National child measurement programme

Why it's necessary

The NHS needs to have a good understanding of how children are growing across the country, so that the best possible health services can be provided for them. As a result, a National Child Measurement Programme has been set up to weigh and measure children in England in Reception and Year 6.

What happens?

Schools, parents and carers are sent a letter explaining the process.
The height and weight measurement is done by trained healthcare staff. The measurements are done in school in a private area away from other pupils. Children who take part are asked to remove their shoes and any heavy outdoor clothing. They are weighed in normal, light, indoor clothing. The NHS school nurse records the measurement in the child’s school health record.

No child’s height or weight will be given to school staff or children. All results are treated confidentially. Research has shown that parents want to receive their child’s results so results are sent directly to the parent or carer. The letter also explains how to access further information and support. In order to get an accurate picture to help us understand and plan services for children across the country, we need to gather as much information as we can, by collecting all the results after children’s identifiable details have been removed.

Children will not be made to participate in the programme if they do not want to and parents and carers are given a form to opt out before the measurement takes place. This is sent out with the intial letter explaining the process.

How the results are calculated

Each child’s result is based on a body mass index (BMI) percentile, which is created using the height, weight, age and sex of the child. It is one of the best ways to tell if a child is a healthy weight.

You can enter a child’s details into the online calculator to get an interpretation of whether they are a healthy weight for their height, sex and age. Unlike most online calculators, which work for adults only, this one calculates results for children too.

Support for families

Once you have received the letter with your child's weight on it, you may want futher information or advice. Below are the contact details for local support and guidance services. You can also find more information on the right hand side of this page.

If the result shows your child is underweight:

Some underweight children are perfectly healthy. However, sometimes being underweight can be a sign of health problems. If you are concerned about your child’s health please contact your child’s GP.If you would like more advice about your child’s eating or activity visit www.nhs.uk/change4life or contact your local Community Health Services Patient Advice and Liaison Service Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8.30am-5.00pm or Wednesday, Friday 8.30am-12.15pm on 07554438633.

If the result shows your child is healthy weight:

If you would like more advice about your child’s eating or activity visit www.nhs.uk/change4life or contact your local Community Health Services Patient Advice and Liaison Service Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8.30am-5.00pm or Wednesday, Friday 8.30am-12.15pm on 07554438633.

If the result shows your child is overweight:

If you have any concerns please contact the school nursing team on 01202 711538 for Poole schools and 01202 443035 for Bournemouth schools (Mon - Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm) or contact your child’s GP. Top Tips for Top Kids leaflet on the right hand side of the page gives you some useful advice and more information is available at www.nhs.uk/change4life.

If the result shows your child is very overweight:

If you have any concerns please contact the school nursing team on 01202 711538 for Poole schools and 01202 443035 for Bournemouth schools (Mon - Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm).