March 2025
In this month’s online meeting, we were delighted to welcome back researchers from the University of Hertfordshire, who are currently researching food in schools, and seeking the lived experiences, views and feedback from children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Our members were able to identify that for some young people, they will seek out “safe foods,” and that the support offered and the environment in which they eat are important. Here are two direct quotes from our members, from the discussion:
- But don’t force us to eat if we can’t, we will eat when we feel comfortable.
- If the food hall is too busy and they don't feel like waiting that long, or they don't like it being too busy and being watched while eating. Noise can also be a problem too. Solutions could be to make it easier for students to get food and eat it in a comfortable situation.
The researchers also provided feedback:
“Thank you so much for such a fantastic meeting with the Norfolk SEND Youth Forum last night. It was excellent and the group were so honest and thoughtful in their answers which we really appreciated. “
For further insight please view the minutes to our meetings, which you can access from the Norfolk SENDIASS website.
Other Youth Forum activities this month include attending the Annual Family Voice conference at the John Innes Centre on the 22nd of March. At the end of the month we will be meeting up in person, for a cooking workshop, where we will then sit down together and eat , and we will all be very mindful to ensure our young people can have choice and control in what they eat, when they eat and where they eat!
Bridget Robinson
Engagement & Advice Worker