GESS Talks Webinar 35 - Shaping the Future of Early Years Education: The Foundations of Learning

Join us on Wednesday, March 19th, at 12:00 UK GMT / 16:00 UAE GST for an in-depth discussion on early years education. Top education experts will explore effective early childhood practices and the essential foundations of learning that shape a child’s development. Gain valuable insights into creating engaging, supportive environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and a strong start to lifelong learning. Don’t miss this essential conversation!

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Our Speakers:

Chairperson: Leanne Galloway Early Years Specialist Head of Early Years, Repton School, Dubai

Mrs. Leanne Galloway has been in education for eighteen years, thirteen of which were in middle and senior leadership roles in the UK and Asia. She graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Law from the University of Exeter, followed by a PGCE in Early Years. Leanne has taught in both state and independent schools and has also worked freelance as an early years’ consultant and Ofsted inspector. She brings a wealth of experience from leading large early settings catering to children as young as 18 months old to supporting different settings as a school improvement partner. Her work has involved collaborating with numerous early years’ providers to drive rapid improvement. Leanne is a frequent guest speaker and presenter for companies specializing in professional development for teachers and early childhood practitioners. She is passionate about early childhood development and takes great joy in creating nurturing environments where children can play and learn.

Aminah Evans, Head of Primary Culture of Community, Hartland International School, Dubai

Aminah Evans is the Assistant Head of Primary—Culture of Community at Hartland International School in Dubai, having joined originally in 2018 as Head of Foundation Stage. She serves as the BSME Regional Network Lead for the EYFS Subject Community and is an NPQEYL facilitator for UCL, where she leads training, moderates, and organises annual conferences featuring international Early Years experts. With a PGCE specialising in Early Years, BA Honours in Childhood Studies with Music, Art, and Drama, and NPQSL, Aminah brings extensive expertise to her role. She has also completed her Level 1 ISI inspector training and is a Designated Safeguarding Lead with Paediatric First Aid certification.

 

Sari Saliba, General Manager, HE, UAE Early Learning Centre

Children and their well-being have always been close to her heart, and that is why she studied social services and worked as a school social worker. Later she had an opportunity to work as a manager in the early years setting in Dubai. From there she moved to Head of Education and later to Director of Operations and Education positions in a well-known early childhood education provider. Currently, Sari is working as a general manager, bringing Finland’s renowned early childhood education finally in its form to the UAE. Sari believes that when a child's best care and happiness are mutual goals for the moms and dads and early childhood professionals, it is easy to work together, supporting each other’s role in the child's life. Her role is to support both parents and educators to achieve the balanced education of the child. She also believes that a child learns the best when provided socioemotional security and a nurturing environment with lots of possibilities for learning activities. She emphasizes holistic approach to early years learning and strongly believes that allowing children to explore and learn by using all their senses, is the best approach to early childhood education.

Roisin Casey Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Leader, Citizens School Dubai

Roisin Casey, originally from Ireland, is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Leader at Citizens School Dubai. Bringing with her over a decade of educational experience in the UAE, she has dedicated her career to nurturing young learners. Her teaching philosophy revolves around the belief that all children are capable and competent learners. In her current role, Roisin emphasizes the importance of imagination and free play in early childhood education, creating an environment where young minds can be inspired to thrive and flourish from as early as six months old. She strives to create a safe and supportive learning environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of each child. A true believer in the idea that it is through wonder and curiosity that children are able to make connections and truly engage in learning, Roisin ensures that the needs of each child are met and that their wellbeing is at the forefront of all decision-making. Beyond her professional commitments, Roisin enjoys camping during UAE’s winter season.