SEN Learning Support Lead

The SEN Success Center is a personalized learning support center designed for students who do not fit the traditional school model but do not require placement in a specialized SEN center. We serve students with mild to moderate learning differences bright capable learners who simply need a different path. Through a blended hybrid model that combines structured online learning with hands-on support small group instruction life skills development and lifelong learner habits we build individualized pathways that give every student a voice in their own education.

This role leads the SEN support provision of the center. The successful candidate will also play an active role in developing and shaping the centers safeguarding frameworks and operational policies ensuring they are purpose-built for this unique learner population. As a founding team member of this growing center this individual will have the opportunity and responsibility to help build refine and champion the systems structures and culture that make personalized SEN support truly work.

The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking educator who thinks outside the box partners deeply with students families and online teachers and champions personalized future-ready learning from Grade 5 through high school.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment IEP/Learning Plan Development & Progress Monitoring

Oversee the identification and assessment of students with additional learning needs coordinating with center-based specialists and where appropriate external evaluators.

Lead the development implementation and quality assurance of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) ensuring they are strengths-based measurable and co-produced with students and families.

Monitor each students progress against IEP/ILP goals through regular data review adjusting learning accommodation and pathways accordingly.

Design and maintain personalized learning roadmaps that integrate online coursework small group instruction life skills development and real-world application.

Team Leadership & Collaborative Practice

Manage SEN learning support staff providing instructional coaching professional development and performance guidance.

Work alongside the centers education team as a collaborative partner fostering a shared commitment to student-centered flexible learning.

Partner with online educators to coordinate align and support each students blended learning experience.

Champion Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Response to Intervention (RTI) principles across all center activities adapting consistently to the diverse needs of learners.

Safeguarding & Child Protection

Uphold and embed the centers Child Protection Policy across all SEN support practices ensuring all staff are trained and aware of their safeguarding responsibilities. Act as a designated point of contact for safeguarding concerns related to students in the center.

Maintain a culture of safety trust and well-being in which every student feels seen respected and protected.

Family & Specialist Partnerships

Cultivate transparent collaborative and culturally responsive partnerships with families throughout the assessment planning and review cycle treating parents as essential partners in their childs learning journey.

Coordinate referrals to and communication with external specialists (e.g. occupational therapists speech-language pathologists psychologists) ensuring continuity of support between the center and home.

Maintain accurate confidential and organized SEN records for all enrolled students.

Facilitate regular student-led or family-involved review meetings that give learners an active voice in shaping their own goals and pathways.

Occasionally facilitate parent workshops to build family capacity in supporting their childs learning at home and beyond.

Participate occasionally in center marketing and outreach events representing the SEN Success Centers mission and approach to prospective families and the wider community.

Requirements

Requirements and Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Special Education or Education is required; a Masters degree in Special Education Learning Support or Educational Leadership is strongly preferred.

A recognized teaching license or equivalent professional qualification (e.g. U.S. state teaching license PGCE or international equivalent).

A postgraduate qualification in Special Educational Needs Coordination (SENCO/SEND) or equivalent is highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum five years of teaching experience including at least three years in special education learning support or inclusive education settings.

Demonstrated experience in a SEN Coordinator Learning Support Lead or equivalent leadership role.

Strong background in IEP/ILP frameworks and inclusive differentiated assessment practices.

Proven experience working with students from Grade 5 through high school.

Experience in or strong understanding of blended/hybrid and online learning environments.

Demonstrated ability to support the development of life skills executive function self-advocacy and lifelong learning habits in students with learning differences.

Experience working collaboratively with parents students and multidisciplinary teams in a student-centered environment.

A forward-thinking mindset for students who need a non-traditional approach.

Familiarity with online curriculum platforms is an advantage.

Language

Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Arabic is a distinct advantage in the Abu Dhabi context.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following to email address:

A current CV

A cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining your learning support philosophy your approach to working with students who need non-traditional pathways and relevant experience with blended/hybrid learning

Copies of teaching qualifications and license(s)

Contact details for two professional referees including at least one current or recent line manager

The center is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students and expects all staff to share this commitment. Pre-employment checks will be conducted in accordance with UAE requirements

Required Skills:

SEN LEARNING SUPPORT LEAD

Required Education:

Bachelor Degree