Child measurement programme

To help monitor national trends and to tackle individual problems the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) measures the height and weight of every child in reception year (aged 4 to 5) and Year 6 (aged 10 to 11 years) in all primary schools.

The information provided also helps us know how best we can plan services for children's health. 

Every child who is measured receives the results. If there are any concerns over the results, parents are invited to speak to a health professional for advice. 

What information is recorded?

The following information is record as part of the programme:

• weight
• height
• date of birth
• gender
• ethnicity
• name and address - so we can send you the results.

How is measuring done?

The privacy and dignity of children is safeguarded at all times throughout the measurement process. Children are asked to remove shoes and outdoor coats only. The measurements are not disclosed to anyone else in the school.

What happens with the measurements?

The information collected is confidential and anonymous. It is not used to identify individual children except to send the results out.

The height and weight measurements are given to the NHS information centre who put together a national picture.