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Pica Eating Disorder: SEND
09 September 2026
Lead MP
Margaret Mullane
Responding Minister
Georgia Gould
Tags
EducationMental HealthChildren & Families
Word Count: 6023
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Margaret Mullane raised concerns about pica eating disorder: send in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mullane requested that pica training be considered for inclusion in any SEND reform, making it a statutory requirement across educational settings and under SEND provision to support teachers in growing their knowledge of the condition and how to support individuals with pica. The hon. Member asked the government to ensure that the revised statutory guidance on supporting children and young people with medical conditions includes clear information and guidance on pica, and to develop national inclusion standards that address the specific needs of children with pica.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Margaret Mullane expressed deep concern about the lack of awareness and understanding of pica, a condition where individuals have an overwhelming compulsion to eat non-food items. She highlighted the tragic case of Owen Garnett, a student with pica at a specialist school who died after choking on a paper towel, despite school risk assessments indicating that Owen should never be left unsupervised. Mullane noted that parents of children with pica live in constant vigilance and need assurance that their child is being cared for with the same level of vigilance at school. She also mentioned that pica is often treated as a behavioural issue rather than a serious medical and safeguarding issue, leading to significant mental and physical health impacts for families and children. The hon. Member for Dagenham and Rainham highlighted the profound impact of pica on children and their families, emphasizing the stress and fear parents experience when support is not in place. She highlighted cases where parents have had to give up work to monitor their children's safety, and the importance of schools and health professionals working together to support children with pica.
Stockton South
Pica, a condition involving the compulsive eating of non-food items, disproportionately affects children with autism and severe learning disabilities. The hon. member highlighted the serious health risks associated with pica and the need for support and management in SEND settings. She emphasised the importance of teacher training and the lack of formal support pathways and national guidelines. Caroline called for the Government to ensure children with pica receive the support they need, and for a credible workforce plan to recruit and train specialists. The hon. Member for South Devon emphasized the need for accountability across health and education systems and the importance of working in partnership. She also raised the issue of funding and the role of experts at hand in delivering early intervention.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon commended the hon. Lady for bringing the issue forward and highlighted a tragic incident in Northern Ireland involving a care home resident who died from choking on a non-food substance due to pica behaviours. He emphasised the need for training not only in schools but also for staff in care homes and residential settings.
Lee Pitcher
Lab
Barnsley Central
Lee Pitcher thanked the hon. Friend for her work and expressed concern over the serious health risks associated with pica, such as eating glass or coal. He advocated for national guidance and training to ensure awareness and proper response in schools and other settings where children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are cared for. I thank the Minister for the work behind the scenes to allow commitments today and acknowledge the impact on people in the Public Gallery. Emphasising the need for sustainability, Lee calls for awareness and recording of pica cases to understand the numbers and use them in future business cases and funding considerations.
Saqib Bhatti
Lab
Bolton West
Saqib Bhatti discussed the challenges faced by families and children with pica, a condition where individuals ingest non-edible items, often associated with autism. He highlighted the significant health risks and the need for proper training and awareness for teachers and parents. Bhatti also raised concerns about the Stratford-upon-Avon school incident involving Owen Garnett and asked about the Government's plans to ensure pica is considered in mainstream SEND settings and that training is nationally recognised.
Government Response
Georgia Gould
Government Response
The Minister of State, Department for Education confirmed that the revised statutory guidance on supporting children and young people with medical conditions will include clear information and guidance on pica. She committed to asking the expert panel to review the issues raised in relation to pica. The government is investing £4 billion in early intervention, including £1.6 billion directly into mainstream schools and £1.8 billion into an experts at hand service. They are also developing a new package of teacher training worth £200 million. The minister mentioned the importance of engaging with parents and ensuring strong relationships between teachers and families. She noted that £3.7 billion is being invested in the creation of new specialist places, including inclusion bases and adaptations in mainstream schools. The government is also investing £40 million in training new educational psychologists and speech and language therapists. The minister explained that dedicated funding will be provided for children with individual support plans, allowing schools to build necessary provision. She welcomed the cross-party recognition of the scale of the issue and committed to continuing to work in partnership with all Members to address these challenges.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.