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 contacting the Health Business Centre on 0345 607 8866 or via our NCMP Opt Out and School Entry Screening portal (see green button below). 

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 contacting the Health Business Centre on 0345 607 8866 or via our NCMP Opts Out and School Entry Screening portal (see green button below).

Before completing the questionnaire please be aware the School Nursing Service is unable to support with the following:

  • A child who has an urgent medical condition that needs treatment or prescription. Please contact your doctor or call NHS 111, or in an emergency dial 999 or visit your local Emergency Department.
  • A child who is presenting with serious or complex health needs please contact the child's GP.
  • A child whose health needs are already being supported by a relevant specialist for that need. For example, specialist nurses, a hospital department, paediatrician, or mental health service.
  • If you have concerns of a safeguarding nature, please refer these to the MASH via: Suffolk Family Support (formally known as Early Help) Portal or phone 0808 800 4005. If you would like to discuss a welfare concern, please contact the MASH Consultation Line on 0345 606 1499.
  • If the concern is complex or requires multi-agency working, an Early Help Assessment (EHA) (formally known as Common Assessment Framework, or CAF) may be appropriate. Please contact our Health Business Centre on 0345 607 8866 for advice. EHAs are submitted via: Suffolk Family Support Portal.
  • Where there are concerns regarding a neurological impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), information regarding the referral process for these is available at East and West Suffolk Neurodevelopmental Pathway

If you require guidance or have questions about the screening questionnaire or indeed the portal please contact our Health and Business Centre on 0345 607 8866 or email childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk

NCMP opt out and School Entry Screening

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: