National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)

The National Child Measurement Programme measures the height and weight of children in Reception class (aged 4 to 5 years) and Year 6 (aged 10 to 11 years). This is a nationally mandated programme, meaning that every Local Authority across the country must run this programme every year.

The NCMP results are used to monitor and learn about trends and changes in our population, plan and deliver better services, and support engagement with families about healthy lifestyles. The results, when used by professionals, are anonymised, so no individual child can be identified.

What will the process be like?

Your child will be eligible for this programme if they are in Reception class or Year 6. As a parent or guardian, you will receive a letter informing you about the programme before your child is measured and you will be given the opportunity to withdraw your child if you do not wish them to be measured at school.

If you allow your child to take part in the programme, they will be measured by trained NHS staff - our local School Nursing team - at school, clothed, and in a private setting away from other children or teaching staff.

The privacy and dignity of your child is of vital importance to us and will be safeguarded at all times.

The results are confidential. The results are never shared with the school or with the child directly – only with the parents of the child. The School Nurse will not tell your child the measurements as they are being measured, and the child will not be able to view them. As a parent or guardian, you will be informed of the results by post afterwards. It is your decision whether you wish to discuss the results with your child or not.

For more information about the National Child Measurement Programme, please visit the NHS Choices website

Healthy Lifestyle

There are important steps that we can all take to support our children to grow into healthy young people and adults. Eating a balanced diet and moving more can help your child achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Having a balanced diet made up of a variety of food allows you to get all the nutrients your body needs to function, grow, and repair itself. This is important to maintain good health and feel your best. Your daily diet should be based on starchy foods, such as bread, rice and potatoes, and a good amount of fruit and vegetables, as well as including some protein products, dairy or dairy alternatives, and unsaturated fats.

Being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life. Finding movement that you enjoy is a great way to relieve stress, boost your mood, and improve heart health. For children, physical activity can be especially useful for improving their coordination, flexibility, and stamina, as they grow.

Children learn best from role modelling, so why not make healthy changes together as a family? There are many ways you could do this, for example:

Involving your children in the preparation of meals so they learn about different food groups and improve their confidence in the kitchen.
Eating meals together as a family wherever possible, with minimal distractions.
Using physical activity to spend time together as a family, whether that be a family bike ride, a rainy day dance party, or a walk in the park.