New protocol tackles eating disorders in schools
Debbie Watson, founder of Wednesday’s Child, said: “Our protocol on eating disorders is something long overdue in the education arena, and we’re proud to have been the organisation to have really listened to schools and to have developed a framework which can be tailored for their needs.
“On the one hand, teachers and pastoral staff were saying how desperate they were for more information and resources to assist understanding of this devastating illness, but perhaps even more so, they were eager to get ‘hands-on’ support wherever a child might be showing some kind of eating distress or disordered thoughts.”
NHS Digital Data findings show hospital admissions for eating disorders have risen from 13,885 in 2016 to 19,040 by 2019.
Framlingham College, which has already adopted the protocol, will be auditing dining facilities, delivering assemblies, staging parent talks and provide one-to-one listening services or recovery techniques for those who may need them.
Tom Caston, Framlingham College deputy head, added: “The wellbeing of a pupil is critical to them experiencing a happier and more successful school career.
“I really believe that the Wednesday’s Child delivery model is essential for the entire academic community – from primary to higher education, and across mainstream and public schools.”
For more information about the School Protocol visit: www.wednesdayschild.co.uk.