Schools

If you’re a teacher, school nurse or counsellor within a primary or secondary school, you will undoubtedly be aware of the increasing importance of emotional wellbeing. Eating disorders and related self-harm are some of the greatest concerns teachers face. EDA is here to support you in your role.

Our Bespoke Inset Training on Eating Disorders and Self-harm is relevant for staff from all faculties and professional backgrounds and includes expert medical information in association with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).

Key Learning Outcomes include:

• Communication Strategies with students and parents 
• Techniques for initial conversations
• Promoting a ‘talking school’ and reducing stigma
• Strategies for building emotional resilience
• Achieving best practice
  
  

What teachers say to us...

“I worry that if I do or say the wrong thing, it might make the situation worse for the student. I feel really out of my depth and have no experience in dealing with emotional wellbeing and mental health. I would like to know how to respond and how to arrange the necessary support for the student.”

And what they tell us after the training...

“EDA’s presentation to our group of pastoral staff and school nurses clearly drew on a considerable depth of knowledge, experience and wisdom. The training provided detailed, practical advice in an engaging and interactive style. Our schools recognise the importance of emotional wellbeing and of an awareness of issues such as eating disorders and self harm, but EDA inspired us to deepen our understanding and work to ensure that this is part of a whole school ethos.”

For more information, download our training flyer or get in touch with us via email.

The Facts

• The Department of Health estimates that approx. 4 million people in the UK are struggling with an eating disorder
• The highest rates of new cases are boys aged 10 to 14
• 25% of teenage girls say they have an eating disorder 
• 25% of teenagers admit to using purging to try to control their weight 
• 1/3 of girls and nearly 1/4 boys place great importance on weight or shape 
• 40% of girls & 26% boys show signs of body disturbance 
• Anorexia causes more deaths in those under 18 than any other psychological disorder

Spotting The Signs

• Weight loss or gain
• Low BMI
• Big baggy clothing or skin tight in small size
• Avoidance of meal times, snacks, socialising
• Changes in mood – loss of interest, withdrawal, ultra sensitivity, tearfulness
• Loss of friends, depression and isolation
• Compulsive exercise
• Frequent trips to the lavatory
• Grazed knuckles, marks of self-harm
• Loss of normal periods (medical staff)