Head of Inclusion
Horizon English School Town Square is currently recruiting a Head of Inclusion for an April or August 2027 start.
The Head of Inclusion is responsible for the strategic development and implementation of inclusion strategy and provision across the school. At Horizon, everyone counts, everyone contributes, and everyone succeeds. This is a key role in the executive leadership team in our pursuit of flourishing, ensuring that barriers to belonging, participation and learning are systematically identified and removed.
About Horizon Town Square:
Opening in September 2027, Horizon English School Town Square will bring over 35 years of educational excellence from our outstanding Jumeirah campus to the heart of Town Square Dubai.
An all-through British curriculum school for ages 3-18, the new campus will launch with FS1 to Year 8, growing year by year to Year 13.
The school will combine academic excellence, wellbeing and community spirit in a purpose-built, state of the art environment.
As part of the Cognita global family, students will benefit from world-class opportunities in academics, sports, and the arts through Enrich ME, helping every child feel they belong, achieve, and thrive.
Role & Responsibilities:
Inclusion strategy and policy
Maintain a strategic overview of provision for students of determination and those with additional needs
Monitor and review the quality and effectiveness of inclusion provision
Contribute to school self-evaluation and the school improvement plan
Ensure the inclusion policy is implemented and reflected in improvement planning
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and international developments in inclusion
Identification, assessment and provision
Coordinate the identification of student needs with a robust referral process
Maintain an accurate and up to date inclusion register
Analyse assessment data to inform provision and next steps
Ensure provision is coherent, targeted and regularly reviewed for impact
Ensure records and documentation are accurate and up to date
Supporting teaching
Contribute to a shared understanding of great, inclusive teaching
Provide guidance to staff on adapting teaching for common diagnoses and barriers
Deploy inclusion teachers to support teaching through modelling, team teaching and co-planning
Ensure the inclusion team is deployed strategically to areas of greatest need
Supporting students
Advocate for and monitor students’ inclusion in the school community, curriculum and extra-curricular activities
Ensure a system for writing and reviewing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with staff, students and parents
Ensure continuity of support during transitions between phases or schools
Communicate regularly and effectively with parents and carers
Maintain an evidence informed selection of interventions for common diagnoses and barriers
Ensure intervention cycles are monitored for effectiveness
Building expertise and capacity
Identify staff training needs and organise appropriate professional development
Lead CPD and other professional learning to share best practice in inclusive teaching
Contribute to whole-school policy development to ensure inclusion is embedded in daily life
Compliance and accountability
Ensure all statutory and regulatory requirements are met
Prepare and review information required for governance and inspection
Maintain high quality documentation and reporting systems
General Responsibilities
Model the Horizon values in all language and interactions
Commitment to staff and student wellbeing, parent education and supporting the development of a strong culture of community
Comply with and demonstrate an active commitment to safeguarding policies, procedures and code of conduct
Follow all school policies, procedures and handbooks
Take a proactive and professional approach to school life and professional development
Respect and maintain all aspects of professional confidentiality
Undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested
Skills & Competencies:
Minimum bachelor's degree in Psychology
English speaker
Excellent organisational and leadership skills
Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills with a pleasant and confident manner
Knowledge of KHDA regulatory framework
Knowledge of UK SEND Code of Practice
Previous experience in a Head of Inclusion role is desirable
Extensive experience in a UAE inclusion department is essential
Applications can be submitted via the TES online application form; only fully completed applications will be processed. To support your application, please include your current, up-to-date CV.
The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we encourage candidates to apply early in the process.
Thank you for your interest in Horizon Town Square School. Due to the large number of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Horizon Town Square School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect the same from their employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.