Feeding Futures: Creating Inclusive, Nourishing School Environments

Loading player...
In this powerful episode, Lauren Edmunds shares the heart and strategy behind reintroducing a transformative lunch program at her school. What began as a response to two children's nutritional and emotional needs quickly grew into a school-wide initiative that not only addresses food security and developmental health but also fosters community, dignity, and therapeutic support. With a holistic, inclusive approach rooted in empathy and observation, Lauren unpacks the philosophy of "support everyone, not just the few"—from rethinking how interventions are delivered to why shared mealtimes matter. This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone interested in child development, school culture, and the hidden power of a well-served lunch.
19 May 2025 English South Africa Education · Self-Improvement

Other recent episodes

From Adult Goals to Child Success: The Power of Responsive Patience

In this insightful discussion, Lauren Edmunds, the founder of a school for children with learning delays, explores the critical role of patience and observation in supporting neurodiverse children. She challenges adults to set aside their own rigid, "goal-driven" agendas to truly meet children where they are. This is especially vital…
9 Mar 9 min

Patience and Praxis: Navigating the Non-Verbal World

Lauren Edmunds, the founder of a school for children with learning delays, discusses the importance of shifting away from adult-driven goals to better support neurodivergent children. She explains that adults are often so focused on their own schedules, such as getting to the shops or starting a maths lesson, that…
2 Mar 9 min

Making Therapy Work: Beyond the Weekly Session

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds explains that sending a child to a single weekly therapy session is like doing ten sit-ups on a Friday and expecting a six-pack. She suggests that for therapy to actually "pay off," parents need to view the therapist like a personal trainer; the real results…
23 Feb 5 min

Mistakes: Where the Learning Happens

Lauren Edmunds, founder of a school for children with learning delays, explains that mistakes are exactly where learning occurs. She warns that common phrases like "you can do better" can accidentally shame children, leading them to avoid challenges and stick to easy tasks just to get praise. To foster a…
16 Feb 2 min

The Art of Repair: Beyond Punishment

Lauren Edmunds, founder of a specialist school for children with learning delays, explores how to transform discipline into a lasting learning experience. Shifting the focus from shame to responsibility, Lauren explains why the "repair" of a mistake is more important than the mistake itself. By establishing a foundation of mutual…
11 Feb 11 min