Secondary SENDCo At Safa Community School - January 2027 Start

Job Overview

POST: Secondary SENDCo at Safa Community School, Dubai, January Start

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 2,640 students. 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.

We are seeking a passionate, experienced and skilled Secondary SENDCo to lead and manage SEND provision within a designated Key Stage in our Secondary School.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Inclusion, the wider Secondary Inclusion Team, teachers, teaching assistants and learning support assistants to ensure that students with additional learning needs receive high-quality, personalised support that enables them to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. The Secondary SENDCo will take responsibility for SEND provision within their designated Key Stage, while working collaboratively across the Secondary Inclusion Team to ensure consistency of provision and effective transition between Key Stages.

The role will play an important part in developing inclusive practice across the school, ensuring provision is aligned with the Dubai Inclusive Education Framework and the school's commitment to equity, access and high-quality outcomes for all learners.

Reporting to: Head of Inclusion

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage SEND provision within a designated Secondary Key Stage, ensuring appropriate support, interventions and individualised planning are in place.
• Develop, monitor and review Individual Education Plans and student support plans, ensuring provision responds effectively to students' changing needs.
• Monitor the academic, social and emotional progress of students with SEND and evaluate the impact of support and interventions.
• Work collaboratively with teachers to strengthen adaptive teaching and inclusive classroom practice.
• Build strong relationships with students and ensure student voice is central to planning, provision and review.
• Develop positive partnerships with parents, keeping families informed and actively involved in their child's support.
• Support effective transition into, through and beyond the designated Key Stage, working closely with other members of the Inclusion Team to ensure continuity of provision.
• Support students with appropriate academic and future pathways relevant to their stage of secondary education.
• Work alongside the Head of Inclusion and relevant staff to support the identification, evidence and implementation of examination access arrangements, where appropriate.
• Liaise with external professionals and agencies to ensure a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to student support.
• Maintain accurate SEND records and contribute to reporting, monitoring and evaluation of SEND provision.
• Provide guidance, coaching and professional development for staff to strengthen knowledge and confidence in supporting students with SEND.
• Promote students' social and emotional wellbeing, ensuring appropriate support is in place to foster confidence, independence and readiness to learn.
• Advocate for students with SEND and promote an inclusive culture across the Secondary School.
  
  

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Special Educational Needs or a related field.
• Recognised teaching qualification, such as PGCE, QTS or equivalent.
• SENDCo qualification, Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing, or a commitment to working towards a relevant qualification.
• A minimum of three years' teaching experience, ideally within a secondary setting.
• Experience supporting students with SEND within secondary education.
• Strong understanding of SEND practice, the Dubai Inclusive Education Framework and relevant educational frameworks.
• Knowledge and experience of examination access arrangements would be advantageous.
• Experience developing, implementing and reviewing Individual Education Plans and targeted interventions.
• Strong understanding of transition and the changing needs of students as they progress through secondary education.
• Excellent leadership, organisation and communication skills.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, colleagues and external professionals.
  
  

Application Process

Shortlisted candidates will be required to deliver a presentation as part of the interview process. This will provide an opportunity to demonstrate their approach to SEND provision, inclusive practice and leadership within a secondary setting.

Further details regarding the presentation topic and expectations will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Note

This job description will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to modification and amendment.

Application Process

Application Process

Closing date for applications is Friday, 13th November 2026 at 10h00 UAE time.

The Application Process Is

• All applications must be submitted on the TES/Schrole Portal. Only applications submitted through the Portal will be considered.
• Only applications with relevant experience will be considered.
• Submit an up-to-date, full resume/CV with all employment gaps stated.
• 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, 13th November 2026, 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.
• A demonstration lesson will be required.
  
  

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

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