Support & Resources For Schools & Parents

What can we do for families?

During times of uncertainty, families need clarity, reassurance and practical support. We offer simple, realistic strategies to help parents and children feel safe, maintain routines, and continue learning in manageable ways.

If you need support we are here.

Often a quick WhatsApp can solve your worries. Message Louise directly on

+971 56 261 6241

What can we do for schools?

Schools play a vital role in providing stability, communication and compassionate flexibility. The resources below support leaders and teachers to adapt provision, maintain inclusive practice, and ensure all learners remain connected, supported and able to engage, even when circumstances make traditional schooling challenging.

If you can’t find what you need drop an email to Louise@LouiseDawson.Com – if we can’t help we are sure to know who can.

If you have details you think might be useful to add to this page, or any events that can be shared through our events listings, please let us know.

Phone: +971 58 556 6398

WhatsApp: +971 56 261 6241

Email: media@louisedawson.com

Or follow us on social media:

Events, Training & Webinars To Be Aware Of

There are lots of events happening that can support schools and parents as part of the return to face-to-face school.

Please see our full events listing...

We add events from a range of providers to our events listing page. Keep up to date with what is going g on by taking a look at our full events listing page.

Learning In Crisis & Conflict - What is happening to our children?

How can families manage online learning during conflict?

How can children continue to learn in different, meaningful ways?

I joined Helen Farmer on Dubai Eye to discuss practical strategies for families and schools navigating distance learning during uncertain times. In this conversation, I share realistic, supportive advice for parents, educators and school leaders, including how to structure the day, reduce stress, and prioritise children’s wellbeing while learning from home.

In this video, we cover:

How to create simple, flexible routines for children
Supporting emotional wellbeing and reducing anxiety
Why learning doesn’t need to look like a traditional school day
Practical tips for parents balancing work and home learning
Strategies for children with additional needs or learning differences
How schools can adapt expectations during crisis situations

This discussion is designed to feel calm, reassuring and practical—helping families focus on what matters most: connection, wellbeing and manageable learning.

Remember: wellbeing comes first. Learning will follow.

Yalla Magazine - 10 Tips for Online Learning

Louise speaks to Yalla Magazine about the trials and tribulations of online learning; as well as providing ten top tips for how parents can look after their wellbeing, their children’s welfare, as well as balance work and education.

Which School Advisor 2026

Louise speaks to Susan Roberts at WSA about distance learning. For many families of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, the shift to distance learning in the UAE has changed the shape of the school day almost overnight. How can you help your child and family?

Yalla Magazine - Page 32/32 - April

Louise speaks to Yalla Magazine about what Neurodiversity looks like in the classroom and how parents might be able to help.

See All Louise's media and interviews

Government Guidance

KHDA: Parent Guide to Supporting Your Child in Distance Learning

KHDA: Safety Guide

Centre-Led Home Based Learning for Early Childhood Centres

Symbols are a useful tool for parents with young children and especially for those who are neurodiverse or autistic.

While symbols are often associated with People of Determination or those with additional needs, they are a universal logic. They support users of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds who may find dense text or verbal communication challenging.

Symbols can help to:

New Social Stories For Returning to School

We have two new social stories that cover “Going Back to School” and “Shelter In Place.” Our thanks go to Jeanette Jones from Dove Green School for writing these.

This social story in intended to help discussions about the return to in-person schooling, to be used and edited as required.

This social story in intended to help discussions about sheltering in place and can be used and edited as required.

This social story – co-produced with Widgit, Edsidera, and the London Primary Network – is a tool for calm, guided conversation. It is designed to support parents and carers through complex topics, fostering meaningful two-way discussion with their children.

The social story combines Widgit symbols with English and Arabic text.

“Symbols are essential for some, but useful for all.”

Video Social Stories

Here are a few social story videos that have been created by Mrs. Pearl Demosthenous, Primary School Inclusion Coordinator at Emirates International School Meadows

When I Need A Break

Sometimes my body and my brain need a break…

My Zones Toolbox For Online Learning

Learn about zones of regulation when learning online…

Taking Turns And listening Online

Who should talk and when if you’re learning online…

We Are Together, Even Online

We may miss our teacher & friends when we’re online…

Being Prepared Helps Me Learn

Getting ready to learn online will help you learn…

Sensory Circuits

A short presentation for parents on how sensory circuits can be used at home to support regulation.

You're Not Alone on Your SEN2gether Journey

Find support, share experiences, and access resources — all in one welcoming community. Join thousands of families navigating Special Educational Needs together.

Everything You Need, In One Place

We’ve built the app we wished existed when we started our own SEN journeys.

Community Support

Connect with other families who truly understand. Share experiences, ask questions, and find your tribe.

Podcasts

Listen to inspiring stories, expert interviews, and real conversations from families who understand the SEN journey.

Wellness

Look after yourself too. Access guided relaxation, mindfulness exercises, and self-care resources for carers.

Local Events

Find SEN-friendly events, meetups, and activities in your area. Connect with your local community.

Resource Library

Access a growing library of guides, articles, and tools to help you advocate for your child.

Stay Updated

Get notified about new resources, community discussions, and events that matter to you.

Supporting learning continuity for multilingual learners during disruption

FlashAcademy has collated a list of free resources to support schools in adapting to unexpected remote learning, access to easy-to-share resources can help keep learning both structured and engaging.

Below is a selection of printable resources that can be shared digitally to support your multilingual learners in continuing their English language learning.

If you like their work and want to connect you can look at their page on my website or drop me a WhatsApp message and I’ll email you their contacts. I am not on commission.

Resources for learners

Click on the document title to access the worksheet:

Engage Parents

Our EAL holiday challenge resource is a great way to get parents and carers involved too! While typically used during a school break, this activity grid is designed for use at home. From watching a cartoon or film with subtitles to using the FlashAcademy® object translator around the home, each activity encourages meaningful language use without feeling like homework.

It can be used with or without a FlashAcademy® subscription and includes additional information for parents and carers on how and why to complete each activity.

Resources for educators

As well as resources for your learners, FlashAcademy has a range of resources and strategic tools you might like to access:

Speech, Language and Communication

Patterns of Development – Birth to Four

Children develop at different rates and some will follow a different pathway to learning.
Without others around them it may be challenging to see how your child is progressing.

These guidelines provide some advice – professionals should Interpret the guidance carefully, using their professional judgement; parents should seek advice where necessary.

What is Your Child REALLY Telling You?

Language & Behaviour Strategies for Speech, Language, and Communication Needs

Louise talks to Jill Clark from Elklan Training to understand the critical link between language and behaviour.
This session follows the webinar on DLD (below) and explores how undiagnosed Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) manifest as challenging or withdrawn behaviour.

Understanding Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

Are you looking for effective, evidence-based ways to support a child with DLD or other Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN)? This online session is designed to bridge the gap between diagnosis and everyday practical support.

Free access youHQ to Middle East schools during the conflict

Stability. Safety. Connection.

In times of uncertainty, learning only happens when students feel:

Our priority is supporting wellbeing first, before academic performance.

We have produced a guide that is designed to help you use youHQ effectively in these unprecedented times, to give students the best support and access to resources, and to help you stay connected as a community.

New resources added to the platform

Until we all know more about the ongoing situation we will be adding new resources to youHQ for students and staff. These resources will be added to the Learning Hub three times per week across all interfaces: Junior, Middle, Upper, and Teacher Wellbeing.

Using youHQ for distance learning

These short videos have been created by our co-founder and engagement director, Jez, to provide support on using youHQ during ‘learning from home’ . They are a guide only. Schools should use the platform as they wish to best support staff and students.

Free access to The Wellbeing Hub until September

We are offering complimentary staff access to The Wellbeing Hub for all UAE schools until 1 September 2026.

The platform received a BETT Award for Global Best Wellbeing Resources and is a trusted source of support to over 300 schools providing expert-led guidance that staff can share with students and parents.

Or email: louisa@teentips.co.uk

Free access to The Happy Confident Club

Are you looking for trusted Parenting Support such as expert advice and solutions to help with your everyday challenges? Or perhaps you want to connect with your kids through our engaging Family Activities?

With hundreds of fun, clinician-approved activities, over 200 short videos that spark deep, meaningful family conversations, and expert-led webinars, Q&As, and quick solutions from top parenting specialists, The Happy Confident Club helps you grow together and create real solutions that truly last.

Free access to wellbeing resources until June ’26.

Wellio has offered free access to their wellbeing and PSHE lessons to Middle East schools until the end of June to help them support students during this period of uncertainty.

This short video shows how the platform works.

Topics include:

Access is manually arranged and is usually set up within 24 hours.

Examples of some of the lessons Wellio feels would be especially beneficial during this time for students:

Secondary

Combat worry, stress & anxiety - Year 6-8
Managing anxiety - Year 7-9
Overthinking & catastrophising - Year 7-9
5-minute meditation - Year 7-9
Find calm amidst Chaos - Year 9-11
Managing stress & overthinking - Year 9-11
Caring for your mental health - Year 10-13
Fake news & misinformation - Year 10-13

Primary

Please submit your details by clicking the button below. Holly Mann will then be in touch to arrange access.