Ashlee Steward

Assistant Head of Primary, Dubai British School Jumeirah at Dubai British School - Jumeirah

Speaker

I am an Early Years leader, trainer and lifelong learner, currently working as Assistant Head of Primary at a founding British international school in Dubai. I also deliver Early Years training for Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

With over a decade of experience in the UAE, I am passionate about championing play, curiosity and joyful learning as the foundations of strong early childhood practice.

My work centres on supporting educators to create high-quality Early Years environments through play-based pedagogy, inquiry-led learning and meaningful relationships. I have led staff development, curriculum design and school improvement, supporting teams to create learning that begins with children’s questions, ideas and lived experiences, where deep listening, slowing down and responding thoughtfully are valued as essential parts of the learning process.

Alongside my leadership role, I am currently undertaking doctoral research exploring how Early Years educators in British curriculum international schools in Dubai understand play-based learning and make professional decisions within diverse cultural and policy contexts. As a trainer, I am known for being warm, practical and relatable, sharing meaningful strategies that educators can apply immediately within their own settings.