Selective Eating Support Over 5

Selective Eating Support: Children 5+ Years

child measuring two wafer tubes on a table

This page is for parents of children and young people (CYP) aged over 5 who are selective with food, have a restricted diet of 'safe' food and/or present with a range of sensory feeding behaviours which impact the range of food that they eat. The website is also aimed at school staff who work with these CYP as the strategies can be easily applied in educational settings.

On this website, you will find fun and creative resources such as information sheets/handouts, videos and advice to try at home or at school with your child.

First step

Below we have a bank of resources containing important strategies for you to try at home and at school. Please try these strategies every day for at least 3 months, as it will take time to see improvements in your child's relationship with food.

*VIDEO coming soon*

Meal Time Positioning: '90,90,90' for posture and stability

Find out more

Video: Supportive Positioning For Feeding ∗NEW!∗

What should I offer my child at Meal Times and Snack Times?

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Video: What should I offer my child at Snack Times and Meal Times?∗NEW!∗

NEW HANDOUT

Supporting children who struggle to sit still during mealtime

Creating a positive meal meal time experience

Support for Communication during Mealtimes, Food Exploration, Creating a Positive Environment and Learning about Food.

Family Messy Play Games

Race to the Goal: Dry Messy Food Play

Hit the Target Game :Firm Messy Food Play

Noughts and Crosses: Wet & Dry Messy Food Play

Build a House: Wet & Dry Messy Food Play

Newham Local Offer

Newham Best Start Family Hubs

Here you can family support and advice, health services, community resources for all Newham Families from pregnancy through to age 19 (or 25 for SEND)

Primary Years 5 - 11

Teens & Young People 12 - 18

Family Hubs in Newham

SEND Local Offer

The SEND Local Offer is your guide to find clear and accessible information about your support available for children and young people with SEND aged 0-25 years in Newham.

Local Offer

Useful Links

NHS Fussy eaters website

NHS Nutritional Advice for children aged over 5

SOS Feeding website

Fussy Eater Leaflet

BBC How to handle Fussy Eating

BBC Best recipes for teenagers

Please also check our T witter and Instagram pages for extra OT information and tips.

Dietetics

The Newham Community Paediatric Dietetics service sits within the Children’s Community Nursing Service, part of East London Foundation Trust’s Specialist Children and Young People’s Services (SCYPS).

Their website has helpful videos on Fussy Eating that you can watch to support your child's eating whilst on a budget.

Dietetics Service Website

What Next?

Please continue to use all the strategies we have provided, including going to the Stay and Play sessions at the Children's Centres. Remember that progress with eating can take time, and it is important to use these strategies regularly.

This webpage has been designed using assets from Freepik.com 90,90,90 what should I eat Health visitor Family Meal Messy Play

Selective Eating Support Over 5

Selective Eating Support: Children 5+ Years

First step

Meal Time Positioning: '90,90,90' for posture and stability