Inclusion Specialist, SENDCO and Education Advisor.
Expert on entrance to schools in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, across the UAE and Middle East, identifying right-fit inclusive education pathways for children with additional learning needs, such as dyslexia, autism or ADHD.
Natalie Smith
“You took the time to understand my boys as individuals – their different personalities, academic needs and the type of environment in which each of them would thrive. This made the school shortlist feel carefully considered rather than simply based on general rankings or reputation.”
— M, happy parent, relocating to Dubai with two sons
“What I can promise is that you won't be navigating it alone. I work closely with schools and their inclusion teams to understand what each one can genuinely offer
I grew up with a little brother who has additional needs, so I know from experience how hard it can be for families. I also saw how much difference it made when home and school pulled together for him. That experience is a big part of why I do this work, and why I care so much about getting it right for every family I support.
I won't pretend the process is straightforward, because it often isn't. Places can be limited, waiting lists long and every school's support looks a little different. In a parent’s words rather than mine, “Your advice regarding the different schools, availability, application requirements and realistic timelines was very helpful. I also appreciated your honesty and responsiveness whenever I needed clarification, particularly during what was already a very busy international relocation." Some conversations will be harder than others, and it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.
What I can promise is that you won't be navigating it alone.
I work closely with schools and their inclusion teams to understand what each one can genuinely offer; I'll always give you an honest picture, including when a school may not be the right fit. There are some wonderful, inclusive schools across the region, and my job is to help you find the one where your child will be understood and can thrive.
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Middle East school search and placement (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia)
Inclusive school searches (Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE)
SEND provision reviews, in partnership with school inclusion teams
Specialist report interpretation (educational psychology, speech and language, OT)
Admissions preparation for families of children with additional needs
Transition support and help settling in, working alongside the new school
Inclusion policy guidance and parent advocacy support
Individual education plan reviews with families and schools
Ongoing SEND consultancy for families (home and school)
Relocation support for families moving to the UAE
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Natalie Smith is a qualified SENCO and inclusion specialist with 11 years' experience, supporting children with special educational needs in British and international schools.
Much of her career has been spent in the UAE, where she founded Tawajudi Together Education Consultants in Abu Dhabi to help families navigate school choices for children who learn differently.
At Select:ed, Natalie brings the inclusion lens to school searches across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider Middle East. She works collaboratively with schools and their inclusion teams to understand what each can offer, helps families prepare for open and positive admissions conversations, and supports children, parents and schools through the move nto a new setting.
Alongside placement work, Natalie consults with families on whatever they need, from making sense of a new diagnosis or report to understanding school and inclusion policy, and feeling confident advocating for their child. She also offers discreet, bespoke support for private families, including designing and overseeing home learning programmes delivered by governesses and private tutors.
Natalie works with families remotely across the region.
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PGCE (Primary)
National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCo)
Specialist Dyslexia Teacher
Attention Autism
Embedded Therapy Curriculum
Founder, Tawajudi Together Education Consultants (Abu Dhabi)
What makes Natalie and the Select:ed team exceptional?
Specialist domain expertise: Select:ed is deliberately small and personalised; you will be advised directly by experts with backgrounds in school senior leadership. Natalie Smith, and founder of Select:ed Adam D’Souza, have deep expertise in supporting families with global school moves.
Unbiased recommendations: Some educational ‘consultants’ operate as agents, taking referral commissions from schools. We believe strongly that this is morally wrong – and in fact a conflict of interest. We do not accept payments from any institution. Select:ed education experts work exclusively for you, helping to craft the best school journey to suit your child and aligned with your family values, with integrity and heart.
Empathetic understanding: Your child’s character, talents and academic profile are at the heart of our process. The unique Select:ed IQ+EQ approach builds up a 360-degree view of your child that goes beyond just grades to assess your children’s emotional and cultural fit with a new school, ensuring that they receive the right balance of support and challenge.
Professional development: The global schools landscape is moving quickly. Everyone at Select:ed shares a commitment to professional development through school visits, attending courses/conferences, writing and speaking about the evolving market, so that we can stay at the forefront of educational practice.