Keeping children healthy and well is a priority in Derbyshire. The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) records the height and weight measurements of children in reception and year 6 to help understand children's health and growth.
Derbyshire County Council is responsible for delivering the programme locally.
School height and weight measurements
Each year, over one million children across England have their height and weight measured at school as part of the NCMP.
Before measurement day, you'll receive a letter or email explaining the programme and how your child's information will be used.
Measurements are carried out privately by trained staff. Children will be asked to remove their coat and shoes for accurate measurements.
You'll usually receive your child's height and weight measurements within 6 weeks.
You can speak to your child's school nurse or GP for further advice and support about your child’s weight and growth.
You can find tips on healthier changes for child healthy growth and weight.
You can also monitor your child's weight using the NHS healthy weight calculator.
Opting out of having my child measured
Before the programme starts, we will contact parents and carers of all eligible children
You can choose not to take part if you do not want your child to be measured, or if they have a medical condition affecting their height or weight.
Taking part helps us understand children's health across Derbyshire and plan support for families.
How we use the data collected
You can read more about:
Supporting your child to be healthy
Live Life Better Derbyshire
Small changes can make a big difference to your family's health and wellbeing.
Our healthier futures programme provides free support for parents and carers.
More support available
You can find help, advice and support about supporting your child to be healthy.
NHS Better Health, Healthier Families
The NHS Better Health, Healthier Families service offers a wide range of advice and support, and you can take a short quiz.
Oral health
You can find out about how to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy.
The NHS Food Scanner App
Download the free NHS Food Scanner app to see how much sugar, salt and saturated fat are in your favourite food and drinks, and to find healthier swaps.
Be sugar smart
Too much sugar can affect teeth and overall health. The NHS offers simple tips and healthier swaps to help your family cut down.