Height and weight checks for children in Reception and Year 6

Every year in England, children in Reception and Year 6 have their height and weight measured as part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). Your child’s class will take part in this year’s measurement programme.

The measurements will be supervised by trained school nursing staff at school in a private space away from other pupils.  Children who take part will be measured fully clothed except for their coats and shoes. Routine data such as your child’s name, date of birth, sex, address, postcode and ethnicity will also be collected.

The data from all schools in the area will be gathered together and held securely by our local authority public health team.  Please note that we may store your child’s information on their health record and share it with their GP. No individual measurements will be given to school staff or other children, and all information will be treated confidentially.

The programme’s data are used within the local authority and NHS to help plan the provision of services and advice to support healthy weight and lifestyles in the area. The information is also submitted for national analysis and publication in a way that means individual children cannot be identified.

After the measurements, we will send you your child’s results and information on healthy eating, being active and leisure activities available in your area. The school nursing team will also offer Spring and Summer review clinic appointments for any parents who would like further advice and support. Booking details will be available on the website.

Covid safe delivery of the service

Following Government and local guidelines the Slough Public Health Nursing team would like to reassure you that all health and safety measures have been carefully assessed to enable us to recommence the NCMP programme in schools.

Opting your child out of the programme

If you are happy for your child to be measured, you do not need to do anything. If you do not want your child to take part, or if you have any questions, please let us know using the contact form below or the details at the top of this letter.