The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) measures the height and weight of children in Reception class (aged 4 to 5) and year 6 (aged 10 to 11), to assess overweight and obesity levels in children within primary schools.
Taking part in the programme
Before the programme starts each school year, local authorities write to the parents and carers of all children eligible for measurement to inform them of the programme.
Parents or carers can choose to withdraw their child from the process by responding to the letter.
The checks are carried out by a registered School Nurse or trained healthcare provider. Children are measured fully clothed, except for their coats and shoes, in a private space away from other pupils.
The programme will be delivered in a Covid safe way, in line with the school and local authority’s safety control measures and national guidance for schools and healthcare.
The information we collect and what it is used for are listed below:
- Your child’s date of measurement, sex and date of birth are used to calculate your child’s weight category
- Your child’s name, date of birth and NHS number are used to link your child’s measurements in reception and Year 6. Other data sets held by NHS digital and Department of Health and Social Care may also be linked as this would let us add information from health and education records, where lawful to do so, to understand how and why the weight of children is changing, how this affects children’s health and education and how we can improve the care children receive
All information is treated confidentially and held securely. No measurements will be given to school staff or other children.
If you require any further information, please contact the School Nurses or visit one of the useful links below:
