Understanding the National Child Measurement Programme

Empowering your child’s health journey
As parents and carers, we all work really hard to give the best possible start for our children. This includes ensuring they grow up healthy and strong. The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable information about your child’s development and help them have a lifelong positive health journey.
What is the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)?
The NCMP is a simple and quick health check that takes place in schools across England. It involves measuring your child’s height, weight, and calculating their Body Mass Index (BMI) when they are in reception and year 6. This information helps us understand how your child is growing and identify any potential areas for support.
Why is the NCMP important?
- Early identification and support: The NCMP gives you the information so you can support your child to learn healthy habits.
- Promoting healthy lifestyles: The NCMP helps families connect with healthy lifestyle groups that provide useful realistic advice on creating healthy habits that work for your family.
- Supporting your child’s growth: The NCMP provides valuable data that helps you monitor your child’s growth and development. This information can be incredibly helpful for both you and your child’s healthcare providers.
What happens after the NCMP?
- Confidential results: You will receive a confidential report with information about your child’s height, weight, and BMI. This is not shared with other parents or any children.
- Personalised advice: You will receive personalised advice and support from your child’s local health services. This will include free resources and access to programmes with tips on making small healthy habit changes and include popular topics such as:

Fussy eating:
How to help your child be more adventurous with food

Active play:
Discovering fun and easy ways to include physical activity into your family’s everyday life.

Local resources:
Connecting you with local resources and support groups that can offer guidance and encouragement.
The NCMP is not about judgment; it’s about empowerment. It’s about providing you with the knowledge and tools to support your child’s health and well-being. By working together, we can create a brighter future for our children, where they can thrive and reach their full potential.
Remember: The NCMP is a valuable resource designed to support you and your child. This is a great opportunity to understand how your child is developing and empower your child on their journey to a healthy and happy life.
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