Eating disorders

For schools

Eating disorders are not ‘normal’ dieting and body shape concerns; they are serious mental illnesses with damaging physical consequences.

Early identification is an essential part of helping a sufferer to make a recovery and is supported by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines published by the government.

Four facts in four areas

BEHAVIOUR

  • Avoids eating at school, and socially
  • Takes a long time to eat, has developed other new routines and habits around eating
  • Brings or cooks food for others at school but doesn’t eat themselves
  • Reduced application to school work or increased performance which often aims for perfection
  • Eating related themes or negative body themes repeatedly expressed in school work

  • Has a major loss or gain of weight – this may be especially noticeable after a school holiday
  • Avoids physical activity or significantly increases physical activity
  • Complains of the cold frequently
  • Appears tired and listless

  • Looks withdrawn and sad
  • Seems less able to concentrate
  • May be irritable
  • Over-focus on certain themes, potentially around body matters, food or eating related matters (for example in Art or in English)

  • Friends may present with concerns
  • Withdrawal from friendship groups may be noted
  • May become suddenly very socially confident due to reduced weight – often shown by excessive focus on appearance
  • May talk a lot about eating and weight-related issues with friends

What can schools do to help?

Four suggestions for change:

  1. Education on eating disorders.
  2. A clear and effective system to support a student who presents with an eating disorder.
  3. A named teacher and peer supporter from a core team of trained staff and students to be available should help be needed.
  4. Establish links with local services and know what the referral pathways are. Ensure that there is a risk management plan in place to keep the student physically safe at school.

Visit our Further Advice page for details of other organisations that can help.

How to help

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