From this autumn, parents whose children are weighed at school will be sent the results directly in a bid to ensure they help to tackle their children’s possible weight problems.
The National Child Measurement Programme weighs and measures the height of all primary school children aged four-five and 10-11. Now the Department of Health wants primary care trusts (PCTs) to ensure they communicate these results directly to parents rather than parents having to ask for them.
40% of PCTs have said they intend to automatically contact parents in the next school year, and another 40% are waiting on today’s guidance before they make their new plans.
Launching the new guidance, Health Minister Ivan Lewis said: "It's clear from research we've done that parents want to know their child's results and whether there is a concern about their health. But they want clear information which is helpful and non-stigmatising. Today we've published guidance which will help PCTs deliver this programme and help to make sure parents get the information they need about their child's results in ways that they have said will be most helpful."
Many parents whose children are overweight or obese don’t actually realise it, research shows, said Mr Lewis, but playing the blame game helped nobody. "This isn't about pointing the finger and telling parents that their children are overweight, instead it's about equipping parents with the information they need to help their children live healthier lives."
2006/7 results found 22.9 per cent of children age four to five were overweight or obese. This was even higher – at 31.6% - in those aged 10-11.