Eating Disorder Training: Free Teacher Toolkit (PDF)
If you’re looking for eating disorder training that’s practical, school-appropriate and easy to use, this free printable PDF helps teachers build eating disorder awareness and take early, safe steps when they’re concerned about a student.
This resource supports awareness of eating disorders in school settings, including how to spot early signs, how to approach a student, and how to speak with parents/guardians in a sensitive way.
What is eating disorder training for teachers?
Eating disorder training for teachers helps school staff understand what eating disorders are, how they can present in young people, and what early supportive action looks like in a school safeguarding context.
This toolkit also reinforces key messages: eating disorders are serious mental illnesses, can affect anyone, and recovery is possible.
What’s included in this eating disorder awareness toolkit (PDF)?
This printable PDF covers the core areas schools need to strengthen eating disorder awareness and staff confidence.
1) Clear explanations: eating disorders and disordered eating
- What an eating disorder is and why it isn’t “just about food”
- The difference between disordered eating vs eating disorders
2) Who may be at higher risk (a practical memory tool)
A simple “A–F” prompt helps staff remember key risk groups (e.g., age/pubertal changes, bullying/social isolation, emotional distress, sport/fitness pressures, cultural change and diabetes-related risk).
3) How to spot early signs in school (DOSE)
A teacher-friendly acronym outlines signs that may show up in school, including:
- changes in concentration/energy
- social withdrawal
- obsessive/perfectionistic patterns
- increased agitation/erratic behaviour
The toolkit also highlights that boys get eating disorders too, and may present differently.
4) How to approach a student (what to say and how to say it)
Practical guidance for a first conversation, including setting, tone, and using supportive “I” statements.
5) Speaking to parents/guardians (DOs, DON’Ts + templates)
Clear DOs/DON’Ts and ready-to-use conversation templates to support calm, factual, empathetic communication.
Who is this resource for?
This eating disorder training PDF is designed for:
- teachers and tutors
- heads of year and pastoral leads
- DSLs and safeguarding teams
- SENCOs and inclusion staff
- school wellbeing teams
When to seek further support
If concerns are affecting a student’s health, mood, attendance, concentration, friendships, or eating patterns, it’s important to follow your school safeguarding procedures and seek support early.
FAQs
Is this eating disorder training suitable for schools?
Yes, it’s written as a practical school resource to increase eating disorder awareness and guide early, appropriate action.
Does the toolkit include signs to look for in school?
Yes, it includes a clear acronym to help staff recognise early signs that may show up in classroom and lunchtime behaviour.
Does it include guidance on speaking to parents?
Yes, it includes DOs, DON’Ts and template wording for parent/guardian conversations.
Is this a diagnostic resource?
No. It supports awareness of eating disorders and early intervention steps in schools. Any concerns should be managed through safeguarding/pastoral pathways and appropriate health referral routes.
Download the Teacher Eating Disorder Toolkit (PDF)
Looking for more support in school?
We also deliver eating disorder awareness training for school staff (CPD).
See also our free Body Image Worksheet resource.
Copyright © Jenup Community CIC 2026. All rights reserved.
Schools are welcome to download, print and use this resource internally with pupils and staff for educational purposes.
This resource may not be sold, edited, rebranded, or redistributed (including uploading to public websites or sharing outside your school/trust) without written permission from Jenup Community CIC.
