National child measurement programme and hearing and vision

Details of the national screening programme delivered by the Healthy Living Service.

The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)

The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) measure the height and weight of children in Reception class (aged 4 to 5) and Year 6 (aged 10 to 11). The height and weight are measured and used to calculate a Body Mass Index. This data can be used nationally to support local public health initiatives and locally to inform planning and delivery of services for children.

In Suffolk the NCMP is carried out by the Healthy Living Service. Before the programme starts each year, we will write to parents and carers of all children eligible for measurement to inform them of the programme. Parents and carers can choose to withdraw their child from the process by responding to the letter.

For more information visit the NHS NCMP webpage.

If you are concerned that your child might be underweight or overweight you can talk to your GP, Health Visitor or School Nurse who can offer advice and support.

Below are links to other sites you may find helpful:

Hearing and vision

Routine hearing and vision tests are offered to children to identify and problems early on in the development. Although serious problems during childhood are rare, early testing ensures that any problems are picked up and managed as early as possible. Children may not realise they have a hearing or vision problem so, without routine tests there is a risk a problem may not be spotted which could affect their development and education.

In Suffolk the Hearing and Vision screening tests are carried out on children in Reception class (aged 4 to 5) by the Healthy Living Service. Before the programme starts each year, we will write to parents and carers of all children eligible for screening to inform them of the programme. Parents and carers can choose to withdraw their child from the process by responding to the letter.

If you are concerned about your child's hearing or vision, you can talk to your GP, Health Visitor or School Nurse who can offer advice and support.

Remember free NHS sight tests are also available at opticians for children under 16 and for young people under 19 in full-time education. You can go to an optician if you have any concerns about your child's vision at any stage.

Please watch this short information video for an overview of NCMP in Suffolk:

For more information please visit: