As many as one percent of school aged children meet, or nearly meet the criteria for anorexia or bulimia. Yet most schools don’t have a policy in place – of 800 schools I recently surveyed, only 40 schools had a specific eating disorders policy in place. In 540 schools, eating disorders were not referred to at all in any of their policies.
Why have a specific eating disorders policy?
My research with schools has shown that majority of school staff would not know what to do if they became concerned that a student was suffering with an eating disorder. And many more felt that they wouldn’t know what warning signs to look out for at all.
By putting a simple, but practical policy in place, this situation can be avoided and pupils at risk of, or suffering from an eating disorder can quickly receive the help and support they need. This can increase their chance of a full recovery by up to 600%.
I have consulted with a wide variety of schools to put this model eating disorders policy together so I hope you’ll find it practical and relevant. I would appreciate any feedback you have.
Download the policy
You can download the model eating disorders policy here:
Please feel free to adapt, amend and share it. I would be interested to hear any feedback you have, good or bad.
