As part of the British Nutrition Foundation team and an ex-teacher, I am delighted that we have worked with practising teachers and experts in supporting pupils with additional needs to develop the Characteristics of good practice in teaching food and nutrition education to pupils with additional needs guide, which is now available online. 

The 76-page guide, which can be downloaded for free, is designed for all teachers who teach food and nutrition to pupils with additional needs, in both mainstream and special needs schools.

While the UK’s different curricula and qualifications set out what children should be taught about food and nutrition, there is no other specific guidance on teaching food and nutrition to pupils with additional needs. The guide has been developed through consensus-building exercises with primary and secondary school practitioners, awarding organisations, initial teacher training providers, and experts in supporting pupils with additional needs across the UK.

Laura Kelly, a food and nutrition teacher at St Columbanus’ College in Bangor, Northern Ireland, and one of our expert group, explains why it’s critical for staff to fully understand and plan for an individual pupil’s learning and teaching needs: “As teachers, one of our most important roles is to know each of the pupils in our care. For me, as a food and nutrition teacher, it is important to set subject specific targets based on a pupil’s needs and to implement strategies or make adjustments to ensure inclusion in lessons. For example, this could mean lowering workbenches for a pupil that uses a wheelchair or purchasing adapted equipment, such as knives with angled handles. Knowing my pupils means that I can plan tailored lessons and ensure that, no matter what the topic, my pupils can achieve their full potential. This new guide is an invaluable resource for teachers as it clearly sets out what we need to aim for in terms of best practice for supporting pupils with additional needs.”

Free training for teachers of pupils with additional needs will take place during June 2021 and pupil resources will also be available later in the year. 

To access the guide, click here. To find out more about training to support teachers of pupils with additional needs, click here.