At the time I worked with Louise she managed a team of 35 staff across all phases including screening and identifying students as well as implementing support for barriers in learning, language and giftedness.  She successfully supported and/or trained students, parents, specialists and school staff to remove those barriers.  She strategically led the provision through inspections and managed a budget of over 1 million AED, including being instrumental in the development of the an Autism provision.  Louise took the school’s inclusion program from the start-up of a new school and implemented a strong provision which was built on sustainability.

      Restorative Practice Training: I thoroughly enjoyed Mrs Dawson’s presentation about Restorative Justice where she explained how to engage the student in decision making about change of behaviours. Why the old punitive approach is not always working especially with teens today.Very useful seminar for teachers responsible for pastoral care and counsellors.Since this training I was able to tackle behavioral issues of students of determination and others, more appropriately and with great outcome.

      Louise Dawson has been instrumental in establishing BSME’s Inclusion Network, leading two key services for our members.  Louise co-created the programme and single-handedly managed the online delivery of the inaugural BSME Inclusion Conference in 2021. She delivered various keynotes, liaised with 15 speakers and moderated discussion forums throughout the two-day conference.  Louise was also BSME’s SEND Network Lead. She launched a successful series of 6 webinars for the 202-21 academic year. These networks enjoyed high engagement rates, both for the live and recorded sessions. Louise will be included in BSME Approved Provider List for SEND from September 2021. She will also continue to contribute to BSME professional learning opportunities in 2021-22 and beyond.

      Louise Dawson is singularly the most knowledgeable person on SEND I have encountered in my career.  Her heart is to help the process of identification and support of and for these students, as well as their families, through the necessary steps to help them achieve what they are capable of.  I have witnessed her particular ability and interest in students with Autism and Social Emotional & Mental Health difficulties.  Many unidentified students received their correct identification once they were under Louise’s umbrella.

      Louise Dawson has a comprehensive knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Learning Differences, especially in the context of this region. She has an unrivalled armoury of strategies and provisions and she is ideally positioned to advise anyone on the plethora of new guidance and legislative developments. I have always found her to be receptive, responsive and a true advocate of the needs of families above any other consideration. I do not hesitate in recommending her.

       It’s really hard to see you go.  You were my help when I needed it the most.  I am sure a lot of other children feel this way too.  I was always comforted by your wise words and logical way of thinking and that’s why it is so hard to see you go.  I’m sure you’ll help others further along the road and so I wish you good luck.  Thanks for everything.