Inclusion & Well being Learning Assistant (HLTA)

Due to continued expansion Dubai Heights Academy is seeking an experienced Inclusion & Well being Learning Assistant to join our team as soon as possible.

Dubai Heights Academy is a warm and welcoming place to work. Located in the Al Barsha South area of Dubai, this is an exciting opportunity for an outgoing, energetic and proactive Inclusion Learning Assistant (HLTA).

The school opened in 2017. It offers an inclusive, exciting and outstanding education to an international community of students from FS1 to Year 11 and will continue to grow organically to Year 13.

The campus is state-of-the-art with separate buildings for each phase as well as a 380 seat auditorium. There are three temperature controlled swimming pools, fully equipped science and computer labs, specialist rooms for art, DT, music, and drama, a library, two multipurpose sports halls, a full size football pitch, a variety of outdoor play areas, a coffee shop and a spacious canteen with a new secondary building opening in 2024/25.

Job Overview

Dubai Heights Academy is seeking enthusiastic, adaptable and committed Inclusion Learning Assistant to join our Academic Support Team to support children across the school.

Successful candidates will work closely with the class teacher and Inclusion Department to inspire and motivate students to become independent, confident learners. Preference will be given to candidates who are on spouse/parent sponsorship and to those who are able to join as soon as possible.

Job Requirements: 

• Provide targeted support to students with Special Education needs (SEN) and those for whom English is and additional language (EAL)
• Lead group and 1:1 support and intervention sessions under the guidance of the Line Manager.
• Develop and/or support individual education plans (IEPs) and EAL strategies
• Follow and/or implement student IEPs/IBPs, tracking and supporting outstanding progress.
• Assist in creating stimulating classroom/corridor displays.
• Assist in the assessment of student’s needs and monitor progress
• Maintain accurate records of interventions and outcomes, monitoring progress and evaluating the effectiveness of support strategies.
• Offer feedback to students and teachers on student achievement, progress, and any arising issues.
• Prepare activities, resources, and supporting documents.
• Accompany student groups on trips and provide supervision at break times
• Aid the Inclusion & Wellbeing teams and class teachers in developing each child’s individual goals and objectives.
• Establish and maintain appropriate learning environments to support student needs
• Assist in the planning and delivery of interventions and support programs.
• Collaborate with teachers to adapt and differentiate lesson plans and teaching materials. 
• Attend and participate in required meetings including staff briefings, inclusion & Wellbeing team meetings, IEP meetings, pastoral care, and Team Around the Child meetings where relevant.
• Maintain progress notes, data collection, and attendance records, completing all paperwork in a timely manner.
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality of child and family information.
• Actively participate and deliver staff training sessions if required.
• Offer guidance and training to staff on strategies for supporting inclusion and EAL
• Report any problems or social information about individual children to the class teacher or Head of Inclusion & Head of Wellbeing.
• Communicate professionally with students, family members, consultants, school personnel, referral sources, all other staff members, and external agency providers.
• Be confident in using ICT to support teaching and learning; familiarity with the Seesaw platform and Clicker 7 advantageous but not essential.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support the safeguarding and wellbeing team with student interviews and investigations, relaying information to DSL, School Counsellor, and Heads of Inclusion & Wellbeing as necessary.
• Participate in relevant School Counsellor sessions, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language therapies with pupils, incorporating and applying these strategies in classrooms.
• Assist in managing challenging behaviour by implementing positive behaviour support plans and de-escalation techniques.

The successful applicant will be required to have the following: 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• A can-do and flexible approach 
• Ability to support effective behaviour management strategies
• A commitment to the values and ethos of the school 
• Previous experience of working with children
• Bachelor or High School Certification (Attested)
• Experience in safeguarding matters
• Safeguarding qualification

In return we can offer you: 

• A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors          
• A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity          
• A Senior Leadership team who is committed to promoting the best environment and outcomes for staff and students

Our Compensation and benefits package includes (where applicable): 

• Competitive tax-free salary          
•  End of service gratuity in line with UAE Labour Law

Interviews will take place at Dubai Heights Academy or via Zoom, should a face to face interview not be possible. The closing date for applications is 11th October 2024, however, interviews may take place ahead of this date so an early application is advantageous.

Whilst we thank all applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The successful applicant will be required to participate in a short programme of induction.

Safeguarding Statement:

Dubai Heights Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and as such expects all its employees to share this commitment. All new staff will be subject to enhanced pre-employment clearance including identity checks, criminal background checks (from your home country/country of residence), qualification checks (attestation) and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment and at least two satisfactory professional references, which will be verified. Applicants may also be required to provide other applicable personal documents e.g. degree, marriage certificate etc. A full checklist will be provided to successful candidates.