As part of the National Child Measurement Programme, children are weighed and measured at school. The information is used by the NHS to plan and provide better health services for children. Your local NHS may send your child’s results to you.
What is the child measurement programme?
If you have a child in Reception (ages four and five) or Year Six (ages 10 and 11), you will receive a letter with more information from your local NHS before your child is measured.
On the day, trained staff from your local NHS will weigh and measure your child in their clothes at school. They’ll ensure that the measurements are done sensitively and in private, and your child’s results will not be shared with teachers or other children.
Why is it important that my child is measured?
You will know if your child is in the healthy weight range. If your child is overweight, you can get support from your local NHS.
Your child doesn’t have to take part, but every child measured is contributing to the national picture about how children are growing. The more children who participate, the clearer that picture will be. The information collected helps your local NHS to plan and provide better health services for the children in your area.
How do I find out my child’s results?
In some areas, parents will automatically be sent their child’s results in the post. In other areas, parents will need to contact their local NHS to find out their child’s measurements.
The letter sent by your local NHS provider before the measurements take place will explain how you will be informed about your child’s results.
If you already know your child’s height and weight, and want to know if they’re a healthy weight for their age, height and sex, you can check using our healthy weight calculator. This can be used by your whole family.
If you’re concerned that your child might be underweight or overweight, speak to your GP, school nurse or health visitor, who can offer advice and support.