Nurturing a healthy relationship with food

‘Children's eating is probably one of the factors parents worry about the most and speak anxiously about it to our teachers. This programme has encouraged that dialogue and enabled parents to speak openly about what they are struggling with at home.’

— Deputy Headteacher, Shobnall Primary School

The How to Feed a Dragon Programme is an evidence based, story-led sensory food exploration programme that supports children with limited diets at the same time as delivering EYFS outcomes. 

The programme has been piloted in 3 Primary/Nursery Schools in Staffordshire and we found that;

Children explored a wide range of foods and tried new foods at home

Parents stress levels at mealtime reduced

Parents confidence in managing food refusal at home improved significantly

Children learnt how to become more involved in preparing food at home

Teachers were able to communicate more easily with parents about eating concerns

Children with sensory sensitivities grew confidence to explore more foods

What teachers had to say…

  • 'The children have shown great enthusiasm and have thoroughly enjoyed attending your sessions. Children in our school setting would really benefit from continued intervention linked to building positive relationships with food. Thank you for your time and support.'

  • 'This intervention programme has proved to be highly effective. The children have shown significant growth in their confidence around food, as well as an increased willingness to engage in the weekly activities. It has been particularly rewarding to collaborate with Jo each week. Her creative approach to food has brought energy and innovation to the sessions, making them both educational and enjoyable for everyone involved. This intervention has clearly had a positive impact on the children’s development and their attitudes toward food. Thank you for enabling us to be part of your trial!'

  • 'Thank you. Both staff and children enjoyed the program and felt that children in the whole school could benefit.'

When asked about how the programme supported the EYFS teachers mentioned…

PSED

Learning independence with food preparation, perseverance, emotions/feelings when we're hungry, talking about food and why it's needed

Communication & Language

Lots of opportunities for speaking & listening, learning new vocabulary and storytelling.

Maths

Patterns on food, shapes, practicing observational skills.

Physical Development

Fine motor control using a range of different tools.

Literacy

Language comprehension about the story heard at the beginning of each session.

Understanding the World

Using their senses to explore the different foods, mapwork from the story, gaining a sense of the world around them.

Let’s hear from the parents…

  • 'Feed the Dragon programme is a fantastic programme for the kids, we really appreciate every moment of the programme and it has really helped my son to want to explore new things'

  • 'I think the Feed your Dragon is a great idea and has helped xxxxxxx try new things which is brilliant'

  • 'xxxxxx is more open to touching and tasting new foods compared to at the start of the programme where she would completely reject and refuse. She also doesn't breakdown when her hands get messy and is happy to touch new textures (as long as she can clean her hands quickly after)'

  • 'Has helped him be more willing to try foods at home'

  • 'xxxxxxxxx really enjoyed participating in the workshops and she spoke alot about it at home what an excellent supportive programme. thank you'

  • 'We found it really useful, even xxxx touching new foods and being excited about bringing ingredients home! She has loved it and it has been great seeing her try new things'

  • 'Great programme. Change in him has been great and he is still trying new foods now. He now freely states 'its ok to try new foods and not like them, but we have to try'

  • 'The programme has been really good and has really encouraged xxxx to try new foods'

  • 'I have seen a massive improvement in xxxx’s interest in food - even touching and smelling food, previously she would refuse straight away.'

  • 'I thought it was a brilliant idea and I’m chuffed with the outcome honestly xxx really enjoyed it'

  • 'Thank you for the opportunity to take part- xxxx has loved it! ; )'

Book Your Training

Mealtimes Matter is currently offering FREE programme training to schools and nurseries in Burton, Cannock, Tamworth & Lichfield.

27th March 2025 9.30-12.30pm – Cannock Family Hub

28th March 9.30am-12.30pm – East Staffordshire Children’s Centre

Get in touch to book your place (30 spaces available).