School Height and Weight Checks – National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) in Halton
The national child measurement programme (NCMP) measures the height and weight of children in reception and year 6 in schools across England. The information collected helps services plan how to support families to lead healthy lives.
What happens in Halton
A member of the healthy child service team will visit your child’s school to carry out the measurements.
- measurements are completed sensitively and in private
- your child is not told the results
- results are confidential and are not shared with teachers or other children
- you will receive a text message with a link to your child’s results, including next steps and helpful information
You can choose to opt your child out of the NCMP. If you would like to opt out, or if you want to share information about your child before the school visit, please contact us on 01928 593058. Details about how to do this are also included in the letter or email sent by your child’s school.
Further information about the NCMP, including what data is collected and how it is used.
Understanding your child’s results
You can check how your child’s result was calculated and see how they are growing over time at: www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/childrens-weight.
What support is available in my area?
Halton Healthy Families
This page is here to help you discover simple, enjoyable ways to improve your family’s health and wellbeing, and where to go for extra help and support if you need it.
HENRY Programme
A free 8-week programme for parents and carers of children aged 0-5 years; and stand alone workshops for 0-12 years.
Halton School Nurses
If you are worried about your child or young person's health and wellbeing, please contact our school Nursing team on 01928 593 056.
What else can I do?
Support your child to be physically active
Children need around 60 minutes of activity each day. You can find ideas and inspiration on the Healthier Families NHS website.
Support your child to eat healthily
Eating well supports your child’s overall health and wellbeing - and healthy habits can benefit the whole family. For tips on encouraging a healthy, balanced diet, visit the NHS Eatwell Guide.
Talking to your child about weight
If you need guidance on how to talk to your child about weight in a supportive and sensitive way, the NHS website provides helpful advice.
Support your child to have healthy teeth and gums
Healthy teeth and gums are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. You can find information on caring for children’s teeth on the NHS children’s teeth webpage.
Last updated: Thursday 05 March 2026