Several children at Stoke Climsland with diagnosed autism and severe food anxiety are now coming into the dining hall and trying new foods. This was achieved by changing how the environment feels.
Senior chef trainer Nerissa worked with head chef Jess and the team to ‘transform’ more than just the menu. Now the dining hall is calm and clean, food waste is down and children are trying vegetables. Methods to encourage children to enjoy school meals included:
- Slowed service down
- Reduced choices on the counter so children weren’t overwhelmed
- Made the dining hall quieter and calmer
- Switched from trays to plates
- Added a salad bar where children could see and choose
Ben Towe, executive headteacher at Stoke Climsland Primary School, said: “It’s been wonderful to see how our new approach to the lunchtime experience at Stoke Climsland has had such impact for our children, particularly some of our most vulnerable.
“Our partnership with the Chefs in Schools team is allowing us to develop a positive food culture in which all children enjoy a varied, nutritious menu, in an environment which promotes choice, conversation and low anxiety.”