Corporate Head of Inclusion/SEND (Sparkling GEMS) *all schools

Job Purpose
The Head of Inclusion is responsible for establishing strategic guidance and a framework for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)/Inclusion throughout the organization. This role draws on global best practices while ensuring adherence to all internal and external regulatory standards. The Head will focus on developing and implementing high-quality provisions for SEND, leveraging school networks and practitioners, and collaborating with partners and services to ensure that every child can reach their potential.

Key Accountabilities
Primary Accountabilities
Lead and direct the Inclusion/SEND strategies for the organization and its schools, collaborating closely with the Chief Education Officer, EVPs of Education, Brand Ambassadors, and School Inclusion/SEND leads. Ensure that the schools embody and consistently implement the GEMS philosophy and Core Values.
Oversee the Inclusion/SEND strategy, its ongoing development, and the creation of a comprehensive organization-wide action plan, aligning with applicable Inclusion Frameworks.
Monitor and assess the execution of individual school action plans, ensuring effective implementation.
Provide strategic direction for the formulation and dissemination of all policies and protocols related to SEND/Inclusion, ensuring that GEMS remains a leader in best practices in this area.
Collaborate to create a systematic method for collecting and analyzing Inclusion data, while rigorously monitoring student attainment and progress and implementing necessary interventions.
Enhance the capabilities and infrastructure of School/Cluster Inclusion leads to address current and future challenges effectively.
Design and implement high-quality professional development opportunities, briefings, projects, and activities for Principals, SENDCo networks, and individual schools as needed.
Aid in improving student outcomes and closing the attainment gap for all identified students across all phases, ensuring each student reaches their highest potential.
Provide practical strategies, guidance, and support to teachers, SENCOs, and leaders throughout the organization.
Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory authorities and external agencies, fostering positive relationships with all stakeholders.

Strategic Leadership and Management
Establish a robust organizational framework for delivering inclusion, in collaboration with the Chief Education Officer, to execute the overall strategy.
Develop the Inclusion Strategy to maintain its leadership in inclusive practices, ensuring alignment with GEMS’ mission, strategic plan, and targets.
Facilitate professional dialogue and performance reviews for relevant staff, identifying key talent within the Inclusion networks to cultivate advanced SEND leads who can disseminate best practices across the network.
Create and broker school-to-school support and professional development opportunities throughout the entire network of schools.
Assist in the development of inclusion practices and requirements for both new and established schools.
Collaborate with colleagues to recruit suitably qualified SEND staff for new and existing schools, considering succession planning and talent management needs.

Working with GEMS Governance
Provide the Chief Education Officer with timely, relevant data and insights to inform the board and its committees, enabling well-informed decision-making.
Ensure GEMS complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, confirming that schools adhere to standards and conducting SEND audits and health checks for validation.
Stay informed of high-quality inclusion practices and systems to guarantee that GEMS’ policies, proposals, and initiatives are top-tier.
Attend and lead meetings as instructed by your line manager.

Education Leadership
Maintain a consistent emphasis on high standards of student achievement and outcomes, particularly concerning SEND.
Collaborate closely with EVPs of Education, Brand Ambassadors, and schools to ensure inclusive practices are established and all children can realize their full potential.
Ensure effective implementation and ongoing review of GEMS learning and assessment frameworks for inclusion, utilizing benchmarking and value-add data to monitor and report on student progress and achievement related to SEND.
Guarantee that schools offer relevant, flexible, and inclusive curricula, supported by creative and responsive teaching approaches, with suitable teacher interventions in a positive learning environment.
Develop educational strategies to ensure equitable learning opportunities, enriching GEMS schools as holistic environments for students, families, and the wider community.

Financial Planning and Management
Report to the Chief Education Officer regarding the inclusion budget, ensuring that expenditures align with approved budgets.
Work closely with the Chief Education Officer to provide comprehensive and regular updates regarding revenues and expenditures for the SEND/Inclusion sectors.

Risk Management
Identify and assess risks related to SEND/Inclusion to inform the Chief Education Officer, Board, and its Committees, ensuring that mitigation strategies are implemented to minimize potential risks.

Promotion and Representation of GEMS
Promote GEMS effectively to both internal and external stakeholders, seeking opportunities to broaden its reach.
Support the establishment of new schools and identify talent to develop inclusive practices.
Maintain strong networks with partners and services that advance the Inclusion agenda.
Collaborate with schools in an entrepreneurial, cooperative, and adaptable manner.
Ensure that GEMS, along with its values and achievements, is represented appropriately and professionally to customers and stakeholders.