[AUDIO LOGO] An eating disorder is a mental health condition, where a person uses food control, as a way to manage difficult emotions or stressful situations. We know that the earlier an eating disorder is treated, the better chance someone has of fully recovering. We also know that the way we talk about body image and address emotional resilience, when children are younger, can make a huge difference. Here are some helpful tips for you as educators, to help support any child in your school who has, or may be at risk of developing an eating disorder. Tip 1. Educate yourself about eating disorders. Eating disorders differ from child to child and can be difficult to detect. A bit of dieting or fatty eating is one thing, but restriction, purging and weight loss or gain is a bigger concern. If an eating disorder takes hold, it can be hard to treat, so early intervention is key. Learn as much as you can about eating disorders, so that you can identify the early signs and how to respond. Tip 2. Create a positive school environment around body image. Make sure you help curate the culture within your school around difference to always promote acceptance and self-worth, beyond appearance. Think about how you as staff speak to one another. Even throwaway comments like, you look great, have you lost weight? Can have unintended negative effects if overheard. What images are being posted. What forums are there for positive discussion when talking about food, focus on overall being, rather than weight, body shape or body size. In short, pupils know that teasing about weight is unacceptable and if you see or hear of it, act quickly. Tip 3. Educate pupils about eating disorders and body image. Studies show that by educating young people about body acceptance and the risk of weight control behaviours and eating disorders, the less likely they are to develop disordered eating, and the more likely they are to speak up, if an issue arises. While education about food types is important, we want to encourage young people to focus on how different food makes them feel, rather than labelling foods as good or bad. Tip 4. Make your classroom a safe space. Classrooms should be places where students feel valued, understood, and where they feel they belong. With safety and trust at the heart of the school culture, we can help develop this by listening to the needs of young people, paying attention to our own language and reactions, and designing reflective places and spaces, where uncertainties and concerns can be shared. Foster a culture of respect by encouraging positive language and behaviour. Tip 5. Keep watch and be curious. Look out for physical signs, like sudden weight loss or gain, dizziness or fatigue. Notice any unusual behaviours around food, excessive exercise, frequent bathroom trips, or social isolation. If you're aware a child isn't eating much or is avoiding the canteen, find out why gently and supportively. Perhaps, comment on what you've seen like, I notice you haven't been going to the canteen at lunchtime. Don't make any assumptions. It may be a sensory sensitivity or the beginning of a disordered eating pattern. You need to understand to know what intervention is needed. Keep a closer eye on pupils who may be vulnerable in some way. This might be a pupil who is a perfectionist, or who has low self-esteem, or a pupil who becomes anxious or withdrawn. Trauma, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and other mental health issues can also increase the likelihood of an eating disorder. Tip 6. Try to be collaborative and proactive. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions requiring specialist treatment. So if you suspect a child in your class, may be showing signs of having an eating disorder, speak to the designated safeguard lead in your school to seek advice on suitable next steps. Be open to making adjustments during the school day, to support a child who has an eating disorder. It may be necessary to adapt the learning environment to accommodate reduced physical strength or concentration span. While you are not responsible for diagnosing or treating an eating disorder, your awareness can be the first step in helping a student get the care they need and supporting them in school. Thank you for taking the time to watch. Your dedication and care will be making a big difference to the children you're hoping to support. If you'd like more information on eating disorders, please go to our website, nipinthebud.org.