An ARC East of England study has found that one in four children eligible for free school meals in special schools are missing out on this entitlement, exacerbating health inequalities for low-income families. In response, the project has launched a new policy briefing and podcast, calling on local authorities and the Department for Education to take urgent action.
New research from ARC East of England reveals the disparities in access to school meals for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in special schools. The study found that more than one in five infant children in special schools do not receive their Universal Infant Free School Meals (FSM), compared to one in eight in mainstream schools.
Researchers from the University of Hertfordshire and the University of Essex partnered with the charity School Food Matters, which delivers school food programmes and campaigns for improved school food systems. Together with school professionals, children with SEND, their families and carers, the team co-developed adaptations to a whole-school food intervention that prioritises inclusive and nutritious eating in special schools. The Adapt-Ed project is part of the ARC East of England’s ongoing research into food inequalities and nutrition and how these influence healthcare outcomes.
Professor Rebecca O’Connell, Principal Investigator of this study, shares the background to this research:
“Better school meal uptake can improve children’s nutrition, mental health, learning, and support family finances, as well as provide benefits for the school, such as improved attendance and behaviour. However, not only do schools face many challenges in providing nutritious, inclusive meals, it is not straightforward to agree on what good food looks like or how to deliver it in special schools.”
Professor Rebecca O’Connell, Principal Investigator of this study
“We know that too many children with SEND are missing out on nutritious school food, but there is a lack of systematic data and policy attention to ensure inclusive provision. This has to change. We urgently want to see evidence-based school food provision that works for all children.”
Professor Rebecca O’Connell, Principal Investigator of this study
Households with children with SEND are more likely to experience poverty and have lower average incomes than other families. This can affect children’s access to nutritious food and their understanding of healthy eating. Schools play a crucial role in children’s health and wellbeing as both food providers and educators. The Government’s recent extension of FSM eligibility to children in households receiving Universal Credit highlights the importance of understanding how FSM provision is being implemented and accessed, especially among children with SEND who are at greater risk of malnutrition.
The Adapt-Ed study highlights the unique food-related needs of special schools and the meaningful impact that small adjustments to the food environments can have on pupils with sensory sensitivities. These changes can improve access to school meals, boost happiness, and support positive behaviour. Ensuring the availability of ‘safe’ foods that avoid triggering sensory sensitivities and taking care in introducing new foods supports children’s mental health and emotional regulation, particularly for children sensitive to change. In addition, the research identified an absence of clear, evidence-based, recommended practices for schools to adopt in implementing whole-school food approaches. These findings highlight an urgent need to make school food provision more inclusive and accessible, helping to address the inequalities faced by children with SEND.
“The impact on families living with feeding challenges like like Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is huge. As parents, we already worry about whether our children are getting enough energy and nutrition from their limited diets. At school, it's vital that they're supported to access their safe, preferred foods – reducing anxiety, prevent dysregulation, and maintain the energy they need."
Michelle Jacques, Mother of a child with SEND and Public Contributor in the study
Children and young people with SEND, their parents and carers and school staff co-produced every stage of the project, ensuring it was informed by their experiences and perspectives on effective food initiatives in schools. The study conducted a scoping exercise, which reviewed previous research, Government data and responses to a survey to understand how the intervention Nourish (formerly Healthy Zones) can be adapted for special schools. The team also visited three special schools in the East of England.
In partnership with School Food Matters, the study has published a policy brief presenting its evidence and urging the government to develop evidence-based strategies to better address the food needs of special schools. To promote inclusive and nutritious eating for all, the brief offers several recommendations. These include developing new, evidence-based guidance to help schools meet the requirements of children with SEND; investigating the low uptake of FSM in special schools; reviewing school food funding allocations for these pupils; ensuring food vouchers are available as an alternative to school meals; and inviting ministers to join the Adapt-Ed policy advisory board. You can read the policy brief here.
The research team has also presented their findings to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on School Food. The Chair of the committee, MP Sharon Hodgson, shares her response to the findings:
“It is shocking that a quarter of children who are eligible for free school meals in special schools aren't taking up their entitlement. We need to make nutritious food accessible to all children, especially those with special needs and disabilities.
Sharon Hodgson, MP and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on School Food
"This Government is going further and faster with universal primary breakfast clubs and an unprecedented expansion to free school meals, which will support 500,000 more children, but these measures must benefit all.”
Sharon Hodgson, MP and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on School Food
To accompany the policy brief, the study has released a one-off podcast featuring the Hertfordshire SEND Youth Council from Broxbourne. The podcast highlights the challenges that children and young people with SEND face with eating in school and explores practical solutions for this community, such as meal affordability, lunchtime environment, ‘safe’ food options, and pre-ordering. Listen to the podcast here.
“Something that has been highlighted as part of the Adapt-Ed project is that school food for children and young people with SEND is not often talked about in the media, but is an important issue to those who experience challenges eating food at school. We wanted to use the podcast to share the views of this community and enable them to voice their opinions.”
Lauren Denyer, Researcher on the Adapt-Ed study
Based on the findings from the study, the research team is currently preparing to apply for further research funding to implement and evaluate the Adapt-Ed Nourish intervention in special schools. The research team will host a stand at SENDFest in Norwich on Sunday 20 July 2025, bringing together children, young people and their families. Attendees are warmly invited to visit the stand to explore the study and its findings.
To hear more about the study, get in touch with the research team: Professor Rebecca O'Connell, r.oconnell2@herts.ac.uk and Lauren Denyer, l.denyer2@herts.ac.uk.
This study is funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) under its Public Health Research programme (Grant reference number: NIHR163616) and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration East of England at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR, the Department of Health and Social Care. The study has also received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, through an award from the University of Hertfordshire’s ESRC Impact Acceleration Account. The Adapt-Ed team expresses thanks to all the children, families, schools and organisations who have taken part, especially Hertfordshire County Council Services for Young People SEND Youth Councils, and the Norfolk SEND Youth Forum; a project run by Norfolk SENDIASS in partnership with Norfolk County Council SEND & Inclusion Team.