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The National Child Measurement Programme - guidance and resources
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Last modified date:29 June 2009
Guidance for PCTs: 2008/09
This guidance has been developed following wide consultation with primary care trusts (PCTs), schools and parents. It provides advice to PCTs on:
- arrangements for measuring the height and weight of primary and middle school children as part of the National Child Measurement Programme;
- sending parents their child’s results – whether routinely or on a request-only basis; and
- submitting data to the NHS Information Centre for inclusion in the national database.
Parental Feedback Tool
This letter is designed to be used when sending NCMP results to parents. The letter should be used with the Parental Feedback Tool available via the link below. Once you have entered height and weight data into the tool, letters can be produced with the blank fields automatically populated.
Guidance for schools for 2008/09
Guidance for schools is available on the Teachernet website. The guidance explains how and why the NCMP is being undertaken and explains schools' role in the process. PCTs may wish to remind school staff about this guidance, in order to engage them with the programme or to help address any specific queries they might have.
Guidance for analysis by PCTs and public health observatories
The National Obesity Observatory has, on behalf of the Cross-Government Obesity Unit, produced a guidance document for Primary Care Trusts and Public Health Observatories that want to undertake regional and local analysis of the National Child Measurement Programme 2007/08 national dataset. The guidance includes information and a template letter for providing feedback of results to schools. PHOs and PCTs should liaise closely to discuss what analysis would be useful for local areas and prevent duplication of any analysis.
“Why your child’s weight matters” leaflet
The Government has developed an information booklet for parents: “Why your child’s weight matters”, which includes information for parents about
- the National Child Measurement Programme
- why maintaining a healthy weight is important
- steps that parents can take to help their family lead a healthy lifestyle.
Change4Life: “Top tips for top kids”
We have developed and information booklet for parents: "Top tips for top kids", which PCTs should send to parents when sending the NCMP results letters. The leaflet includes eight key behavior changes to help children eat well and be active.
If you are ordering a supply of the 'top tips for top kids' leaflet from the DH Orderline please make sure you quote the correct Product Code of: C4L034
Children's flyer
This flyer and poster is for Year 6 children to help them understand what will happen when they are weighed and measured as part of the NCMP. It will also help PCTs and schools engage with parents and children about the programme.
Copies of the A4 flyer can be ordered from the DH Publications Orderline by calling 0300 123 1002 quoting code 286903, or by emailing: dh@prolog.uk.com. The A3 poster can be ordered by quoting 286904.
NCMP film clips
The Government has developed two short films as a resource for people working on the NCMP.
How to measure: for PCT and school staff
This film is intended for use by PCT staff to complement practical training and should be used in conjunction with the NCMP guidance. The film is also for use by school staff to see what will happen as part of the programme in their school.
Being measured: for children
This film is designed for use with children taking part in the NCMP to help prepare them for what will be expected of them when they are weighed and measured.
PCTs can order one copy of the films in DVD format free of charge by emailing:
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