National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)

As part of the National Child Measurement Programme, children are weighed and measured at school. The information is used by the NHS and your local council to plan and provide better health services for children.

If you have a child in reception (ages 4 and 5) or year 6 (ages 10 and 11), you'll receive a letter with more information before your child is measured.

On the day, trained staff will weigh your child and measure their height while they're in their clothes at school. They'll make sure the measurements are done sensitively and in private, and your child's results will not be shared with teachers or other children.

Some children may feel anxious about the process, with concerns ranging from being measured in front of peers to fears that they may be receiving vaccinations. To help with these worries, NELFT has co-produced an animation designed with children’s drawings for school nursing teams to show to pupils in Year 6. The animation offers reassurance and explains what happens on measurement day and most importantly that everyone is different, and healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes.

To find out more about the NCMP, please follow this link: The National Child Measurement Programme - NHS

Should I share these results with my child?

  • The results have been sent to you, so the decision about whether to talk to your child about them is entirely yours. There is a link at the end of the power point to help with this.
  • As a parent or carer, you may wish to discuss the results with your child and then decide together whether to make any changes to the family's diet or activity levels.
  • Others may decide to make small changes without telling their children.
  • There's no right or wrong answer, and the decision depends on your individual circumstances.

Where can I get help?

  • If your child's results surprise or worry you, speak to a GP or your school nurse for advice and support.Included in the results letter there is an email address for you to contact the school nursing team to discuss any concerns you may have.
  • Please remember to include your child’s details and the school they attend in all correspondence.
  • Many parents have found the tips on the  Children's weight - Healthier Families – NHS useful in helping them make small lifestyle changes to keep their child in the healthy weight range.
  • If your child is above a healthy weight, see  Advice for parents of overweight children – NHS This can help you decide what steps to take and provides details about the help available.
  • Some parents also find it helpful to keep track of their child's growth by rechecking their child's BMI to see if they have moved towards a healthier range as they grow. See  https://www.mapmeuk.co.uk/Start 
  • You can do this using the  Calculate your body mass index (BMI) - NHS - NHS
  • We can offer to refer your child to Dietician and Henry programme.

Advice for parents of underweight/overweight children

Underweight children

  • Include more starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread or rice in meals.
  • Increase their calorie intake with healthy fats – add grated cheese to meals and make porridge with milk.
  • Give them high-calorie drinks in between meals, such as milkshakes or smoothies.
  • Encourage a healthy attitude to eating – include them in the food preparation and try to eat together.
  • Have snacks available if they get hungry between meals – try yoghurts, breadsticks and small sandwiches.
  • Help them get enough vitamins by giving children aged from 6 months old to 5 years old vitamin A, C and D drops every day.
  • Introduce new foods gradually and in small portions – if they're a fussy eater this will help them get used to new foods.

Overweight children

  • Get active every day – find an activity they enjoy, such as sports, playground activities or walking to school.
  • Aim to give them a healthy, balanced diet that includes fruit and vegetables, starchy foods, protein and dairy or dairy alternatives. 
  • Set realistic targets and involve your child in deciding what changes you're going to make.
  • Use rewards such as stickers or high fives when they reach their food and activity goals.
  • Encourage a healthy attitude to eating – you can be a good role model by staying active and eating healthily.
  • Help them get enough sleep – follow a regular bedtime routine and remove digital screens, such as mobile phones or tablets, from their bedroom at night.

Resources