Who we are and what we do

The National Child Measurement Programme ("NCMP"), measures the height and weight of children in Reception class (aged 4 to 5), and year 6 (aged 10 to 11), to assess overweight and obesity levels in children within primary schools. 

The data is used nationally to support local public health initiatives, and locally to inform the planning and delivery of services for children. The programme was set up in line with the government's strategy to tackle obesity, and to:

  • inform local planning and delivery of services for children
  • gather population-level data to allow analysis of trends in growth patterns and obesity
  • increase public and professional understanding of weight issues in children and
  • be a vehicle for engaging with children and families about healthy lifestyles and weight issues

The information we collect and what it is used for

Your child's data

The information we process is as follows:

  • Age, gender, and date of birth are required to calculate weight category;
  • Ethnicity and address are required to monitor differences in child weight between ethnic groups, different parts of the country and different social and economic groups;
  • Name, date of birth and NHS Number are required to link the child’s measurements from Reception and Year 6 and to other information held by NHS Digital about individual children such as dental survey results or the reasons for any visits made to the hospital. Linking children’s information in this way helps to better understand factors associated with changes in weight prevalence and how this affects children’s health;
  • Parent address is required to send parent feedback letters;
  • Parent contact details including email address and telephone number are required if digital communication methods are being used and proactive feedback calls are planned.

Why we need your contact details

  • We need your address to send you your child’s feedback letter. This will include your child’s measurements together with information about healthy eating, being active and related activities available in your area.
  • We need your email address and phone number because we may:
    • contact you by email or phone to discuss your child’s feedback
    • send you your child’s feedback letter by email
    • offer you further support following your child’s height and weight measurement 

How the data is used

  • All the data collected is also used for research and planning to improve health, care and services.
  • All this information is treated confidentially and held securely. No individual measurements will be given to school staff or other children.
  • The information collected from all schools in the area will be gathered together and held securely by London Borough of Waltham Forest. We will store your child’s information as part of the local child health record on the NHS’s child health information database and share it with the child's GP. 
  • We will send all the information collected about your child to NHS England. NHS England is responsible for collecting data and information about health and care so that it can be used to monitor and improve the care provided to people across England. 
  • The information collected about your child will also be shared by NHS England with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) which is part of DHSC but in a de-personalised form only. This means OHID will not be able to identify your child.
  • Both NHS England and OHID will use the information from the NCMP to better understand numbers and trends in child weight and BMI. This helps to plan services to support healthy lifestyles in your area. No information will ever be published by NHS England or OHID that identifies your child. NHS England uses the data to produce National Child Measurement Programme statistics reports showing trends at national and local level. 
  • De-personalised information from the NCMP may also be shared by NHS England with other organisations, such as universities. This is to help improve health, care and services through research and planning. This information cannot be used to identify your child. NHS England only ever shares information for research through formal assurance and approvals processes, seeking advice from experts as necessary. 

Information on NCMP data usage

You can find further information about the NCMP at The National Child Measurement Programme NHS webpage.

You can find information about how NHS England and DHSC collect and use information at:

How your child’s data is collected and processed as part of the National Child Measurement Programme

Local authorities have a legal duty to collect the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) data. They do this by following guidance from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), part of the Department of Health and Social Care. 

Local authorities are responsible for making decisions on how the data is collected and making sure it is protected. Local NCMP service providers are contracted to do the measurements. This might be through the school nursing team or a local healthcare provider. The team collecting the data enter it into the NCMP IT system, which is provided by NHS England. The data may also be entered into a local child health information system. 

Your local authority is responsible for sending the data to NHS England. NHS England and OHID are jointly responsible for the data held at a national level. Your local authority is responsible for the data held locally.

Information about how the school nursing team collect and use information can be found on the NCMP privacy notice page.

Information on eating well, healthy lifestyle resources 

Beezee Families Weight Management Programme is a free, fun healthy eating and physical activity programme in Waltham Forest for families with children aged 5 to 15. An adult programme is now available as well. Please visit the Maximus website to learn more about the programme and to sign up. Alternatively call 03308 186308 to talk to one of their friendly team. Contact: hellowalthamforest@maximusuk.co.uk 

The Best Start in Life programme and HENRY service supports families with children aged 0 to 5 to provide the best and healthiest start in life for their children. Get in touch with the team on wfsupport@henry.org.uk, or by calling 0208 296 5223; or call the Infant Feeding Helpline: 0207 961 9073

You can find information and fun ideas to help your kids stay healthy at the NHS Better Health: healthier families webpage, Easy ways to eat well and move more.

Another way to help maintain a balanced diet and physical activity for your family is the NHS Healthy Steps email programme. Sign up for the 8-week Healthy Steps emails and you will be sent  low-cost easy tips, fun games, healthy swaps and tasty recipes on a budget. Sign up on the NHS Healthy Steps - Step this way webpage.