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School height and weight checks

Has your child just been measured at school? The results can be surprising, but they're just a snapshot of your child's weight and it's not the end of the world. Get them back to a healthy weight with a few simple changes to help them eat more healthily and be more active.

Make a change today!

Have you received a letter?

Children have their height and weight measured in Reception and Year 6 as part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). This information is used to plan and provide better services for children and families.

If your child's NCMP letter surprised or worried you, speak to your GP or school nurse for advice and support. You can call the number on the results letter for advice and support too.

Find out more about NCMP

Very overweight

It can be difficult to help your child achieve a healthier weight when they still need food and energy to help them grow. However, we have practical advice to help you make a change.

Is my child really overweight?

As a parent, it's difficult to tell if your child is overweight. Because the number of overweight children has grown, we’ve become more used to seeing bigger children.

You can re-check your child's height and weight to see if they have moved into the healthy range as they grow using the NHS BMI calculator.

Should I tell my child?

This is entirely up to you. The letter is sent to you, and the school won't tell your child the result.

Some parents decide to tell their children and talk about the changes they need to make together.

Others decide not to, and make subtle changes without their child noticing.

If you do share the results with your child, let them know that all you want is for them to be healthy and happy.

How can I help my child to be a healthier weight?

If your child is very overweight, there's lots you can do to help your child become a healthier weight as they grow. Getting your child to eat well and move more is important.

If you are worried about your child’s weight, speak to your GP or practice nurse who can give you further advice and support.

Make a change today

Overweight

As a parent, it’s sometimes difficult to tell if your child is overweight. However, we have lots of practical advice to help you understand and make a change.

Is my child really overweight?

Because the number of overweight children has grown, we’ve become more used to seeing bigger children.

You can re-check your child's height and weight to see if they have moved into the healthy range as they grow using the NHS BMI calculator.

Should I tell my child?

This is entirely up to you. The letter is sent to you, and the school won't tell your child the result.

Some parents decide to tell their children and talk about the changes they need to make together.

Others decide not to, and make subtle changes without their child noticing.

If you do share the results with your child, let them know that all you want is for them to be healthy and happy.

How can I help my child to be a healthier weight?

If your child is overweight, there's lots you can do to help your child become a healthier weight as they grow. Getting your child to eat well and move more is important.

If you are worried about your child’s weight, speak to your GP or practice nurse who can give you further advice and support.

Make a change today

Healthy weight

If your child is already a healthy weight, there are lots of things you can do as a parent to help your child stay a healthy weight as they grow.

How can I keep my child healthy?

Keep encouraging your child to eat well and move more, and they are more likely to stay a healthy weight. You can check their BMI every now and then using the NHS BMI calculator to make sure they stay in the healthy range.

Underweight

As a parent, it's difficult to tell that your child is underweight. However, we have the practical advice to help you make a change.

Is my child really underweight?

As a parent, it's difficult to tell if your child is underweight. If you’re concerned your child is underweight, take your child to see your GP. Low weight can occur for a number of reasons. If there is a possible problem with your child's diet, your GP can give advice on what will help bring them up to a healthy weight, or refer your child to a dietitian.

You can re-check your child’s height and weight to see if they have moved into the healthy range as they grow using the NHS BMI calculator.

Should I tell my child?

This is entirely up to you. The letter is sent to you, and the school won't tell your child the result. Some parents decide to tell their children and talk about the changes they need to make together. Others decide not to, and make subtle changes without their child noticing.

If you do share the results with your child, let them know that all you want is for them to be healthy and happy.

How can I help my child to be a healthier weight?

If you're concerned your child is underweight, take your child to see your GP. Low weight can occur for a number of reasons.

If there is a possible problem with your child's diet, your GP can give advice on what will help bring them up to a healthy weight, or refer your child to a dietitian.

Find out more:

Make a change today!

If you are concerned about your child, speak to your GP or practice nurse to see what support is available locally. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Start with one of the tips below and work your way through them all.

Getting support

For more advice and support you should always speak to your child's school nurse, GP or practice nurse.

If needed, they can refer you to your local weight management programme, which will help your family with diet and lifestyle changes, to help your child achieve a healthier weight.

Find a GP

Get Sugar Smart

We're all having too much sugar. Our kids might seem fine on the outside, but too much sugar can lead to the build-up of harmful fat on the inside.

Find out more about sugar

Me-sized meals

These days' larger portion sizes are more readily available, which means it's easy to eat too much.

A good rule of thumb is to start meals with small servings and, just like Oliver Twist, if they're still hungry they'll ask for more.

Learn more about meals

Eat well

Having healthy eating habits helps your kids achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and teaches your child how to make healthy food choices for themselves.

There are lots of cheap and tasty ways you and your family can eat well every day – use our recipes for inspiration. For information on how your family can eat a healthy balanced diet, use the Eatwell guide.

Try our healthy recipes

Get going

Kids need at least 60 active minutes every day. Being active every day keeps their heart healthy, reduces their risk of serious illness and strengthens muscles and bones.

Boost your family's activity levels by squeezing 10-minute bursts of fun activity into every day, like our 10 Minute Shake Ups.

View Shake Up games

Less screen time

Help your children avoid sitting and lying around too much, as this makes it more likely they'll put on weight.

Limit the amount of time your child spends on inactive pastimes such as watching television, playing video games and playing on electronic devices.

Sleep and screen time

4 million and counting!

Millions of families have already made healthier changes – you can too.