Corporate Head of Inclusion​/SEND; Sparkling GEMS * schools

Job Purpose

The Head of Inclusion provides the strategic direction and a framework for SEND/Inclusion across the group, drawing on best practice from across the world while ensuring compliance with all internal and external regulatory authorities.

Developing and delivering high quality provision for SEND by utilising the network and practitioners in schools as well as developing partners and services that ensure all children achieve their potential.

• Provide the leadership and direction for the Inclusion/SEND strategies for the organisation and its schools, working in conjunction with the Chief Education Officer, EVPs Education, Brand Ambassadors and School Inclusion/SEND leads. Ensure the schools articulate and consistently apply the GEMS philosophy and Core Values.
• Responsible for the Inclusion/SEND strategy, its development as well as the formulation of an organisation-wide action plan, taking into account the relevant Inclusion Frameworks.
• Monitoring and evaluating individual school action plans and their implementation.
• Provide the strategic direction, development and dissemination of all policies and protocols relating to SEND/Inclusion ensuring that GEMS is at the forefront of best practice and is the leading light on Inclusion.
• Co-construct a systematic and consistent approach to the collation and analysis of Inclusion data and a rigorous monitoring of attainment and progress ensuring appropriate intervention and action where necessary.
• Build the capability and infrastructure of School/Cluster Inclusion leads to meet current and future challenges.
• Develop and deliver high quality professional development, briefings, projects and activities for Principals, SENDCo networks and individual schools, where appropriate.
• Support the improvement of student outcomes and narrow the student attainment gap for all (identified) students, across all phases, ensuring students fulfil their highest potential.
• Provide advice, guidance and practical strategies to teachers, SENCO’s and leaders across the organisation.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory authorities and external agencies and foster positive relationships with all stakeholders.

• Establish a robust organisational structure for the delivery of inclusion, in agreement with the Chief Education Officer in order to deliver the overarching strategy.
• Develop the Inclusion Strategy to ensure that it remains at the forefront of inclusive practices and ensures it adheres to the overall GEMS mission, strategic plan, and targets.
• Lead Professional dialogue and appraisal for relevant staff members and identify key talent in the Inclusion networks, creating advanced SEND leads who can share best practices across the network.
• Develop and broker relevant school-to-school support and professional development opportunities across the whole network of schools.
• Support the development of inclusion practices and requirements for new schools and existing schools.
• Work with colleagues to recruit appropriately qualified SEND staff in new and existing schools while keeping in mind the need for succession planning and talent management.

• Provide the Chief Education Officer with appropriate, timely and relevant data, information and advice to inform the board and its committees and to enable them to exercise their responsibilities ensuring decisions are well informed, clear and implemented.
• Ensure that GEMS meets all of its legal and regulatory responsibilities and requirements, ensuring its schools are compliant and undertakes SEND audits and health checks to validate.
• Continue to keep abreast and drive high quality inclusion practices and systems to ensure that GEMS policies, proposals and initiatives are developed and are best in class.
• Attend and lead meetings as required by your line manager.

• Ensure there is a consistent focus on high standards of student achievement and outcomes especially in relation to SEND.
• Working closely with EVPs Education, Brand Ambassadors and schools to ensure that all schools have inclusive practices and that all…