Dr Kirstie Rees

22/07/2026

my new book, The Emotional Toolkit for Pupils with SEND, is coming out in November but is now available to pre-order from Waterstones.

There's currently a 25% discount available until Friday 24 July using the code SUMMER26:
https://www.waterstones.com/campaign/july-2026-pre-order-offer

The book is aimed primarily at schools - but is useful for parents too - and brings together practical strategies, and photocopiable tools and activities that can be used to support children and young people with a range of additional support needs and disabilities.

Please share with any teachers, support assistants, SENCOs and educational psychologists, and parents or carers who support children and young people with SEND. Thank you! 😊

15/05/2026

12/02/2026

In my work as an educational psychologist, I often meet children with learning difficulties who are trying really hard to keep up in environments that don’t always fit their needs.

They may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or different from other children.

And over time, this can affect their confidence and well-being.

One thing I always remind parents is this: a child’s mental health is shaped not just by what’s happening inside them, but by how safe, understood, and accepted they feel around them.

This year’s ’sMentalHealthAwarenessWeek theme, “This is My Place,” is a powerful reminder of how important belonging is.

Many children, especially those with learning disabilities, need support to identify the people who help them feel safe, listened to, and understood.

A simple activity that can help is creating an “inner circle” together (see image).

It helps children recognise who their safe people are, and reminds them that they belong.

10/02/2026

Many young people with learning disabilities find the online world overwhelming.

And that’s not because they’re doing anything wrong.

Online self-regulation is a skill that usually needs to be taught and practiced alongside a supportive adult.

If your child struggles with social media, these small and simple exercises can make a big difference over time.

Take a look at the visual for some ideas you can try together at home.

06/02/2026

Wise words from Fraser ....

30/01/2026

Could a social media and phone ban in schools disadvantage children and young people with learning disabilities?

From my work as a child educational psychologist, I have found social media and technology can be both supportive and challenging (often at the same time) for children and young people with learning difficulties.

Understanding that balance is important.

And focusing on getting it right for your child, based on your own assessment of their needs.

Click through the images below for a summary of both sides of the argument, and let me know in the comments what you think!

22/01/2026

Transitions can be one of the hardest parts of the school day for children and young people with learning difficulties.

Even small changes, like moving classrooms or stopping an activity, can feel unpredictable and overwhelming.

Check out the image to see how visuals and objects can make transitions feel more manageable.

16/01/2026

If your child is feeling wobbly about going back to school, you’re not alone.

Lots of parents tell me this transition can feel stressful, especially for children who find change, uncertainty, or school demands overwhelming.

The good news is you don’t have to “fix” everything at once.

Even one small step can help your child feel safer and more settled.

Here are a few ideas to support the return to school, in a way that reduces pressure, not adds to it.

14/01/2026

This can be a really hard time of year.

There’s often pressure to make big changes, get back into routines, and start 'fresh'.

And at the same time, you may be supporting a child or young person through a big transition.

For many children, this can feel overwhelming and bring up big emotions, and that can make things feel heavier for you too.

If things feel harder now, remember to be kind to yourself 🌱

08/01/2026

Returning to school after Christmas can be a big adjustment for many children.

For children with SEND or learning difficulties, changes in routine can feel particularly hard.

Swipe through to learn why transitions can feel overwhelming, and explore supportive resources on my website to help children navigate through change: https://www.kirstiereespsychology.com/resources