National Child Measurement Programme
The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) is a government work programme aimed at reducing childhood obesity. The results of the programme are used to inform and shape services locally and nationally.
When your child is in reception and in year 6, parents or carers will receive a letter from school, informing you that our service will be delivering the NCMP.
If you do not consent to your child being screened as part of the programme, it is important that you let school know and our single point of contact (0300 218 997) before the day of screening.
This is so that your child’s health records can be updated and ensures your child will not be screened.
A record of your child’s height, weight, vision and hearing will be completed as part of the school entry screening program by trained health professionals.
The measurements will take place in a private area in school, away from other pupils and the child will be asked to remove only their shoes and weighed in normal clothing.
All information and results will be treated confidentially. No child’s height or weight will be shared with your child, staff within school or any other children. All results are calculated using the NHS healthy weight calculator.
Routine data such as your child’s sex, address, postcode, ethnicity and date of birth will also be collected to help the NHS plan services for families.
You will receive the results of your child’s height and weight by post within 6 weeks of the measurements being taken, with additional information and advice around healthy lifestyle choices and the opportunity to work with us around any concerns you may have.
Hearing and vision screening in school
Children in reception will be screened in addition to the NCMP, for their vision and hearing. If you do not consent to your child being screened as part of the programme, it is important that you let school know and our single point of contact (0300 218 997) before the day of screening.
This is so that your child’s health records can be updated and ensures your child will not be screened.
The screening results will be sent home with your child on the day of screening. If they have had an unsatisfactory result, we will contact you to discuss a possible referral to ophthalmology and or audiology.
In the case of an unsatisfactory audiology screen, we will arrange to retest your child 6 weeks after the initial screening.
If you have questions in relation to any of our screening programmes, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0300 218 997.
Immunisations
School age vaccinations are delivered by our Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) immunisation team.
The team is made up of registered nurses and health care support workers who deliver the national school age programme of immunisations.
These programmes are delivered in schools and may also be delivered at home or in a pre-arranged venue for children not in mainstream school.
More information:
Bed wetting (nocturnal enuresis)
Bed wetting is a common problem with up to half a million children between the ages of 5 and 16 wetting the bed. This can vary between wetting every night, a few times a week or less frequently.
It is important to understand that bed wetting is not the child’s fault and is not linked to laziness or poor toilet training.
Why does bed wetting happen
- Your child not waking to bladder signals
- A lack of vasopressin (children not producing a hormone)
- Bladder over activity
- Constipation
- Family traits
- Anxieties
Treatment
- Bed wetting alarms
- Medication
How to get help
- You can contact your local school nursing service on 0300 021 8997 for advice and support
- You can contact your GP
- ERIC provide information and support to parents and children
Self-help
- Remain calm
- Involve your child in decisions to seek support
- Ensure adequate fluids in the day
- Encourage your child to use the toilet throughout the day and at bedtime.
- Ensure your child can get to the toilet easily at night
- Have a good bedtime routine with clean bedding and nightwear to hand
Hand washing
Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses such as stomach bugs and colds
Watch this short video to find out the best way to wash your hands
Watch the how to wash your hands NHS song video on YouTube.
Sleep
A good night’s sleep is important for children’s growth and development. When a child sleeps well they are more likely to learn more effectively at school, behave better and be less likely to catch common illnesses.
More information about bedtime routines and common sleep problems can be found on the children’s sleep charity website
More information can be found on the sleep charity website.
Looking after your teeth
A regular teeth cleaning routine is essential for good dental health.
- Clean twice a day
- Brush for a minimum of 2 minutes
- Do not rinse
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
Useful links for looking after teeth and gums: