Inclusion at JESS

Inclusion at JESS

“Making a Difference”

“Educational needs that are different from those of the majority of students and which arise from the impact of a disability or recognised disorder.�

The definition of Special Educational Needs (SEN) from the UAE School Inspection Framework

At Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) we aim to create a culture of collaboration where children are given opportunities to be successful learners, to form positive social relationships with peers and to make a difference as a member of the global community.

At JESS we value: • Inclusion and diversity — we do everything we can to respect everyone within the community, giving them full access to resources and promoting equal treatment and opportunity.

• Working together with integrity, respect and trust — we engage all of our community in decision-making processes.

• Ongoing learning and the shared knowledge and wisdom of our community — we celebrate innovation and respect traditions.

• The autonomy and self-determination of individuals — we recognise the unique qualities of all members of the community.

• Reflection and open mindedness ­— we work quickly to eliminate all forms of discrimination.

How does JESS identify students of determination?

The identification of barriers is built into our ongoing cycle; monitoring the progress and development of all pupils. We bring together information from multiple sources, covering multiple contexts, in order to build an accurate view of a child’s strengths and challenges.

These may include (but are not limited to): • Information gathers from entry assessments • Observations by staff at JESS • Data from tests/exams and teacher assessments • Parent views • Child views • External agencies reports and observations • Individual Education Plan (IEP)

The UAE actively promotes inclusion across education, healthcare and the workplace wherein, ‘People of Determination’ (those with Special Educational Needs) are recognised for their tenacity and drive to achieve, despite the additional challenges they may face.

Additional and Special Educational Needs Every child, at some point in their life, may require additional support in relation to their social, emotional, physical, medical or learning needs.

In accordance with relevant legislation and guidance, JESS works in partnership with families and external agencies to provide an inclusive and caring learning environment where every child can become a confident, independent learner.

At JESS we value the autonomy and self-determination of individuals — we recognise the unique qualities of all members of the community.

Inclusion should be integral to any tolerant community, and as such individuality and diversity should always be celebrated!

By valuing the uniqueness of our students we recognise that they are all able to make a difference.

In accordance with the revised catergorisation framework for students of determination, JESS aims to support all students, including those who may experience barriers: • Behavioural, Social & Emotional • Sensory • Physical Disability • Communication & Interaction • General Learning Difficulties (including Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties and Assessed Syndromes) • Medical Conditions & Health Related Disability • Speech & Language Disorders • Specific Learning Difficulties (including Dyslexia, Dysgrahia, Dyscalculia and Dsypraxia).

How does JESS work with external service providers to support students of determination?

At times, it may be necessary to consult with external service providers (specialists from outside of the school), who may provide specialist assessments and/or therapy for your child. School will liaise with parents, sharing appropriate context and contacts to pursue an appropriate pathway. Costs for these external services are met by parents.

What opportunities are available at JESS for students of determination?

Every opportunity is available – there are no needs based limitations! All children, including students of determination, are encouraged to engage in all aspects of the school community.

We actively promote opportunities that ‘make a difference’ and participation in: • Leadership opportunities • After school clubs • School trips • Residentials • Community, Activity and Service (CAS)

JESS will work with parents and students to evaluate and eliminate potential barriers, allowing all members of the community to feel involved.

Transition can be an anxious time for families, not least when a child may have a special educational need. JESS aims to make these moments as smooth as possible, working with people who know your child, to carefully plan for the move between phases or schools.

How does JESS support students of determination at key points of transition?

Provision for transition may include: • Parent meetings • Observations in current settings • Discussions with external professionals • Transition Days • Opportunities for additional visits for the child to meet their teacher and peers • Phased starts • Additional adult support (1:1 Learning Support Assistant) • Meetings between current / future teachers or Year Group Leaders/ Heads of Year • Transition meetings between Oasis teachers/teams (including primary to secondary) We try to adjust our school environment and practice to enable every child to succeed.

However, there may be some occasions where the school does not have the necessary facilities or expertise to adequately meet the needs of a child. In this instance, we will work closely with families to advise them of alternative pathways.

“The concept of inclusive education lies at the heart of effective education.”

Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework

What adaptations might JESS make to meet the needs of students of determination?

In order to appropriately match support to need, JESS operates a continuous graduated response cycle; assess, plan, do, review.

Review

Assess

CONTINUOUS GRADUATED RESPONSE CYCLE

Do

Plan

Assess In identifying a child as needing support, the Oasis team, with support from teachers and counsellors will: • Analyse student’s needs • Consider parental concerns and observations

Plan Teachers and support staff will be made aware of: • Your child’s needs • Expectations for progress • Intervention provided • Teaching strategies or approaches that will enable success This information will be recorded on your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Parents and, where appropriate, students, will be involved in the generation of personised targets and the design of a programme of support and intervention appropriate to their need.

Do Your child’s teacher will work closely with members of the Oasis team to deliver support, which may include: • In-class adaptations • Short-term intervention programmes • Counselling support • Tailored 1:1 support (which may include an additional adult) • Modified curriculum • Exam/text concessions • Assistive technology • Individual Strategy Plans • Individual Education Plans (including personalised targets & provision) The Oasis team supports teachers in problem solving and advising on the effective implementation of support.

Review The effectiveness of the support and interventions and their impact on your child’s progress are continuously reviewed, along with the views of the child and their parents.

Support may be revised based on the evidence of progress, with any changes to the support made in consultation with the parent and child.

Who can I speak with at JESS? JESS offers an open door policy for parents to communicate with staff for advice and guidance to support your family.

Your child’s class teacher or form tutor is recommended as the first point of contact.

It may be necessary to schedule an appointment for longer discussions.

There are several additional members of staff that can be contacted, should you wish to discuss specific issues related to your child’s needs.

These may include: • Specialist teachers • Year Group Leaders/Heads of Year • The Oasis team • The Counselling team • The Senior Leadership team • The Health Office team

Contact us today In the first instance please direct any enquiries to one of our team who will contact you: Oasis Primary: oasisarp@jess.sch.ae Oasis Secondary: oasisars@jess.sch.ae Oasis Jumeirah: oasisjj@jess.sch.ae

JESS Dubai — PO Box 24942. Tel:+971 4 3619019 www.jess.sch.ae |

@JESSOasisDept