National Childhood Measurement Programme

The National Childhood Measurement Programme (NCMP) provides reliable information on the weight of children and is a key resource in understanding childhood obesity.

Children are measured when they start primary school (aged 4–5 years) and when they leave primary school (aged 10–11 years) in every local authority in England. The programme was launched in the 2005/06 academic year and now holds twelve years of reliable data. NCMP data enables local areas to plan services to tackle child obesity and monitor progress.

In Leicester, and most other local authorities, parents also receive feedback on their child’s weight status along with the offer of further advice and support on achieving a healthy weight for their child.

Reports are produced detailing findings from the NCMP by age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation and area of residence. This helps identify where need is greatest.