Certified Eating as Learning Framework Practitioner Training – A developmental framework for understanding and supporting children and young people’s feeding difficulties & differences.
The Eating as Learning Framework (EaLF) is designed specifically for healthcare professionals working with children and young people who experience feeding and eating difficulties.
Informed by parents and developed by The Children’s F.E.D. Foundation’s transdisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers, the Eating as Learning Framework equips professionals with the knowledge, tools and confidence to support children and young people through a responsive, evidence-informed and participation-focused approach.
Suitable for practitioners working across NHS, community, education and independent settings, including:
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Dietitians
- Psychologists
- Learning Disability Practitioners
- Other professionals supporting children and young people with feeding differences and difficulties
Why train in the Eating as Learning Framework?
Children’s feeding difficulties rarely fit neatly into a single professional discipline. The Eating as Learning Framework provides practitioners with a shared approach that supports:
- Earlier identification of feeding challenges
- Comprehensive assessment across multiple domains
- Neuro-affirming and participation-focused practice
- Family-centred intervention
- Collaborative multidisciplinary working
- Translation of research into everyday practice
What You Will Learn
Understand Feeding as a Developmental Domain – Explore feeding development and identify early indicators that a child may require additional support.
Differentiate Feeding Differences and Feeding Disorders – Use the WHO F-Words framework and multidisciplinary thinking to understand the causes, impacts and presentations of children’s feeding difficulties.
Conduct Comprehensive Assessment – Learn how to assess feeding across medical, nutritional, feeding skill and psychosocial domains using the Assessment Battery and clinical reasoning tools.
Apply Responsive Intervention Approaches – Develop intervention plans that support regulation, autonomy, participation, skill development and family confidence.
Build Effective Parent Partnerships – Use strengths-based coaching approaches that support caregiver confidence, connection and sustainable change.
Develop Meaningful Goals – Learn how to use collaboration, curiosity and lived experience to guide intervention planning and outcome measurement.
Comprehensive 3-Day Hybrid Programme
- Written & delivered by experts from nutrition & dietetics, occupational therapy and speech & language therapy
- Informed by lived expereince
- Combined self-directed on-line learning and face-to-face delivery
- Real-life case studies
- Practical application exercises
- Reflective discussion – with peers, tutors and parents
Certified Eating as Learning Framework Practitioner
- Completion of the full training programme
- Short written assessment
- Practical training exercise
- Participation in ongoing coaching and mentoring opportunities
Certification provides access to the Eating as Learning Healthcare Professionals Community, including:
- Case discussions
- Peer networking
- CPD opportunities
- Research updates
- Group coaching and mentoring
- Opportunities to contribute to future framework development and research
LINK: Become a Certified Eating as Learning Framework Practitioner.