Penelope Henderson

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Children's Nutritionist RNutr/ SOS trained Feeding Therapist

About me

Fussy Eating & Selective Eating Specialist | SOS Trained Feeding Therapist & Registered Children’s Nutritionist (RNutr)

Does This Sound Familiar?

  • Your child eats only a small number of foods
  • They refuse to try anything new
  • Meals feel stressful or turn into battles
  • They struggle with certain food textures
  • You worry they are not getting the nutrition they need

If this sounds like your family, you are not alone. Feeding support can help.

Many parents feel worried or frustrated when their child refuses foods, struggles with textures, or seems stuck eating the same few meals. I specialise in supporting fussy and selective eaters, helping children feel more comfortable around food so mealtimes become calmer and less of a battle.

About Me
I’m Penelope, a Registered Children’s Nutritionist (RNutr) and SOS trained Feeding Therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting families with fussy eating, selective eating and feeding difficulties. (infants, school children & teenagers)

I help children gradually feel safe exploring new foods in a gentle, pressure-free way. My work focuses on reducing mealtime stress, building confidence around food and supporting children to expand the variety of foods they eat.

I support families with:

  • Fussy or picky eating
  • Selective eating and limited diets
  • Sensory food aversions
  • Food refusal and mealtime struggles
  • Early feeding and weaning challenges

Alongside practical nutrition guidance, I provide realistic strategies that work in everyday family life, helping children develop a more positive relationship with food.

My Approach
I use evidence-based feeding therapy that helps children gradually learn to feel comfortable with new foods through play, exploration and positive experiences.

Rather than pressure or forcing foods, the focus is on helping children build confidence and curiosity around food at their own pace.

What Happens in the First Session
In our first session we will:

  • Explore your child’s eating history
  • Identify possible reasons behind the feeding difficulties
  • Look at sensory responses to foods
  • Develop a practical plan to start expanding foods gradually

You will leave with clear strategies you can begin using straight away at home.

Next Step
If you’re feeling stuck with your child’s eating, you don’t have to manage it alone.

I offer a free 15-minute discovery call where we can talk through your child’s eating and discuss whether feeding support would be helpful.

You’re welcome to get in touch to ask questions or arrange a call. Please phone or email me and we can arrange to have a quick chat about your needs.

Testimonials

“My daughter was so fussy before I had a consultation” I am feeling more confident with her eating and just giving her the same as everyone else and she is doing really well. We are all much happier at mealtimes.

“I was worried about my boys energy levels before I met Penelope” After the consultation we agree to not comment on their eating. I think this has made a big difference. At the last Sunday roast he even helped himself to cheesy leeks & cabbage!!! Honestly it’s incredible! He often has a ham & cheese toastie for breakfast which does help his stamina through the day. – We are so happy with all your advice & singing your praises to others.

Training, qualifications & experience

Qualifications & Professional Registration

  • MSc Nutrition
  • BSc (Hons) Applied Consumer Science
  • Registered Nutritionist (Public Health) – RNutr, Association for Nutrition
  • Yorkshire & Humber Regional Member, Association for Nutrition
  • SOS Trained Feeding Therapist

Professional Experience
I have worked in nutrition for over 15 years, across a range of settings including nurseries and community centres. I specialise in working with children and families, supporting preschool and school-age children with nutrition and feeding challenges. My work includes delivering nutrition workshops, group programmes and individual consultations to help families build healthier and more positive relationships with food.

Specialist Training & Areas of Expertise

  • SOS Feeding Therapy (Sequential Oral Sensory Approach)
  • Responsive Feeding
  • Fussy Eating & Selective Eating Support
  • Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): awareness and management
  • Infant and Child Nutrition
  • Paediatric Allergies and Intolerances
  • Behaviour Change Coaching
  • Positive Mealtimes and Family Feeding Dynamics
  • Plant-based and Vegan Diets for Families
  • IBS and Digestive Health
  • Sustainable Healthy Eating
  • Diabetes Prevention

My Mission

Helping families move from fussy to flourishing, creating happy, healthy, stress free mealtimes.

My values

  • Emotional safety before pressure
  • Compassion for parents
  • Confidence over control
  • Flourishing, not just eating
  • Evidence-based, human-led care
  • Calm, connection first at mealtimes
  • Respect for every child’s unique journey

Member organisations

AfN
Association for Nutrition (AfN)

The Association for Nutrition is the professional body for the regulation and registration of nutritionists, including public health nutritionists, exercise nutritionists, and animal nutritionists.

The Association aims to protect the public and promote wellbeing by admitting to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) only those who demonstrate high ethical and quality standards, founded on evidence-based science.

It sets proficiency and competence criteria, promotes continuing professional development and safe conduct, and accredits university undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Nutrition topics

Information about health conditions (*)

Nutritional therapy can help enhance the well-being of individuals diagnosed with serious medical conditions, but should not take the place of medical treatment and advice. If you have been diagnosed with - or suspect you may have - any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor before starting nutritional therapy or making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Fees

£130.00 - £470.00
Free initial telephone session

Additional information

Prices
One off power hour - £130

FUSSY EATER PACKAGES

Premium package

2 x 60 min consultations 

1 x 30 min follow up (using unique ‘FOODS’ formula)
Food diary & video analysis
Email support & recommendations

£270

VIP package

3 x 60 min consultations & 1 x 30 min follow up (using unique ‘FOODS’ formula)
Food diary & video analysis
Whatsapp support (3 months) & recommendations 

Plus ACCESS to resources

£470

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Type of session

Online
Phone

Types of client

Children (0-12)
Young people (13-17)
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Families
Groups
Organisations

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Online platforms

Zoom
Google Meet
Whatsapp

Social