National Child Measurement Programme, 2011-2012

The <i>National Child Measurement Programme</i> (NCMP) was first established in 2005. It is an annual programme which measures the height and weight of children in Reception and Year 6 within state maintained schools. Some independent and special schools also choose to participate.<br>
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The measurement process is overseen by trained healthcare professionals in schools and not shared with school staff or pupils. Data are captured and validated by Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) (prior to 1 April 2013 the NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care (NHS IC)) then collates the data at a national level, conducts further validation and analysis, and publishes an annual report. The National Obesity Observatory (NOO) also publish detailed analysis of the NCMP dataset annually. The validated national NCMP dataset is shared with Public Health Observatories (PHOs) in accordance with the terms of a data sharing agreement. The PCTs also undertake additional analyses at regional and local level to inform the work of the NHS and local authorities on the healthy weight agenda.<br>
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The NCMP was set up in line with the Government's strategy to tackle obesity and to: <ul><li>inform local planning and delivery of services for children</li><li>gather population-level data to allow analysis of trends in growth patterns and obesity </li><li>increase population and professional understanding of weight issues in children </li><li>be a vehicle for engaging with children and families about healthy lifestyles and weight issues</li></ul>Further information can be found at the Health and Social Care Information Centre <a href = "http://www.ic.nhs.uk/ncmp" title ="National Child Measurement Programme">National Child Measurement Programme</a> webpage.<br>
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