aligns with GEMS Education policies, ADEK requirements, UAE laws, the school's vision and values, and international best practices in inclusive education.

This role fosters a comprehensive school culture where inclusion is integral to teaching, learning, assessment, curriculum, pastoral care, safeguarding, and student wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and steward the Inclusion Department and services across all school stages.
• Develop, execute, and periodically revise the school's Inclusion Strategy and Policy.
• Embed inclusive education throughout the entire school community beyond just the Inclusion Department.
• Coordinate processes for identifying, assessing, referring, supporting, and monitoring students with additional learning needs.
• Supervise the creation and management of personalized plans, including Documented Learning Plans, Individual Education Plans, Behavior Support Plans, Advanced Learning Plans, and others as necessary.
• Govern a tiered support approach, ensuring delivery of appropriate Universal, Targeted, and Individualized interventions.
• Guarantee teaching adaptations, curricular modifications, assessment accommodations, and specialized interventions are effectively applied.
• Lead and develop the Inclusion Team, optimizing staff deployment and resource use.
• Collaborate closely with educators, department heads, phase leaders, pastoral teams, counselors, admissions staff, and senior management.
• Maintain strong partnerships with parents, external experts, therapists, psychologists, and related professionals.
• Ensure thorough, confidential, and current inclusion records and regulatory documentation are maintained.
• Facilitate the school’s compliance with ADEK inspection, reporting, and regulations.
• Advance student wellbeing, safeguarding, autonomy, respect, and engagement in school activities.

Qualifications and Skills

• Must hold ADEK qualification.
• Possess an attested Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology, Inclusion, or a related field, along with equivalency certification.
• Valid teaching license and proof of English proficiency via IELTS or a university's English medium of instruction letter.
• Completed at least 60 hours of Continuing Professional Development through recognized local or international providers.
• Bring a minimum of 2 years relevant teaching experience.
• Have served at least 1 year in a leadership role such as SEN Coordinator, Head of Inclusion, or Special Needs Director.
• Familiarity with using ICT tools to support teaching and learning processes.