Keeping children healthy and well is a key priority in Derbyshire. One of the ways that we can do this is to ensure young people are a healthy weight.
That's where the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) comes in.
Derbyshire County Council is required to collect data from schools in their area on children's height and weight when they're in reception year and year 6.
School height and weight measurements
Every year, throughout England, more than a million children in Reception and Year 6 have their height and weight measured at school as part of the National Child Measurement Programme.
Here is what you can expect to happen:
- Parents are notified - You will receive an email or letter about measurement day at your child’s school. The letter will explain to you how children are measured, what data is collected, and why.
- School height and weight checks - Measurements are carried out by trained staff such as a school nurse assistant. Children take off their coat and shoes for a more accurate measurement.
- Parents’ feedback letter – An email or letter is sent to you about your child’s weight status. This is usually within 6 weeks of the measurements being taken.
- Parents’ action - You can speak to your child's school nurse or GP for further advice and support about your child’s weight and growth.
You can visit the children's weight page at Better Health - Families for tips on healthier changes.
You can also monitor your child’s weight by visiting the NHS healthy weight calculator.
Support on offer
If the measurement programme highlights that your child is considered to be over a healthy weight then you will be offered support and advice.
Our Healthier Futures programme offers a range of support for parents and carers of children aged 12 years old and under.
Alternatively you can email llbd.family@derbyshire.gov.uk or telephone: 0800 085 2299 (option 2)
We'll get in touch to discuss the support on offer.
Opting out of having my child measured
Before the programme starts each school year, Derbyshire County Council will write to the parents and carers of all children eligible for measurement to tell them about the programme and that their child will be measured.
If your child is in reception or year 6 and you don't want your child to be measured, or if your child has a medical condition that affects their height or weight, you can opt out of the NCMP.
However, the NCMP aims to help children be as healthy and well as possible and so it's beneficial for your child to take part.
How we use the data collected
The data is sent to NHS Digital where it is collected and validated centrally.
NHS Digital use the data to produce National Statistics Reports showing trends at national level, differences between groups of pupils, and the latest local authority level data.
The data may also be shared with NHS England and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).
No information is ever published in a way that could lead to individual children being identified.
You can find out more about the National Child Measurement Programme.
You can check your child's BMI.
Supporting your child to be healthy
Live Life Better Derbyshire
Making small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on all the family. You can find help, advice and support about supporting your child to be healthy.
NHS Better Health, Healthier Families
The NHS Better Health, Healthier Families service offers a wide range of advice and support. Visit the website, and take a short quiz.
Oral health
You can find out about how to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy with our oral health support.
The NHS Food Scanner App
Download the FREE NHS Food Scanner app to see how much sugar, salt and saturated fat are in your favourite food and drinks, and to find healthier swaps.
Be sugar smart
Kids are having over double the amount of sugar than they should. Too much sugar is bad for teeth and can lead to weight gain.
But don’t worry, Healthier Families - NHS have some simple swaps to help you be sugar smart and cut back.