Nourishing Minds, Calming Bodies.

How food is supporting ADHD and autism at Maplewell Hall School Post 16. I do more than cook - I create meals that help students feel calmer, more focused, and better equipped to face the day.

Welcome to my kitchen, where food isn't just fuel - its support, its structure and it's a daily chance to make a difference.



MY TOP FIVE
SWITCH CHALLENGE

Helping your school get started with 5 easy swaps - replacing
processed foods with real, unrefined alternatives proven to support focus, energy and emotional regulation.

WHAT DO I DO?

I'm a full-time chef at a SEN school, creating

ADHD-supportive meals every day for our post-16 students.

Many of our young people live with ADHD, autism, or traits associated with these conditions and I've seen firsthand how food can help them thrive-calming bodies, sharpening focus, and regulating energy.

Every dish is made from scratch using unprocessed ingredients. No additives. No refined sugar. Just real food that supports real change.

REAL FOOD = MORE ENERGY

Real food doesn't just feed the body it fuels the brain.

I avoid artificial colours, sweeteners and preservatives, I use slow-release carbs, omega-3s, and gut-friendly whole foods to keep energy balanced and behaviour steady.

1.

Once you understand that ADHD symptoms can be fuelled or calmed by what's on the plate, you can't unsee it. That knowledge changes everything.

2.

From breakfast to bake day, my menus are loaded with brain loving ingredients: omega-3s, whole grains, zinc, magnesium, natural sweetness and herbs instead of sugar and E-numbers.

3.

Students grow some of the veg themselves. They ask, "what's in this that's good for me?" That curiosity? That's where the magic happens.

The UNREFINED CHEF makes it easier for you to make the change.

HOW DO I HELP?

Let me show you what's possible with better nutrition

I help our students at Maplewell feel better in their bodies and minds-just by changing what's on their plate. Reduced sugar crashes. Calmer Moods. More variety. Better focus.

That's not a theory - it's what I see every day at school.

Here's what we're seeing with the right food...

  • Improved focus and attention span

  • Calmer moods, fewer meltdowns

  • Reduced sugar cravings and energy crashes

  • Curiosity around ingredients and trying new foods

  • Less reliance on processed snacks

Our approach at Maplewell

We're building confidence, resilience and well-being through food - one real meal at a time. ADHD support doesn't just come in a packet or prescription pad - it can come from a plate.

WHY DO I DO THIS?

Because I've seen what happens when we feed the brain, not just the body.

Here at post-16, I watch students with ADHD and similar traits come alive when they eat meals made with fresh, unprocessed ingredients. It's not just about cooking - it's about care, consistency and giving them the tools to thrive.

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing calmer moods, better focus, and proud faces as they ask, "what's in this that's good for me? "

That's why I do what I do.

Real, wholesome food is the foundation of true well-being.

HOW TO LIVE A

TOTALLY UNREFINED LIFE

10 steps to becoming totally unrefined :)

THAT'S RIGHT - I'M WRITING A BOOK!!

Publication coming soon - add your info by clicking the button to join my waiting list for updates!

Minor changes in your eating habits lead to major changes in your health.

At school, we've made small but powerful shifts: cutting out additives, switching to slow release whole grains and using natural sweetness from fruits and unrefined sugars.

These changes may look simple on the plate-but they create huge results in the classroom. Fewer crashes, more concentration and better behaviour.

Real food doesn't just feed-it transforms

HOW WILL YOU BENEFIT FROM JOINING MY COMMUNITY?

As someone working daily with students who have ADHD, I know how powerful the right food choices can be.

I share real-world experience from a school kitchen that runs on whole foods and intention-not additives.

If you want food that supports focus, lifts mood and helps manage energy levels naturally, you'll feel right at home here.

Matt Dickie, First for Finance Ltd

"Trev was many people's highlight from our Wellbeing @ work day. Trev is a real expert in his field when it comes to healthy eating and nutrition. He comes across great in groups of all sizes and can adapt to anything you require in this arena. His vast experience immediately gains respect to those that he demos to, and his stories shared make his delivery even more fascinating and leaves you wanting to know more. On behalf of First Response Finance huge thanks for the positive impact you have had on the Wellbeing of our staff!"

Caroline

"4 of us recently had a great day with Trevor. He designed a menu for a three course meal and guided us through its preparation. It was a really fun day. We all learnt new skills, nutritional facts and enjoyed the meal we’d prepared at the end of the day. We have no hesitation in recommending Trevor’s cookery classes."

Indo

"If you are looking for quality service and food, chef Trevor is your guy! My parents recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, and we can't say enough how amazing Trevor was on the night of the dinner. He brought along Nicky to help, who was also so lovely and warm. She set up the table, adding lovely touches of roses too. We were also able to watch him work as the venue was open plan. The cleanliness and organisation is spot on! If you truly want a unique experience for your party, you will love his service. It felt like he was part of the family, too. We had an amazing, unforgettable and fun evening. We will always be grateful for that. Thanks chef!"

Llew Avis

"Trevor was most impressive, flexible and an excellent chef. He brought everything imaginable with him and a couple of support staff who were just as professional . They made my birthday lunch a memorable treat. Well done Chef, you made my day a truly special one."

WHAT MAKES THE UNREFINED CHEF DIFFERENT?

While others focus on calorie counts or diet fads, I focus on what food actually does in the body - especially in young people with additional needs.

I use unrefined whole-food ingredients rich in omega-3s, magnesium, zinc, and fibre - backed by science, not marketing.

It's not just nutrition. It's behavioural support, brain fuel and gut health on a plate.

Your life will not get better by chance, it gets better by change

I've watched students go from hyper to focused, picky to curious and anxious to calm - all through food.

This work isn't theoretical - it's lived, tested and working right now at Maplewell Hall.

Change your ingredients and you change outcomes. One plate at a time.

RECIPES

Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable Quiche

Chicken, Pesto & Broccoli Pasta

Portuguese Style Baked Fish

Rainbow Vegetable Lasagne

Recipe Download

Cacao & Cranberry Oat Bars

Sweet Potato Brownies

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