- Home
- -
- About Us
Evidence-based resources brought to you by
Tooled Up Education
Our founder and Head of Research, Dr Kathy Weston holds a Masters and Doctorate in Social Science (Criminology) from the University of Cambridge and worked for many years as a policy researcher and research fellow in education. She is the co-author of two books on “Engaging Parents” (Bloomsbury, 2018; 2020) and a sought-after keynote speaker.
Kathy works with a team of qualitative researchers and collaborates with eminent mental health and other professionals to source, curate and develop resource information that can empower parents, carers or those who work with children.

“Combining my passion for parenting with my extensive academic expertise, I am committed to giving parents the practical tools they need to help their children flourish. I firmly believe in an evidence-based approach to parenting.
This way, you get the very best information and can have confidence in the tips you apply at home. Our children have significant challenges to overcome as they strive to reach their potential. My aim is to empower you, so that the parenting journey becomes easier and more rewarding.”
Our Founder: Dr Kathy Weston
Speaker | Author | Researcher | Founder of Tooled Up Education
Our Mission
To give every parent and teacher the tools they need to develop children
into young adults who are:
Self-confident, self-sufficient and full of self-worth
Curious about the world and passionate about learning
Digitally skilled and digitally resilient
Our Fundamental beliefs:
- Parents are the first teachers in children's lives
- Parents want the best for their child
- We believe in the intrinsic value of family life
- Together, we can help build an instruction manual for parenting
- We believe evidence-based tips can unlock children's greatest potential
- We believe in the importance of aligning parents with professionals
What we help deliver:
- More resilient children
- A more effective family environment in which children can thrive
- Children that thrive academically and socially
- Children who are psychologically ‘Tooled Up’, for early adulthood and beyond
How we do this:
We work with the world’s leading researchers, translating research evidence into actionable tips that:
- Help parents and carers feel better supported
- Build parental confidence and self-efficacy
- Promote good mental health and family resilience
- Help with the early identification of mental health difficulties
- Improve children's chances of thriving socially, emotionally and academically
Are We Effective?
What schools say
Headmistress, March 2022
Dr Johnny Noakes
Head Teacher, September 2020l
Teacher, Davenies School
Teacher comment following a parent talk, June 2021
Teacher, January 2020
Staff, March 2021
Staff CPD session, 19 April 2021
"Tooled Up Education has been fantastic. Kathy's work has had a really massive effect on our parents and also our staff."
Edward Balfour, Headmaster"Tooled Up Education has such a wide range of resources and we've been able to send these out to lots of different parents for lot of different reasons. The resources are really easy to read and implement and parents have said they are really helpful "
Teacher, Ashlyns SchoolStaff CPD session, June 2021
Teacher, January 2020
School Governor, October 2020
Teachers, January 2020
What parents say
"I feel like I have found what I have been looking for for so long! I am so relieved to get very practical, relatable advice."
Parent, Methody School"So informative, thought-provoking, practical, awesome!"
Parent, South Hill School"I thought the talk last night was absolutely fantastic. It really helped us to have a vision and how we can support [Child] to develop his resilience"
Parent, Yarm School"So informative - lots of food for thought as a teacher and a parent of two girls. Thank you"
Parent, Merchant Taylors' School"Hello, I am a Beechwood Park parent and I've always found your resources to be very helpful and timely, especially for my year 7 son at BWP. Thank you for your amazing resources."
Parent, Beechwood Park School"I just wanted to say how grateful I am to read your Wednesday Wisdom email. Perfect size for the time I have to engage and reflect and think about the topics you touch on. It helps me to evaluate my parenting and take a step back to look at scenarios that play out.."
Parent, October 2020"Wednesday Wisdom is like a burning torch in a world of confusion and noise. I can’t do without it!"
Parent, July 2020"Clear, practical and underpinned by evidence - whilst recognising where the gaps in knowledge are and where individual decisions are reasonable. As a mother to young people - great advice!!
Parent and Professor of Child Health Literacy, 2022