Building Safe and Confident Practice in IDDSI and Dysphagia Care

This half-day, in-person course provides essential IDDSI awareness and practical competencies for anyone supporting individuals with dysphagia. Delegates gain the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to safely prepare food and fluids to IDDSI Levels 0–7, recognise swallowing difficulties, and deliver safe, person-centred care in line with best practice.

Course overview

Man with dysphagia holds his throat as he struggles to swallow

Key information

  • Duration: Half day (4 hours)

  • Format: In‑person training

  • Location: At Momentum People’s training centre at no extra cost, or at your chosen venue (mileage and accommodation may apply)

  • Group size: Up to 12 delegates

  • CPD Accredited: No

  • Cost: £550 + VAT per group (plus travel/accommodation where applicable)

  • Resources Provided: Competency certificate, handouts, IDDSI guidance

Course overview

Supporting individuals with dysphagia requires confidence, practical skill, and a clear understanding of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). This half‑day, in‑person course provides delegates with the knowledge and hands‑on competence needed to safely prepare food and drink to IDDSI Levels 0–7, recognise swallowing difficulties, and understand how to respond appropriately.

Using a blend of theory, demonstration, and practical assessment, participants learn how to identify dysphagia, adapt textures safely, and follow best practice in documentation. The course aligns with current IDDSI guidance and supports safe, person‑centred care across health, education, and social care settings.

Please note that participants should also have food safety training prior to assisting people with food and fluid, as this is not covered within the course.

What you learn:

  • Recognise and understand the stages of a normal swallow
  • Identify signs and symptoms of dysphagia
  • Understand common causes of swallowing difficulties
  • Prepare drinks to IDDSI Levels 0–4 using the correct testing methods
  • Prepare food to IDDSI Levels 3–7, including safe modification techniques
  • Identify high‑risk foods and understand why they pose a danger
  • Apply infection control principles when modifying food and drink
  • Document care, concerns, and observations clearly and accurately
  • Know how and when to escalate concerns to appropriate professionals

Have a question? Email us here.

Who Should Attend Course

This course is ideal for anyone involved in preparing food or drink for individuals with swallowing difficulties, including support workers, care home staff, nurses, healthcare assistants, teachers, SEN staff, allied health professionals, community support teams, and anyone responsible for safe mealtime support.

Benefits of Attending IDDSI Awareness Training

  • Gain confidence in preparing safe, appropriate textures
  • Manage the risk of choking and aspiration
  • Improve quality of life for individuals with dysphagia
  • Ensure compliance with IDDSI standards
  • Receive practical, hands‑on competency assessment
  • Strengthen documentation and communication skills
  • Support safer, more enjoyable mealtime experiences

How to Book Your IDDSI Awareness Training Course

Call the team on 0330 100 2821, or send a training enquiry or drop us an email at training@momentumpeople.co.uk.

Where is the training delivered?

We have an in-house training room in Stoke-on-Trent or we can come to a location of your choice.

Course reviews

If in doubt book. TeeJay’s knowledge is spot on and it’s such a friendly course.

Hollie Carlile,

Action for Children

It is excellent. Very comprehensive and informative. Definitely 3 days well spent.

Carol Burnham,

 Clervaux Garden School

Such a good course, so interactive. Having ADHD I tend to get bored easily however this one was brilliant.

Kim McCreadie,

Staffordshire County Council

Awesome training from very experienced trainer who always makes it an easy and enjoyable experience.

Joel Joseph,

Priors Court School

The course was a good pace, interactive with the use of break out rooms for positive group discussion around medication processes within care settings. It was good to hear experiences the trainer has had within the ambulance service and their medication knowledge as well.

Lucy Gibbs,

Action for Children

Why Train with Momentum People

With over 20 years’ experience in CPD-certified training in the UK, Momentum People deliver practical, interactive, and compliant courses. Refresh your skills, update your knowledge, and maintain confidence in delivering safe use of medicines training.

Want to find out more?

Ask any questions you have to team on 0330 100 2821 or email training@momentumpeople.co.uk

Proud to have trained

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