National Child Measurement Programme

Every year, throughout the country, children in Reception (aged 4-5 years) and Year 6 (aged 10-11years) have their height and weight measured by school nurses. This is called the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). 

Parents/carers in Somerset can request a feedback letter, which can be accessed around 3 weeks after a child has been measured. Locally, Somerset Council uses the information from the child measurement programme to help plan services to promote and achieve healthy weight in childhood.

If you have any queries please contact the School Nursing Team -  

Information for parents about the National Child Measurement Programme

Our NCMP animation explains more about the programme and what happens after the measurements:

Useful resources and support:

• Somerset Public Health has produced an online Heights and Weights Factsheet about NCMP. The factsheet contains answers to frequently asked questions that have come from parents/carers and schools
• School nurses will be able to offer families advice about their child’s weight and link them up with local organisations
• The NCMP website provides parents/carers and families with advice and allows them to calculate their child’s weight and see this represented on a scale
• The children's weight page of the Better Health, healthier families website can be found here and offers information on the programme and small lifestyle changes which can make a big difference
• Our healthy habits for your family animation provides some tips you may like to try. You can watch it here
• The Healthy Somerset website provides lots of information around healthier eating, including top tips for eating on a budget and healthy recipes
• The Better Health - Healthier Families website offers child friendly ideas and resources for increasing physical activity, portion sizes, recipes and healthy snacks
• Healthy Steps is an 8-week email programme around food and physical activity. Once signed up you will be sent lots of low-cost easy tips, fun games, healthy swaps and tasty recipes on a budget.
• The Eatwell Guide is a useful tool to help children and families to create balanced meals. The guide also offers advice about healthy eating including information about allergies and understanding calories
• The Map Me Tool was developed to help parents/carers and practitioners to see how difficult it is to recognise a child's weight category just by looking. Map Me Reception Age Boys and Girls (4/5 years).pdf and Map Me Year 6 Age Boys and Girls (10/11 years).pdf
• Resources for parents and caregivers around talking to children about their weight Talking to Children about Weight 2023.pdf and Child and Parent (youtube.com)

SPLASH

We have a service in Somerset that can support families with a child who is very overweight called SPLASH. This is a service for children aged 5 and under and their families. SPLASH offers a supportive and non-judgemental approach, understanding that weight and health in children can be an emotional topic to discuss.

The focus of the support is on learning new skills, building confidence and understanding more about food, activity and well-being, with a focus on the areas that are most important to you.

If you are interested in seeking some support from SPLASH or have any questions, please contact SPLASH via email at

You may also wish to look at the website for more information SPLASH – Somerset paediatric lifestyle activity and skills for self help - Paediatrics