Reporter David Jackson spoke to parents, health officials and nutritionists to see what they think of the idea.


The National Child Measurement Programme currently weighs and measures primary school children in reception class, aged four to five, and Year 6 children, aged 10 and 11.

Previously, parents could request to be sent the information but now the Government wants families to be send their child's results automatically.

Ministers have insisted the move is not about "pointing fingers" but rather showing parents who think their child is a healthy weight that there is a problem.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Primary Care Trust said currently, parents were told on request about their child's weight and whether they were considered obese or overweight.

He said: "We will need to consider the best way of implementing the new national guidance in Northamptonshire.

"The prevalence of obesity is continuing to increase and achieving change will require a partnership approach to improve physical activity, the availability of healthy food, meal planning and cooking skills.

"A multi-professional group, supported by a specialist dietician and weight management service project manager, is developing ways to underpin a wide range of programmes across the county.

"This will include programmes available within GP practices as well as community settings."

Northamptonshire Primary Care Trust said it will look at how best to take the programme forward.

Of the total number of Year 6 children in Northamptonshire who were weighed and measured in 2006/07, 14.6 per cent were classed as obese.

However, only 64 per cent of the year group was measured so a number of results are missing from the final figures.

Health Minister Ivan Lewis said the Government wants parents to be more aware about healthy lifestyles and help their children achieve a healthy weight.

So far, 40 per cent of primary care trusts across the country have said they intend to automatically contact parents in the next school year.

Mr 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.

"Research shows that most parents of overweight or obese children think their child is a healthy weight.

"This move isn't about pointing the finger and telling parents their children are overweight, instead it's about equipping parents with the information they need to help their children live healthier lives."

Children's Minister Kevin Brennan added: "At the end of the day, parents bring up children, not the Government, schools or health services.

"Every parent wants their child to be fit and healthy so it's only right to help them make informed decisions about their lives."


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