As part of the National Child Measurement Programme, children are weighed and measured at school by our School Screeners.
About the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)
Research shows that if a child is overweight, they’re more likely to be overweight as an adult, which can lead to health problems in later life.
As part of the NCMP, your child will be weighed and measured at school in Reception and Year 6.
When your child is in Reception (ages 4 to 5) or Year 6 (ages 10 to 11), your school will send you a letter before their height and weight are measured as part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). The letter explains what the programme involves and how to opt your child out if you do not want them to take part. These measurements help us understand how children are growing and whether they are within a healthy weight range, as well as helping to improve services for children and families locally.
NHS BMI calculator
You can find out how your child’s NCMP measurement was calculated and check how they are growing over time, by going to NHS Calculate your body mass index (BMI)
Information about how children’s data is collected and processed as part of the National Child Measurement Programme is available on the NHS Digital website.
How do I find out my child’s results?
You will automatically be sent your child’s results in the post.
If you don’t consent to your child’s height and weight being measured in school and you’re concerned they might be under or overweight you can speak to your GP, or your child’s school nurse who can offer advice and support.
Should I share the results with my child?
The results are sent direct to you. The decision about whether to talk to your child about their results is down to you. Some parents like to discuss the results with their child and then decide together whether to make any changes to the family’s diet or activity levels.
Others decide to make subtle changes without telling them.
There’s no right or wrong answer, and the decision depends on individual circumstances.
Talking to your child
Approaching conversations in a kind and supportive way can help children and young people feel good about their bodies.
The most important thing is that your child feels able to talk to you.
Some people prefer not to use the word ‘weight’ but to talk about growth, health, exercise or healthy eating. If this feels more comfortable for you and your child, that’s absolutely fine. However, the word ‘weight’ shouldn’t be treated as a banned or shameful term. Avoiding it completely can sometimes create unnecessary worry or stigma. If your child wants to talk about weight it’s important to have open and supportive conversations.
It’s important for your child to know that a certain weight doesn’t always mean you are healthy, and that losing weight is the only way to improve your health. Explain to your child that we cannot know what a person is like based on how they look – just because someone is a smaller size does not mean they are kinder or more hard-working than someone who is larger.
Small conversations can work better than one ‘big’ talk. Talk about growth and health where it comes up in everyday conversations and focus on these rather than weight itself.
Focus on the things your child can do to look after their health (keep active, eat their greens etc).
Don’t feel you have to talk about everything in one go.
Pick times when it feels more natural to talk about food, activity or weight, eg:
- When cooking or food shopping.
- Reading a cereal box over breakfast.
- When it comes up on TV.
- When shopping for clothes.
- When a child talks about their own or someone else’s size.
- When talking about what your child has done at school.
Remember, children look to their parents / carers first for guidance. You are important in helping them make sense of things.
Watch the video from the University of Bath to support you with conversations with your child: Talking to your child about weight – the aim of this guide is to help parents and caregivers talk with their children (aged 4-11 years ) about weight in a positive way
Better Health, Healthier Families provides advice, tips and support to help families make small and meaningful lifestyle changes. You’ll also find information about local clubs, activities and fun events for the entire family to get involved in.
