Inclusion & Wellbeing MENA 2024 - Dubai - Wellbeing (Day 2 - 23rd May)

Deepen and enrich your inclusion and wellbeing strategy and culture, evidence impact, and ensure everyone thrives.

#oeMENA

Chaired by Louise Dawson, our Wellbeing progamme takes place on Thursday 23rd May at the Sofitel Downtown Dubai.

Registration (08:00 - 08:40)

Welcome from Optimus Education (08:40)

Chair's Welcome (08:45)

Louise Dawson, Education Consultant and Inclusion Specialist

Drive your staff wellbeing strategy (08:55 - 09:35)

Drive a supportive wellbeing culture within your school, utilising staff assessment and discussion to improve staff wellbeing, improving retention and reducing cost of cover.

Suzie Hachez, Wellbeing Counsellor at CIS & GEMS Counselling Network Leader

Surfacing digital safeguarding data: Digital devices as a window to self-harm, violence, and bullying (09:35 - 09:55)

How might we best surface actionable insights which identify and support those who require our support?

Colin McCabe, International Director, Lightspeed Solutions

Questions and answers (09:55 - 10:05)

Workshop Choices (10:10 - 11:10)

1A. Anxiety support

With increasing need for anxiety support, gain helpful tools to understand and alleviate the distressing symptoms, assisting self-regulation.

Sarah Johnson, Consultant, Phoenix Education Consultancy

1B. Measure wellbeing across your school

Utilise assessment tools to gauge student and staff mental and emotional wellbeing to evidence and drive change.

Samina Al-Balooshi, International Consultant, GL Education

1C. Manage your workload

Review your workload, prioritise tasks and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Andaleeb Ishteyaq, Head of Inclusion and Pastoral Care, JSS Private School Dubai

Morning refreshments, networking and exhibition (11:10 - 11:50)

Workshop choices (11:50 - 12:50)

2A. Manage classroom behaviour

Implement proactive strategies and techniques to promote a healthy learning environment, ensuring consistent engagement and respect among students.

Louise Dawson, Education Consultant and Inclusion Specialist

David Cashman, Director of The WellSchools Network, Employment Based PhD Scholar at University College Cork and Primary School Principal

2B. Respond to student need

Apply effective response strategies for those students that require additional wellbeing support.

Dr Lené Rensburg, Head of Wellbeing and School Counsellor, Brighton College Dubai

2C. Upskill your staff team in wellbeing teaching

Educate your whole school staff on the importance of wellbeing support with practical strategies they can use to assist staff and students that require additional support.

John Paton, Director of Inclusion, Wellbeing and Pastoral Care, Arcadia School

Lunch, networking and exhibition (12:50 - 13:50)

Workshop choices (13:50 - 14:50)

3A. Student Mental Health Matters 

Understand the complexity and early signs of mental health crises, explore diagnoses, and gain tips to manage the process from referral to managing meeting with parents and communicating with a team. 

Dr Daniela Salazar, Clinical Psychologist and Education Director, Lighthouse Arabia

3B. Create wellness spaces

Review your classrooms and corridors, and create spaces designated for mindfulness, quiet time and those with sensory need.

Leah Vahanian, Fairgreen International School

3C. Destigmatise mental health and wellbeing

Recognise the importance of open conversation surrounding mental health, and lead community change with students and families.

Louise Dawson, Education Consultant and Inclusion Specialist

Afternoon refreshments, networking and exhibition (14:50 - 15:10)

Involve your community (15:10 - 15:40)

Engage with parents, to educate, align and improve wellbeing support around your students.

Dr Kayleigh Sumner, Director of Feel the Psychology and Head of Positive Education and Wellbeing at Fortes Education

Dr Leanne O'Brien, Director of Feel the Psychology, Educational Psychologist at Insights Psychology

Strategic planning of wellbeing (15:40 - 16:15)

Define your wellbeing goals and objectives, and sequence your next steps to achieve improved provision.

Louise Dawson, Education Consultant and Inclusion Specialist

Conference closes 16:15