This research aims to better understand how primary school teachers understand, interpret, and support children with avoidant/restrictive eating challenges (i.e., sensory or fear-based avoidance, or distractibility/lack of interest in eating or food) in educational settings and to improve future guidance and resources.
The research has the following aims:
By listening to the experiences of teachers, this study aims to deepen the understanding of how avoidant/restrictive eating intersects with the school environment and create a foundation for future developments in school-based support for affected children.
The research is being conducted by Tanith Archibald, a clinical psychologist doctoral trainee at the Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology, supported by the Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders and King’s College London IoPPN.
Email: ta572@canterbury.ac.uk
Qualified class teachers currently working in state funded mainstream primary schools or academies in England, with some awareness or experience of selective eating challenges.
Teachers who currently work in private schools but have previously worked in state and can talk from their state experience also qualify.
Some awareness of selective eating (fear or sensory based avoidance of food, or a lack of interest/distractibility when eating) among children within educational settings is needed, but this does not have to be knowledge of ARFID specifically.
Participation will involve a one off 60-minute online interview.
The interview will involve asking you about your understanding, interpretation, and responses to children with non-weight-related eating challenges within educational settings.
The interview is participant-led, and you may pause or stop the interview at any time.
To take part, email Tanith Archibald at ta572@canterbury.ac.uk to register interest.
All participants who take part in interviews will receive a £20 Amazon voucher as a thank you for their time in taking part.