As part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP), every child in Reception and Year 6 is weighed and measured at school. Watch this short animation by Newcastle University for the Department of Health & Social Care to learn more about the NCMP process.
This is an important, mandated public health programme that helps monitor weight management levels in children and supports national efforts to improve child health and tackle obesity.
Children in Reception, aged 4 to 5, and Year 6, aged 10 to 11, have their height and weight measured during the school year by a member of the Children and Young People Public Health Service (CYPPHS). In Dorset, this programme is delivered by Dorset HealthCare, our commissioned provider of the CYPPHS.
How it works
If your child is in Reception or Year 6, you will receive a pre-measurement letter at least 2 weeks before measurements take place from their school with more information about the programme. The CYPPHS take the measurements in a private space, with children remaining fully clothed. These results are not shared with the children themselves, other children or school staff.
A digital tool for providing feedback to parents and carers was trialled during the 2024/25 academic year. Information on how to access your child’s measurement feedback for the 2025/26 academic year (and beyond) will be included in the pre-measurement letter sent out in the year your child is measured. If further support is needed, a member of the CYPPHS may contact you to offer support on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through signposting, advice and talking over family lifestyle choices.
How the data is used
Your child’s results are uploaded to the national data collection tool, where the government uses anonymised data to inform national and local healthy weight services for children – no individual child can be identified. Further information is available in the NCMP privacy notice on the GOV.UK website.
In Dorset, we use this data to work with partners to shape and improve services that support children’s health and wellbeing.
More information and support
The Better Health – Healthier Families website provides NHS advice, tips and tools on healthy eating and physical activity for children. It also features the free NHS Food Scanner app which helps you explore what’s in your food and make healthier choices. Using the new ‘Scan, Swipe, Swap’ resources, the app shows what’s in everyday food and drink and suggests healthier alternatives that are lower in saturated fat, sugar, and salt. Find out more about the app and download for free.
Talking openly about weight with your child can help build trust and reassure them that it is not something feel ashamed of. If you need advice on how to talk to your child about healthy weight, visit Talking to your child about weight: a guide for parents and caregivers of children aged 4 to 11 years.
If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, speak to your GP or use ParentLine, a confidential text messaging service for parents and carers of 5 to 19 year olds in Dorset. Text 07312 263131 between 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, excluding weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. A member of the CYPPHS will respond within one working day.