Child measurement programme
As part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)
children in Reception Year (ages four and five) and Year 6 (ages 10
and 11) are weighed and measured at school. If you have a child in
one of these years, you should receive a letter with more
information.
Throughout the country, children in Reception Year and Year 6
are having their height and weight measured as part of the NCMP,
which takes place every year. If you have a child in one of these
years, you should receive a letter with more information about the
programme in your child's school.
Trained staff from your local NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT) will
weigh and measure your child in their clothes. Care is taken to
ensure that the measurements are done sensitively and in private,
and your child's results will not be shared with teachers or other
children. Your child does not have to participate, but we urge you
to encourage your child to take part.
Why is it important that my child takes part?
Every child measured is contributing to the national picture
about how children are growing. The more children that participate,
the clearer that picture will be. The information collected helps
your local PCT to plan and provide better health services for the
children in your area.
What happens to the results?
Your child's results will be held securely by the PCT, along
with other details, such as date of birth and school. Information
on all children will be gathered together and sent to the
Department of Health – but not details that could identify your
child, such as name or date of birth. The Department of Health will
analyses this anonymous information to look at trends in children's
heights and weights across England to shape how services are
delivered to help people improve their own and their children's
health.