Eating disorders

What is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is a mental illness. While unhealthy eating behaviour is involved, it is important to remember that eating disorders are often about feelings, not food.

People with eating disorders use unhealthy eating behaviours to cope with difficult situations or feelings.  All eating disorders are very serious, and everyone who has one deserves care and support.

There are many different types of eating disorders. Beat provides more information and a definition of Anorexia Nervosa, ARFID, Binge Eating Disorder, Bulima Nervosa, Orthorexia, OSFED, Pica and Rumination Disorder.

Who is affected by eating disorders?

Although most common in young people aged 13-25 years, anyone can develop an eating disorder, including young children.

Eating disorders can impact people from all family backgrounds, religions, cultures, socio-demographic groups, and sexual preference.

They can impact both girls and boys, although girls experience eating problems in larger numbers. However, the number of boys with eating disorders is increasing.

Beat outline some possible risk factors to eating disorders including bullying and transitions.

What should schools be aware of?

Eating disorders can be difficult to spot. You can read about the signs of individual eating disorders here. It is important to note that signs will vary depending on the type of eating disorder and the presence of these signs does not always mean a child or young person is experiencing an eating disorder.

Staff in schools and settings are well placed to spot the early signs of an eating disorder, and can take steps to address eating disorders at several levels with policies and practices, both in their curricula and with individuals at risk.

There are some signs that may be especially apparent in the school environment, which might include avoiding eating around others / missing meals, going to the toilet often during breaks and/or after meals, low confidence and self-esteem, anxiety, social isolation, decreased concentration, obsessive and/or rigid behaviour, perfectionism, including setting unreasonably high personal standards and increased concern about making errors, excessive neatness, wearing looser clothing and changes to weight - either gaining or losing weight, or experiencing fluctuating weight.

What does the law say?

Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) statutory guidance outlines the statutory duty for all schools to promote the welfare of their children and young people. This includes:

• preventing impairment of children's health or development
• taking action to help all children have the best outcomes

Schools have statutory responsibilities in relation to social, emotional and mental health needs as outlined in the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) code of practice.

To support the working together to improve school attendance guidance , the DfE have produced guidance for schools on when a mental health issue affects attendance.

What support is available?

National

• Beat is the UK's leading eating disorder charity. They provide a national Helpline and supports family and friends, equipping them with essential skills and advice. Beat offers a program called School Professionals Online Training (SPOT) for schools. SPOT encompasses a range of interactive eLearning modules, monthly Q&A sessions, and interactive webinars delivered by expert clinicians. By accessing SPOT, school professionals will be taught how to spot the early signs of an eating disorder, talk to a pupil exhibiting them, engage their families, and support them to seek medical assessment.
• The TALK Centre provides a variety of services including training and learning materials for stakeholders, organisations, and young people across Norfolk and Waveney. Their resources include guidance around ARFID Awareness and MindEd Feeding and Eating Disorders Hub.
• Pooky Knightsmith provides a Guide to Whole-School Strategies and Practical Support.

Norfolk

Mental health support for 0-25 year olds across Norfolk & Waveney will be processed by Just One Number. The team will review all the information outlined in the request and support children and young people and their families in accessing a range of options to improve their mental health and wellbeing, including:

• Self-care resources
• Advice and guidance
• Access to mental health or emotional wellbeing support services.

When appropriate, the team will pass any information you share to an organisation that will best support the child or young person. Sometimes, further intervention will not be needed, but the JON team will contact you to let you know this and offer some advice and guidance to support.

Norfolk County Council are developing a toolkit for schools and settings focused on Eating Disorders. The aim of the toolkit is to provide guidance around a whole school or setting approach to supporting positive mental health and the development of social and emotional skills as well as providing step by step guidance on how to support children and young people appropriately who may be experiencing an eating disorder.

Staff wellbeing

Supporting children and young people who are in emotional distress can be physically and mentally draining for staff; this needs to be recognised and appropriate support put in place, both in terms of training and supportive listening.

• You can access wellbeing support from a team of specialists as well as 24/7 phone support and self-help workbooks through Norfolk Support Line.
• Norfolk Wellbeing Service offer a range of wellbeing support offered to adults in Norfolk and Suffolk. This includes self-referral, self-help, social support. workshops, wellbeing podcasts and blogs.

• Qwell offer free, safe, and anonymous mental wellbeing support for adults. This includes professional support, community support and professional development tools.

Key contacts:

To contact Just One Number, follow the links on this page Norfolk & Waveney Access to Mental Health Advice & Support (justonenorfolk.nhs.uk).