National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)
Vision and Screening for Children in Reception Year
The School Nurse Service offers vision and screening and height and weight measurements to all children in their reception year. This is usually done in small groups with their classmates. The measurements are carried out by trained school nursing staff who will ensure that the measurements are undertaken sensitively.
Vision Screening
NHS guidelines recommend that all children have vision screening in their first year at school.
During the vision screening, your child will have the vision of each eye checked. It is not necessary for your child to know their letters to be tested. You will be notified if there are any problems.
Growth Monitoring for Children in Reception and Year 6
Every year in England, children in Reception and Year 6 classes, have their height and weight measured as part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP).
The NCMP provides information to help build an understanding of how children are growing, so that the best possible advice and support can be provided for them and their families. The leaflet, ' Why your child's weight matters', will provide you with more information.
The measurements will be undertaken by trained school nursing staff at school. Children who take part will be measured fully clothed (except for their coats and shoes). Routine information such as your child's name, date of birth, address annd ethnicity will also be collected.
The data from all schools in the area will be gathered together and held securely by our local authority Public Health Team and the School Nursing Team. Your child's data will also be stored on their child health record. No individual measurements will be given out to school staff or other children and all information will be treated confidentially and in accordance with information governance procedures.
The programmes data are used within the local authority and NHS to help plan the provision of services to support healthy weight and lifestyles in the area. The information is also submitted for national analysis and publication in a way that individual children cannot be identified.
Results
You will receive your child's results within 8 - 10 weeks from the date your child is measured in school. These results will come from the Public Health Team in South Gloucestershire.
The results of the vision screening (reception pupils only) and growth monitoring will be sent home in a sealed envelope. This will also include some advice on healthy eating and being active. We will not share your child's results with school staff or other children, but you may wish to discuss any results that may impact on your child's learning with their class teacher.
Opting your child out of the vision screening and growth monitoring
If you are happy for your child to take part in the vision screening and to be weighed and measured, you do not need to do anything. If you do not want your child to take part, please complete the opt out form.