KS4 and KS5 SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) at Safa Community School

POST: KS4 and KS5 SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) at Safa Community School, Dubai

Safa Community School - a beacon of excellence. In 2024, we were honoured with the ‘Happiest School in the UAE’ title, a testament to our commitment towards student well-being. In addition, we were proud recipients of the ‘Value Add, Leaving No Child Behind Award’, reflecting our dedication to academic progress. This was further underscored by our 2024 GCSE VA score of +2.2. Our high staff retention rates and inclusion in the top 15 Schools in the UAE by the Schoolscompared.com survey are a source of pride for us all.

At Safa Community School, we are more than just a school-we are a community. With a parent body comprising Expats, including around 35% from the UK, we have fostered a reputation for being a friendly, warm, and community-oriented school. Our positive relationships among staff, parents, and students are a testament to our inclusive approach, making everyone feel welcomed and part of a larger family. This sense of belonging sets us apart and should make you feel at home in our school.

Safa Community School is not just another school but an award-winning all-through UK curriculum school, from FS1 to Year 13, with 2,570. Follow our school Instagram channel for a glimpse into our vibrant community showcasing student achievements, community events, and much more at safa_scs. Discover how we nurture talent, foster creativity, and build a thriving environment for every student.

Job Overview

We seek a dedicated and skilled KS4/KS5 SENDCo to lead and manage the provision for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Key Stage 4 and 5 (Years 10-13). The successful candidate will work closely with teachers, teaching assistants (TAs), learning support assistants (LSAs), and inclusion staff to ensure that students with additional learning needs receive the tailored support necessary to succeed in their GCSEs, A-Levels, and beyond. This role is pivotal in fostering inclusive practices that support students as they prepare for key examinations and transition to higher education, vocational training, or employment.

The SENDCo will ensure that all SEND support aligns with the Dubai Inclusive Education Framework, promoting an inclusive ethos that reflects the Dubai government’s commitment to equity, access, and quality for all students. Additionally, the SENDCo will collaborate with the Head of Inclusion to coordinate and implement exam access arrangements—such as extra time, readers, and scribes—ensuring compliance with examination board regulations and providing targeted support to help students manage academic pressures and transitions. Reporting to the Head of Secondary Inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the SEND provision for students in Key Stage 4 and Stage 5, ensuring tailored interventions and support plans are developed to meet individual needs, particularly those preparing for GCSEs and A-Levels.
• Offer personalised guidance to students on pathways within GCSEs, A-Levels, BTECs, and beyond, supporting transitions between Key Stages and facilitating pathways to higher education, vocational training, or employment with appropriate support mechanisms in place.
• Focus on social-emotional and well-being support, creating an inclusive environment that fosters safety, confidence, and readiness to learn among all students.
• Build strong relationships with students and families, promoting open communication and collaboration to facilitate the best outcomes for each student.
• Engage with parents regularly, informing them about their child's progress and actively involving them in the educational process.
• Advocate for the needs of SEND students within the school community, ensuring their voices are heard and represented in decision-making processes.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to implement effective differentiation strategies and ensure that students with SEND receive appropriate exam accommodations as per examination board regulations.
• Monitor the academic progress of students with SEND through regular assessments, adjusting support strategies as necessary to enhance learning outcomes.
• Liaise with external agencies and professionals to support the diverse needs of SEND students, facilitating access to additional resources and expertise.
• Ensure compliance with SEND regulations by maintaining accurate records and preparing comprehensive reports for senior leadership as required.
• Deliver ongoing training for staff on SEND practices and inclusive teaching strategies, specifically focusing on the needs of students in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.

Key Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Special Educational Needs, or a related field.
• A recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, QTS, or equivalent).
• SENDCo qualification or Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing a commitment to working towards one.
• At least 3 years’ teaching experience, with experience supporting Key Stage 4 and Stage 5 students.
• Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, relevant educational frameworks, and exam access arrangements.
• Proven leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Experience in preparing students for key exams and supporting their transition to post-16 education or vocational routes.

Application Process

Closing date for applications is Friday, 29th November 2024 at 10h00 UAE time.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to give a presentation during the interview as part of the application process. This will allow you to showcase your approach to SEND provision, your teaching philosophy, and your ability to implement inclusive strategies. Detailed information regarding the presentation topic and guidelines will be provided to candidates upon being invited to the interview.

The application process is: 

• All applications must be submitted on the TES Portal. Only applications submitted through the Portal will be considered.
• Only applications with experience in British Curriculum Schools will be considered.
• Submit an up to date, full resume / CV.   
• Submit a covering letter of no more than two A4 pages.   
• Provide at least three referees’ names, telephone numbers (with international dialling codes), and email addresses. One must be a current employer.   
• The closing date for all applications is Friday, 29th November 2024 at 10h00 UAE time.
• Applications will be assessed in order of receipt and interviews may occur at any stage after applications are received. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date and therefore invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.   
• Once initial interviews are concluded, arrangements will be made individually with those candidates who will proceed to the second round of interviews.

Upon request, feedback will only be provided to candidates who progress to the interview stages.