- Latest NewsUp-to-date articles giving you information on best practice and policy changes.
- Skills AuditsEvaluate your skills and knowledge, identify gaps and determine training needs.
Inclusion & Wellbeing MENA 2024 - Dubai - SOLD OUT - Wellbeing (Day 2 - 23rd May)
Wednesday 22 May 2024 - Thursday 23 May 2024
Sofitel Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Sofitel Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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