Webinar: Early Years, Global Perspectives: What's Changing and Why? by GESS Education

Early Years, Global Perspectives: What's Changing and Why?

About

The early years sector is evolving faster than ever, shaped by global research, shifting cultural expectations, and the growing recognition that high-quality early childhood experiences build the foundations for lifelong success. As early childhood education undergoes significant transformation worldwide, leaders and practitioners face a critical question: How do you translate international insights into meaningful, context-appropriate practice?

This session will explore the major international trends shaping early childhood education today and examine how global change can inform locally relevant, high-quality provision in the UAE and beyond.

When

Thursday, 29/10/2026 · 15:30 Abu Dhabi (GMT +4:00)

Presenters

GESS Education

Lara Hudson

Moderator | Education Consultant

Lara is a distinguished early years professional with over 25 years of international experience, including more than two decades in the UAE education sector. Her extensive background gives her a deep and nuanced understanding of educational leadership, organisational development, and quality improvement. She is known for providing the strategic vision, direction, and oversight needed to establish robust operational controls, effective administrative systems, and strong people practices- consistently driving financial sustainability and operational excellence for the organisations she supports.

Dr Kathryn Murray

Founder, Chief Consultant - Future Strong Education Consultancy

Dr Kathryn Murray is passionate about creating opportunities that give children the best possible start in life. She is proud to be the founder of Future Strong Education Global Consultancy, based in Australia. She is the creator of the original Brain-SET Environments Formula® that has been implemented across the world. Brain-SET is an early childhood skills-based approach to teaching, deeply grounded in neuroscience. Kathryn’s teaching experience in the education field spans over 40 years and includes being a classroom teacher and university lecturer. She is an international environment design expert, an award-winning early childhood education specialist, highly sought-after Inspirational Keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. Kathryn is a mentor, coach, and author. She has written numerous articles on productive environments, teaching practices, wellbeing, and parenting. Kathryn works globally and is grateful to have had the opportunity to support children, educators, teams, leaders and parents to be all they can be.

Laura Barton

Principal, Yellow Kite Nursery

Laura is a passionate Early Years educator and advocate, currently the Principal of Yellow Kite Nursery in Dubai. She is committed to protecting childhood, championing child-led learning, and ensuring that Early Years practice evolves without losing sight of what young children truly need to thrive.

Laura Henry Allain

Author, Educationalist, Producer and Consultant

Laura Henry Allain MBE is an award-winning author, educationalist, producer and consultant. She is the creator and series producer of the well-loved, global, award-winning, first Black British Animation global series, JoJo and Gran Gran, developed and produced by CBeebies. Her other books include; the Maya and Marley series and My Family, Your Family.

Laura has worked with several global brands, including Paramount, Mattel, Moonbug, John Lewis, Comic Relief and Bafta.

Laura is a board member of the Children’s Media Foundation and vice president of The British Association of Early Childhood Education. She is a supporter of the Grenfell Memorial Quilt, an Ambassador for British Dyslexia Association, an Ambassador for the National Year of Reading and a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund. She is the creator and presenter of the podcast My Words, My Book and the writer of the:‘Pick Up A Book’, song.

Yvonne Lindstad

Quality & Operation Lead - Dibber

With more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education, Yvonne has a strong professional background and a genuine passion for children and their everyday lives.

Her career has included working directly with children, leadership, pedagogy, quality development and implementing educational practices across different countries and cultures.

Yvonne believes that good pedagogical ideas come to life when adults listen, respond, play and build relationships with children.

She is especially passionate about playbased learning and the importance of warm, trusting relationships. She believes children thrive when adults slow down, stay curious and take the time to see the world from the child’s perspective.

For Yvonne, quality means creating a safe and supportive environment where every child feels seen, valued and understood. It is about giving children the joy of mastering and the confidence to explore, try, wonder and grow.

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