Where Eating Meets Learning
The Eating as Learning Curriculum is a unique, developmentally informed curriculum created by the F.E.D. Foundation to help schools understand and support children’s feeding, eating, participation, and learning. Built on the principle that eating is more than nutrition alone, the curriculum recognises that eating is a complex developmental process involving sensory processing, motor skills, communication, emotional regulation, social participation, and learning.
For many children, particularly those with SEND, feeding difficulties, sensory differences, or medical complexities, access to food cannot be assumed. The Eating as Learning Curriculum provides schools with practical strategies to create supportive environments where every child can participate successfully and confidently at mealtimes.
What is Included?
- Curriculum workbook – a whole years worth of ready made, weekly session plans (39), resources, and symbol supports, differentiated to meet diverse learning and sensory profiles.
- Comprehensive half-day staff training (in-person or remote) – written & delivered by feeding specialists from Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy and Nutrition.
- Easy access on-line video examples and bite sized training resources.
- Sustainability resources – templates to create future sessions independently.
- Baseline & outcome measures – track engagement and progress.
- Ongoing mentoring – termly support for staff delivering the programme.
- Community discussion forum – chat with other schools who are using the Curriculum
- Advice and information to share with parents
What the Curriculum Supports
Inclusive Practice
Create environments where all children can participate safely and meaningfully in mealtimes and food-related learning experiences.
SEND and Additional Needs
Support children with feeding difficulties, sensory processing differences, autism, developmental delays, medical conditions, and other additional needs.
Staff Knowledge and Confidence
Equip staff with practical knowledge and evidence-informed approaches for understanding feeding development.
Whole-School Development
Embed feeding, participation, and wellbeing within your wider inclusion strategy.
Family Partnerships
Promote collaborative working between schools, families, and professionals to support consistent outcomes.
Key Areas of Learning
Development of Feeding Skills – Understanding how feeding and eating skills emerge and develop over time.
Sensory Processing
Recognising how sensory experiences influence a child’s relationship with food and mealtimes.
Communication and Participation
Supporting children to engage successfully in social eating and learning opportunities.
Emotional Regulation
Understanding anxiety, confidence, and emotional wellbeing in relation to feeding and eating.
Reasonable Adjustments
Implementing practical adaptations that improve accessibility and participation for all learners.
Inclusive Mealtime Practice
Creating supportive environments that respect individual differences while promoting engagement and development.
Benefits for Schools
Schools using the Eating as Learning Curriculum can:
- Strengthen inclusive practice
- Improve staff confidence and knowledge
- Better support children with feeding differences
- Promote participation and wellbeing
- Enhance family engagement
- Align with SEND and inclusion priorities
- Create positive mealtime experiences for all learners
The curriculum provides a practical framework that can be integrated into existing educational and pastoral approaches, helping schools develop a culture where every child is supported to learn, participate, and thrive.
Professional Development Opportunities
Schools can enhance implementation through access to:
- Certified Eating as Learning Framework Practitioner Training
- Understanding Feeding Difficulties CPD-Accredited Training
- Ongoing professional learning resources
- Whole-school development support
- Guidance for inclusive implementation
All professional training programmes are accredited through the CPD Certification Service, supporting high-quality professional development for education and health professionals.
Our Vision
At the F.E.D. Foundation, we believe that eating is a fundamental part of childhood development and learning. Through the Eating as Learning Curriculum, we aim to ensure that every child, regardless of their feeding differences or developmental needs, has the opportunity to participate, belong, and flourish within their educational environment.