Co-producing knowledge mobilisation activities to address school food inequalities for children with special educational needs and disabilities: a collaboration between University of Hertfordshire, School Food Matters, and Adapt-Ed stakeholders

Adapt-Ed is an ‘application development award’ funded by NIHR to carry out scoping research and activities on food in special educational provision. The aim is to design a future implementation and evaluation project to increase access to healthy eating opportunities in school for children and young people (CYP) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Working with School Food Matters (SFM), and public co-applicant, we have reviewed existing evidence, carried out mixed methods research, and established key stakeholder groups. Through this Impact Award, we will engage in additional collaborative activities to maximise engagement and reach of the project, enhancing impact on children with SEND, their families, school food policy and practice. This additional funded activity is fundamental to the future success of the full Adapt-Ed bid (circa £750K+) and has the potential to contribute to an impact case study for REF 2029.