The National Child Measurement Programme is an important element of the Government’s work program on childhood obesity, and is operated jointly by the Department of Health and the Department for Education.
The 0-19 Health and Well-being Service includes the School Nursing Team who are part of a county wide Children’s Young People and Families Integrated Health Team leading this program within your area. We provide advice, support and programs of care for children; young people and their families aged 5-19.
When children are in Reception -ages four & five and in year 6 – ages 10 & 11, their parents will receive a letter through their school informing them about the National Child Measurement Programme. If parents don’t want their child’s results included as part of this program it is important that they complete the opt-out form and return it to school.
A record of your child’s height, weight, vision and hearing will be completed as part of the school entry screening program by trained health professionals. The measurements will take place in a private area in school away from other pupils and the child will be asked to remove only their shoes and weighed in normal clothing. All information and results will be treated confidentially, no child’s height or weight will be shared with staff within school or other children. All results are calculated using the NHS healthy weight calculator.
Routine data such as your child’s sex, address, postcode, ethnicity and date of birth will also be collected to help the NHS plan services for families.
Parents will receive the results of their child’s height and weight by post within 6 weeks of the measurements being taken with additional information and advice around healthy lifestyle choices and weight management..
If you have any particular worries or concerns regarding your child’s health the School Nursing Team will be happy to help and advise you: 0800 0199 951
Nationally these figures are collated to establish an understanding of how children are growing across the country so the best possible health services can be provided for them. As a result all children in England in Reception and Year 6 are offered a height and weight check each year.
Pre-Measurement Leaflet for parents
Download the Pre-Measurent Leaflet
Hearing and Vision Screening in School
Your child will also be seen separately to the National Child Measurement Programme for their hearing and vision screen. Once your child has had their screening you will be informed by letter which is brought home by your child. Additional advice will be given if your child requires any follow up care.
The purpose and process of screening of hearing in children at school entry
All children within their first year at full time school will be offered a hearing screen with parental consent. Early detection of a hearing problem is essential to give the best possible outcome for children and young people.
The purpose of the screen is for:
- Detection of progressive or late onset sensory-neural hearing loss.
- Identification of children with persisting conductive hearing loss.
All School Entry hearing screens are completed in school, a room is provided by school that is well lit, quiet, free from distraction and has adequate space to be able to facilitate the screen. All equipment is checked to ensure it is in full working order. After introducing themselves and checking the child/ young person’s name the screener then demonstrates what is required and ensures that the child/ young person understands what is required from them before the screen.
The results are recorded, and a slip is sent home to parents informing them of the results, any additional advice or support needed after the screen is offered to parents / carers.
The process and rationale for Screening Vision in children at school entry
A vision screen is carried out on all reception aged children age 4 – 5 year old with parental consent, as part of School Entry Health Screening, children who are already under the care of the orthoptist or who already wear glasses are not required to have this screening.
Screening is carried out by a trained staff; the method used is LOG MAR, most children aged 4 – 5 years are able to co-operate with this screening.
The rationale for screening vision is for Childhood Vision Development.
All School Entry Vision Screens are completed in school, a room is provided by school that is well lit, quiet, free from distraction and has adequate space to be able to facilitate the screen. All equipment is checked to ensure it is in full working order. After introducing themselves and checking the child/ young person’s name the screener then demonstrates what is required and ensures that the child/ young person understands what is required from them before screen.
The results are recorded, and a slip is sent home to parents informing them of the results, any additional advice or support needed after the screen is offered to parents / carers.