What is NCMP?
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.
Why do we monitor children's height and weight?
The data can be used nationally to support local public health initiatives, and locally to inform the planning and delivery of services for children. The programme is recognised internationally as a world-class source of public health intelligence and holds UK National Statistics status.
Heights and weights are measured and used to calculate a Body Mass Index (BMI) centile. The measurement process is overseen by trained healthcare professionals in schools.
Defining children as overweight or obese is a complex process, given that children of different ages and sexes grow and develop at different rates.
This means that a different method is used for children than for adults.
BMI is calculated by dividing their weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in metres), and for children, this is then compared to a reference sample of measurements gathered in 1990, which takes age and sex into account.
Taking part in the programme
Before the programme starts each school year, local authorities write to the parents and carers of all children eligible for measurement to inform them of the programme.
Parents or carers can choose to withdraw their child from the process by responding to the letter.
How the data is collected
Local authorities are asked to collect data on Reception Year and Year 6 children's height and weight from all state maintained schools within their area.
If you have questions about your child's NCMP result and would like to discuss the measurement with one of our Starting Well Practitioners please come along to one of our NCMP drop-in clinics or contact one of our Duty Teams or send a text measure to us on ChatHealth.
Drop-in Dates and Times:
Chester and Rural Venues
No appointment required. Please drop-in between 3.00pm and 4.30pm
Blacon Children's Centre - Consultation Room
20/11/2025 - 19/03/2026 - 23/07/2026
Frodsham Children's Centre - Health Room
12/12/2025 - 10/04/2026 - 31/07/2026
Lache Children's Centre - Clinic Room
01/12/2025 - 23/03/2026 - 20/07/2026
Ellesmere Port and Neston Venues
No appointment required. Please drop-in between 3.00pm and 4.30pm
Stanlaw Abbey Children's Centre - Midwifery Room
19/11/2025 - 18/03/2026 - 22/07/2026
Portside Children's Centre - Consultation Room
05/12/2025 - 27/03/2026 - 27/07/2026
Northwich and Winsford Venues
No appointment required. Please drop-in between 3.15pm and 4.30pm
Wharton Children's Centre - Consultation Room
18/11/2025 - 17/03/2026 - 14/07/2026
Victoria Road Children's Centre - Health Room
03/12/2025 - 25/03/2026 - 22/07/2026
Over Children's Centre - Health Room
09/12/2025 - 07/04/2026 - 28/07/2026
Body Mass Index (BMI) - Children and Teenagers
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate body fat. It's a common way to assess whether your weight is within a healthy range for your height. While it's a useful tool for population studies, it's not always the best measure for individuals, especially those with high muscle mass or specific health conditions.
How to measure your child's BMI at home
Use this Calculate to measure Body Mass Index (BMI)
- check the BMI of children and teenagers aged between 2 and 17
- get advice about what to do next
What you will need:
To use the calculator, you will need to know the child's:
- date of birth
- sex at birth
- height
- weight
Starting Well Duty Teams
You are able to contact the service and speak to someone directly by calling any of our Duty Teams. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice and support; we are here to help and available during the following hours and on the following telephone numbers:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am until 5:00pm (closed on all bank holidays)
Chester and Rural Duty Team: 01244 397412
Ellesmere Port and Neston Duty Team: 0151 488 8036
Northwich and Winsford Duty Team: 01606 555285