The Feeding Clinic

The Feeding Trust use a trans-disciplinary approach of assessment and therapy, using our unique Eating as Learning Framework. This framework has been developed by our team of therapists at the charity, in collaboration with parents of children with feeding differences. 

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Eating as Learning:

A Developmental Approach to Feeding

Eating is a developmental process, not a pass-or-fail task. Just as children learn to walk, talk, and engage with the world at their own pace, they also learn to eat in different ways and on different timelines. The Eating as Learning framework recognises that children experience this process uniquely, and that feeding differences are a part of the learning journey. 

By reframing eating as a skill to be developed rather than a problem to be solved, we empower children to build positive relationships with food at their own pace. Through this framework, we shift the focus from compliance to curiosity, from pressure to progress, and from medicalisation to meaningful, individualised learning.

Principles of Feeding Therapy:

Feeding is a dynamic, developmental journey

The Eating as Learning framework shifts the focus from pathology to progress. When a child does not meet expected feeding milestones, we need to recognise that multiple internal and external factors can interrupt the process of learning to eat and impact on feeding skill development. Each child’s feeding journey is unique and feeding ‘success’ will look different for every child. 

Felt safety: The foundation for feeding success

Felt safety is the experience of true security, not just the assurance of it. For a child to engage in feeding, they must feel safe in their body, environment, and relationships. This means prioritising predictability, gentle transitions, and responsive cues tailored to the child’s unique needs.​

Regulating Adults: Reassurance and validation

Parents and caregivers may feel pressure to ‘fix’ feeding differences and this can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety and overwhelm. By supporting parents through coaching, collaboration and responsive goal setting, we can move from control to connection, and from expectation to adaptation. 

Neuro-affirming: Respecting individual needs and autonomy

A neuro-affirming feeding approach shifts the focus from compliance to connection, from expectation to exploration, and from pressure to partnership—ensuring that all children, regardless of their neurotype, feel safe, respected, and empowered on their feeding journey.

In addition to the Eating as Learning Framework, our feeding therapists have been trained in multiple feeding therapy approaches, which enable us to create unique and bespoke packages for each child. These include:

  • The SOS Approach to Feeding 

  • EAF – Emotionally Aware Feeding 

  • Talk Tools Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding Therapy

  • Bobath 

The Eating As Learning Process

  • You'll start with a consultation with our dietitian. This will focus on your child's current diet and nutritional intake, and how we will support this during the therapy process.

  • A comprehensive half-day assessment at our clinic in Alvechurch, with the Speech & Language and Occupational Therapist. After the assessment, you will receive an assessment report and virtual feedback session, to go through treatment options.

  • We will create an individualised therapy programme, that incorporates a range of approaches, based on the Eating as Learning Framework. This will be child-led and responsive to your child’s needs, developed by the inter-disciplinary team at the charity to progress the skills needed to learn to eat. The charity’s overall aim is to equip parents with the skills and knowledge to advocate for their child and continue to support their feeding development after the treatment block is complete.