Senco

Job details

Department/School: SAIS – Dubai Branch

Reporting to: Principal and Vice Principal

Liaising with: Principals, SLTs, HODs, Counselors, teaching and non-teaching staff.

Job purpose

The SENCO will work closely with the Principal and Vice Principal to raise educational achievement by leading and coordinating provision for students of determination across the whole school. SENCO will ensure strategic development of the school's Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision and oversee the day-to-day operation of that policy with the aim of raising student of determination achievement. In addition, whole-school teaching and learning responsibility in the area of inclusion, with a focus on SEN, EAL, and G & T provision, transition and the tracking of vulnerable groups.

Key accountabilities

Ensure effective systems of communication, including feedback about students’ learning.

Regular updates of the SEF, IEP and SIP with teachers.

Monitor the quality of SEN support by establishing effective systems to identify and meet the needs of students, whilst ensuring that the systems are coordinated, evaluated, and regularly reviewed.

Ensure that the objectives of the SEN policies are reflected in the school improvement plan.

Be up to date with knowledge of international, UAE, KHDA and local initiatives which may impact upon school policies and practice.

Monitor the achievements, welfare, and discipline of students, and follow up on the progress reviews, liaising with the senior leadership team, HODs, and parents when appropriate.

Liaise with heads of departments, particularly regarding transition (from KGs to elementary, and from elementary to middle school and to secondary school), and external agencies such as exam boards.

Coordinate the application for, and special arrangements of external examinations in conjunction with the Assessment Coordinator.

Influence the whole teaching and learning policy to promote aspects of inclusive teaching.

Provide opportunities for observation of colleagues and class visits in order to share best practice.

Meet and communicate with parents on a regular basis to keep them up to date on their child’s progress.

Liaise with classroom and subject teachers and heads of department regarding referral process and teacher intervention plans.

Modify the exams as per the student needs and portfolios.

Competencies

Individual specialist

Teamwork

Inspire

Achieving results

Drive to perform

Skills and knowledge

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Attention to detail.

Excellent presentation skills, typing emails and drafting exams.

Excellent with data analysis.

Able to multitask and cope with a degree of pressure at peak times.

Demonstrate ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up assignments with minimum direction.

Experience in using MS Office and other educational systems; advanced MS Excel skills will be an added advantage.

Qualification and experience

Qualification:

A minimum of bachelor's degree in Special Education or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Experience:

A minimum of 3-5 years' experience working in teaching and dealing with students of determination.