12 Tips for Writing an Eating Disorders Policy for Your School

An effective eating disorders policy can ensure that students causing concern don’t ‘fall through gaps’:

“A boy in year 10 was suffering badly from anorexia and ended up in A&E – when staff were debriefed several of us realised that although we were very concerned about him, we had all assumed someone else was dealing with it – but nobody was. We now have a policy with a named member of staff who all these concerns are passed to.” (Secondary School Geography Teacher)

According to my research, less than a quarter of schools have an eating disorders policy in place. I’ve developed one that you can download and adapt, but if you’d like to write your own, here are my 12 top tips.

1. Keep it practical

A policy should be written to be used and referred to, not just to sit on a shelf

2. Make sure it is clear and simple to use

Use lists and bullet points where appropriate and don’t use unnecessary jargon

3. Name key members of staff

You need to make it entirely clear who is responsible for what

4. Ensure all staff are aware of the policy

All staff need to be aware that the policy exists and also how to access a copy at any time

5. Discuss the policy

Eating disorders are often a taboo topic in schools, use the policy to bring this topic out into the open and educate staff

6. Include key information about the major eating disorders

Some staff may not have even a basic understanding, this can be addressed by a clearly written policy that covers the basics

7. Outline the early warning signs staff should look out for

Some of the early indicators for eating disorders aren’t all obvious to those not in the know

8. State clearly what course of action staff should take if they are concerned about a student

This will prevent students falling through the gaps (see above)

9. Think about academic expectations

Consider academic expectations carefully - to what extent should these be revised for students suffering or recovering from an eating disorder?

10. Be aware of sources of support

There are a wide range of sources of support which can be extremely helpful. Local, national and online sources of support should be indicated.

11. Tackle the question of confidentiality

This is a tough issue but staff must never promise complete confidentiality if it could put a student’s wellbeing at risk

12. Develop clear disclosure pathways

Think carefully about what should a student do if they are concerned about a friend and how this can best be communicated with your student body.