Assistant Principal (Whole School Inclusion)

Job description / Role

Job Description

To promote effective inclusion and ensure that all children on our special needs register, including EAL and gifted and talented children, make as much progress as possible. To provide expert advice and training to colleagues and families to support the learning of children with a range of needs.

Responsibilities

• Encourage and promote inclusion across the school at all levels.
• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values.
• Ensure the GEMS and GNS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct are followed at all times.
• Develop, monitor, and evaluate an Inclusive Education Action Plan (IEAP), which underpins the School Excellence Plan (SEP) and is informed by regular audits against KHDA regulation.
• Ensure all staff are fully aware of the Inclusion Education Action Plan and its key priorities.
• Oversee the day-to-day leadership, management, and operation of the area of responsibility (inclusion) and line manage staff employed to support children with needs; promoting teamwork and motivating staff to ensure effective working relations.
• Manage the available resources of staff, budget, and equipment effectively and efficiently.
• Maintain accurate records and coordinate care plans, SEND, EAL, and G&T registers.
• Ensure the effective operation of self-evaluation systems, and take part in monitoring and evaluating standards.
• Review whole school assessment data and conduct assessments to identify priority areas and/or pupils for targeted intervention.
• Plan and deliver a range of programmes of work to support individual needs.
• Provide training within and beyond our school to colleagues and families.
• Communicate on an ongoing basis with relevant parties, e.g., parents, students, LAB members, counsellor, and outside agencies, whilst maintaining a high level of confidentiality and dealing appropriately with sensitive information.
• Contribute to school activities such as parents' evenings, parental workshops, liaison with the local community, and other school events and activities including those as part of the wider GEMS group.
• Liaise closely with colleagues from other GEMS schools and outside agencies and other professionals.
• Support the aims of the school; comply with the requirements of health and safety, other relevant legislation, and school policies.
• Keep up to date with local, national, and international best practice and innovative developments, teaching practice, and methodology.
• Have an excellent working knowledge and understanding of the KHDA/DSIB UAE Inspection Framework and Supplement, UAE Vision 2021, and National Agenda and Nurturing Hearts Cultivating Minds documents and use these to support leadership and management of the subject.
• Work with the Principal/CEO, senior and middle leadership team, and colleagues in promoting and securing the core values, vision, mission, and aims of the school and ensuring an environment for teaching and learning that empowers both staff and students to achieve their highest potential.
• Be responsible for ensuring inclusive curriculum provision, focused on high standards of attainment, progress, attendance, and behaviour.
• Be responsible for the further development of transition to ensure inclusion, continuity, and progression for all students.
• Lead by example, promoting inclusive classroom organisation and management and being proactive in new initiatives and curriculum development.
• Support the induction process of new members of staff with inclusion matters, including supply staff and students.
• Organise, chair, and minute meetings to ensure that school policies and practices are being delivered as required. Provide a copy of meeting minutes to the Principal/CEO, Senior and Middle Leadership Teams.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Bachelor degree in Special Educational Needs.
• Enrolled on leadership development.
• Proven skills in change leadership and innovation.
• Commitment to promote and support the vision, values, and ethos of the school.
• Evidence of significant and continued professional development.
• Evidence of innovation leading to raised standards and improved student and staff motivation.
• Knowledge and understanding of competency-led curriculum frameworks.
• Knowledge and understanding of what constitutes high-quality educational provision and how to secure it within the school.
• Evidence of successful delivery against targets.
• Possess drive, enthusiasm, determination, and boundless energy to improve the life chances and experiences of students.
• Generate high expectations, enthusiasm, and commitment from staff.
• Maintain a sense of humour and proportion whilst working under pressure.
• Display a genuine love of learning and care for students.
• Line management of SENDCO and Learning Support Assistants.

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.

About the Company

GEMS Education is a pioneering education company with an international network of award winning K-12 schools. Over the past 55 years GEMS has grown from one school to being a truly global company with one incredible mission – to make quality education available to every student. Over 20,000 education professionals unlock the potential of over 250,000 students across 14 countries each and every day, preparing children of all ages for real world success.