May 2008
Action taken
Prior to the start of the Livity Special School Project in Lambeth, Lambeth Children and Young Peoples Service were aware that menus did not meet the specific individual needs of Children with Special Educational Needs. ‘We needed a better understanding of pupils needs and the impact that feeding made’ highlights Edwina Hinnigan, Children and Young Peoples Service, Lambeth.
‘We were also aware that the pupils were getting a limited social & educational experience through the school meals service and that a pilot was needed’ says Edwina.
The individual needs of pupils were assessed and core food groups identified. Whilst the pupils’ needs were complex and multiple it was interesting to find that they fitted into four main food groups. The Lambeth core menu was adapted, some dishes taken out and replaced with foods that were more digestible, easy to swallow and more appropriate for this group of pupils.
Key to the success of the project was the positive development of partnerships with all the professionals involved in caring for the pupils and parents.
(Edwina, Lambeth Children and Young Peoples Service)
What were the outcomes and benefits?
A colour coded menu identifies the appropriate food for each child. Consistency of food is appropriate for each child encouraging eating and swallowing. Pupils have become more independent with the majority selecting their own food.
Communication with pupils has improved as ‘makaton’ and signage is used. The menu meets nutritional standards and still looks like the Lambeth menu. Service has encouraged pupils to eat and has been a good opportunity for interaction with parents.
Recruitment of the right staff was essential to ensure that they had empathy for this group of pupils. This was enhanced by spending time in class and learning appropriate communication methods.
Social interaction amongst pupils has improved as has the development of personal skills and educational benefits.
Establishing the partnership was not difficult at this school although rolling out to other schools has proved less easy with some resistance to change.
(Edwina, Lambeth Children and Young Peoples Service)
Sustainability
Meals service is integral to the whole school day with this time being used for other developmental opportunities. It has been an opportunity for the whole school to work together and for the role of the school support staff to be focused.
‘All children eat together including those that need special feeding. Lambeth is developing a Special School Meals Tool Kit to document the outcomes of the pilot and to use in other special schools and for SEN provision in mainstream’ highlights Sue Farr.
Learning Experience
‘Involving the whole school and undertaking a baseline assessment as a means of monitoring improvement was key to the success of the project’ says Edwina.
It is vital to make use of specialist knowledge, undertake refresher training and lessons learnt to go on developing and undertaking professional assessment Quotes from inspection Report (19/20 June 07) on Personal Development and well being.
‘The pupils appreciate the very high standard of food and social interaction opportunities at lunch times where they make choices and be as independent as possible. The pupils acquire essential learning and personal skills that help to prepare them for when they transfer to secondary education’ reflects Sue Farr, Head of Children and Young Peoples Service.
‘The quality of the arrangements and food at lunchtimes is outstanding and fully support pupils’ personal health and development’ highlights Sue.
A letter from Lead inspector to pupils quotes ‘lunchtime arrangements are excellent and the food is fantastic.’
Contact information
Edwina Hinnigan
Lambeth CYPS Childrens Contracts Unit
Email: ehinnigan@lambeth.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7926 9683
